Ras Al Khaimah Destination Dupes: Why the Nature Emirate Is Your Best Alternative to Over-Touristed Hotspots

Table of Contents

• The Solution
• Top 5 Ras Al Khaimah Destination Dupes
• 1.  An Overwater Villa Stay at Anantara Mina Al Arab
• 2. A UAE Cultural and Heritage Highlights Tour
• 3. A Secluded Break at a Luxury Desert Sanctuary
• 4. A Beach Break at One of Several Stunning Resorts
• 5. An Outdoor Adventure in the Mountains
• Learn More About Ras Al Khaimah

Why do we love to travel? Perhaps spectacular scenery or architecture, authentic cultural experiences, or a personal challenge? For many of us, our trips and vacations are the highlight of our year. However, our thirst for global adventure can have a downside: overtourism.

If you’ve queued for hours outside Rome’s Colosseum or the Louvre in Paris, failed to find a spot in Bali’s packed beaches, or navigated crowds in Santorini, Venice or Kyoto, you may be looking for alternatives without the problem of overtourism. It’s not just about one’s own holiday experience; overtourism can challenge delicate environments, overstretch local infrastructure for its residents, and create pollution.

The Solution

The good news is that it’s still possible to visit spectacular locations without experiencing overcrowding or contributing to overtourism. The solution is to seek out hidden gems that take steps to both welcome visitors and safeguard the local environment and infrastructure.

Ras Al Khaimah is one of these places. As the “Nature Emirate,” it offers astounding mountain, desert and coastal scenery in a carefully protected environment just a short drive away from Dubai. Ras Al Khaimah offers excellent global destination dupes and is ready to welcome you.

Here, we highlight five trips you can make to Ras Al Khaimah and explain why they are a great alternative to some very well-known but overcrowded tourist hotspots.

Top 5 Ras Al Khaimah Destination Dupes

Here are our favorite holiday dupes, all found in Ras Al Khaimah and all mindful of the beautiful local environment and the area’s traditions and heritage.

1.  An Overwater Villa Stay at Anantara Mina Al Arab

An eco-minded alternative to luxury resorts in the Maldives or Seychelles.

If you’re looking for a luxury destination set amidst lush greenery and surrounded by clear waters and golden sands, Anantara Mina Al Arab has all you need. This eco-friendly destination is a key part of local coastal conservation efforts.

Inspired by exclusive resorts in the Maldives, Mina Al Arab features stunning overwater villas. With their thatched roofs, they blend perfectly into their mangrove surroundings. Each villa has its own pool and private terrace with ocean views, and between them they offer accommodation from one-bedroom hideaways to the palatial Royal Villa.

The resort is set on a private peninsula that extends into the Arabian Gulf, and therefore offers year-round calm, warm waters, and golden sunshine. The resort’s six international restaurants and bars tempt you with exotic flavors, fresh seafood and sunset cocktails on the terrace. Don’t miss the world-class spa or the opportunity to kayak in the surrounding mangroves. 

2. A UAE Cultural and Heritage Highlights Tour

A quieter alternative to staying in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, or holiday dupes for popular destinations in Saudi Arabia, Jordan or Turkey.

Ancient civilizations, exquisite architecture, rich culinary traditions, and vibrant souqs are just a few of the heritage and cultural features that bring millions of tourists to the Middle East each year. Ras Al Khaimah has all these and more, with fewer crowds than you may find elsewhere.

Ras Al Khaimah has been home to settlers for over 7,000 years and, as an ancient fishing and trading area, there are several fascinating archaeological sites for you to explore, plus museums, souqs and authentic local restaurants.

Highlights include:

• Scenic, hilltop Dhayah Fort, scene of a famous battle between British troops and local tribes in 1819.
• Abandoned Al Jazeera Al Hamra fishing village, with well-preserved coral stone buildings.
• The ancient Shimal Tombs archaeological site.
• Suwaidi Pearls, where you can dive into the history of pearl farming and fishing.
• Bassata Desert Village or Sonara Camp, where you can immerse yourself in a traditional desert lifestyle and enjoy traditional Emirati food.
• Easy access and short drives to Dubai, Abu Dhabi and various heritage sites across the UAE.

3. A Secluded Break at a Luxury Desert Sanctuary

A stunning alternative to holidaying in prestigious resorts in the USA, Morocco or Saudi Arabia. 

The Ras Al Khaimah Ritz-Carlton Resort, Al Wadi Desert, is firmly on the map as one of the most incredible desert destinations in the world. Think pristine sands and endless rolling dunes that you can admire from the floor-to-ceiling windows in your secluded private villa. The resort is set in a fully protected nature reserve.

Aside from the stunning scenery and glimpses of desert wildlife, you can enjoy 24-hour relaxation with luxury touches, such as the Rainforest Spa, private dining under the stars, and dedicated butler service. There are plenty of activities available, too, with complimentary bikes, an equestrian center, and nature drives all within the resort.

Villas are either traditional Bedouin tented-style or mud brick constructions, but don’t let these terms put you off. They offer an incredible level of luxury, style and attention to detail with private pools, state-of-the-art screens, and freestanding inside/outside baths.

4. A Beach Break at One of Several Stunning Resorts

Ras Al Khaimah’s beach resorts are vacation dupes for those in the Caribbean, Mediterranean or Thailand. 

If it’s a luxury beach holiday you’re after, then consider one of Ras Al Khaimah’s beautiful resorts. They feature pristine beaches, gorgeous pools, and cocktails at sunset, things you might expect from the Caribbean, with the added touch of unrivalled Arabian hospitality.  

Here are some of the best of many beautiful beach resorts in Ras Al Khaimah:

• The Ritz-Carlton, Ras Al Khaimah, Al Hamra Beach resort combines luxury accommodation with a taste of island life, with arrival by boat and great seafood.
• The elegant Sofitel Al Hamra Resort, which combines French art de vivre with views of the Arabian Gulf.
• The Cove Rotana Resort is reminiscent of popular European destinations such as Santorini or Amalfi, with its hillside villas and shoreline setting.

5. An Outdoor Adventure in the Mountains

The Hajar Mountains provide destination dupes for bucket list adventures in desert mountain ranges, avoiding busier places like the Atlas Mountains or California and New Mexico. 

The Hajar Mountains are spectacular desert mountains in Ras Al Khaimah, with Jebel Jais being the pinnacle at 1,934 meters above sea level. The range provides incredible opportunities for hiking, cycling and other outdoor activities. This makes it ideal for a challenging outdoor holiday.

Explore the network of hiking trails, ride the Jais Flight, the world’s longest zipline, or cycle through the mountains on well-paved roads to the Jais Viewing Deck Park for unbeatable vistas.

For a truly outdoorsy experience, consider staying at the highest campsite in the UAE, Camp 1770, or learn outdoor skills at the Bear Grylls Explorers Camp.

Learn More About Ras Al Khaimah

You can find more destination dupes and information about all there is to see and do in Ras Al Khaimah by visiting our pages. Why not start the search for your next holiday right now?