Experience Ras Al Khaimah on Budget

Ras Al Khaimah’s remarkable history and incredible natural beauty make it an ideal destination to explore for budget travellers

Visit Al Jazeera Al Hamra

One of the region’s most historic destinations, Al Jazeera offers visitors a unique insight into Arabian history. The open‑air museum and preserved fishing village houses a range of ancient dwellings, from tiny, simple houses to courtyard homes, two‑storey buildings and a large courtyard residence that once belonged to a wealthy pearl merchant. Each structure is built using local materials such as coral blocks and fossilised beach rock, mangrove tree beams, date palm trunks and layers of seashells for drainage. Movie buffs will be excited to learn the village was also used as a filming location in more recent times for Brad Pitt’s War Machine and Ryan Reynolds’ 6 Underground Hollywood blockbusters.

Discover more: www.visitrasalkhaimah.com/discover/attractions/al-jazeera-al-hamra

Keep on (food) trucking!

Al Marjan Island is a prime destination for those looking for delicious al fresco eats on the cheap, thanks to its collection of food trucks. Located off Al Marjan Island Boulevard is SALT, which serves up a delectable selection of burgers, wagyu sliders, cheesy fries, crispy chicken and cold drinks. Next door is Al Areesh Food Truck, which offers similar fare with the option to dine in or drive through. Both venues offer extensive outdoor seating and grassy areas for diners to kick back and relax with family and friends. Another option close by is ORIGINS. Located in the Doubletree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island, the food truck’s menu features staples including burgers, philly cheesesteaks and delicious desserts.

Scoot away

While you are visiting Al Marjan Island, why not hire an environmentally friendly Circ e-scooter and take to the island’s paths to explore everything the man-made archipelago has to offer? To get started, download the Circ app from the Apple App Store or Google Play (depending on your preferred mobile platform), and use the app to identify the nearest available scooter to your location. E-scooters can be unlocked for AED3 (US$0.82) and cost just AED1 (US$0.27) for every minute of use. You can take to the dedicated cycle paths and roads around the island and throughout nearby Al Hamra, and when you are finished, you simply park your scooter responsibly within a designated service area, which can be located using the app.

Go hiking

Ras Al Khaimah’s reputation for adventure and incredible Hajar Mountain range makes it the perfect destination for budget travellers keen to immerse themselves in the emirate’s incredible natural beauty. Jebel Jais, the UAE’s tallest mountain, is home to more than 100 kilometres of sustainable hiking trails, ranging from easy one-hour treks to challenging multi-day adventures. Along the way, you will have the chance to spot rare plants, mammals, birds and other indigenous natural attractions found only in this unique corner of the world.

Discover more: www.visitjebeljais.com

Stargaze in the desert

Ras Al Khaimah’s diverse, mountainous landscape and clear desert air makes it a magical location for taking in the wonders of the universe. As the UAE’s tallest mountain, Jebel Jais is the perfect location to stargaze and take in the many constellations visible in UAE skies. The Jais Viewing Deck Park, which is located 1,250 metres above sea level and almost 30 kilometres into the heart of the Hajar Mountains, offers an optimal vantage point to peer at the night sky. The adjacent Puro Express and Muse Café are a welcome sight for day visitors, serving delicious coffees and snacks, while the trail leading to the Park is lit solely by solar-powered energy, in line with sustainable destination principles.

Discover more: www.visitjebeljais.com/adrenaline/jais-viewing-deck-park