Frame the Perfect Shot: Best Photography Spots in Ras Al Khaimah

Table of Contents

• Jebel Jais
•  Al Marjan Island
• Al Jazeera Al Hamra
• Al Wadi Desert
• Mangrove Coastline
• Wadi Shawka

You can’t visit a place without photos to show for. Photos anchor memories of your trip in a tangible way. They tell a story of your adventures, discoveries, and other experiences. They inspire you to travel some more. And when your next destination is Ras Al Khaimah, you’re likely planning your itinerary around photogenic spots.

With its dramatic landscapes, unique cultural sites, and rich heritage, Ras Al Khaimah presents a treasure trove of photogenic spots.

Here are the best photography spots in Ras Al Khaimah.

Jebel Jais

At 1,934 metres above sea level. Jebel Jais is Ras Al Khaimah’s highest peak. The view from up this jaw-dropping mountain peak is, to say the least, spectacular. That means loads of opportunities to take scroll-stopping photos for your Instagram or Facebook page.

Take magnificent vistas of the surrounding mountains. Wait for sunset and snap away. Find the perfect angle to photograph the eye-catching meandering hairpins of the well-constructed highway below.

Jebel Jais isn’t just one of the perfect photography spots in the UAE for its awe-inspiring vistas. The mountain peak, part of the monolithic Al Hajar mountain range, also offers diverse scenery.

What else can you take photos of in Jebel Jais?

• Wadis
• Hiking trails featuring deep ravines and canyons
• Arabian Gulf
• Camp 1770

Head to the Jebel Jais Viewing Deck for those panoramic shots. At sunset, the viewing deck is an ideal spot for painting the view. You can also check out the 96km of hiking trails spread across the Hajar Mountain Range. And don’t forget to get your photos taken at the highest restaurant in the emirate, 1484 by Puro.

 Al Marjan Island

Palm tree-lined corniche, lifestyle destinations with amazing sea views, and coastal charm — Al Marjan Island is brimming with snapshot-worthy spots. The man-made island is fast becoming the favored destination for discerning travelers, attracting them with its world-class hotels and resorts, exceptionally modern facilities, and stunning natural beauty.

You’ll definitely have a variety of shots to take, from landscapes to streetscapes. To capture the soft, warm glow of the island, try photographing during the golden hours: one hour after sunrise and one hour before sunset. The light is more flattering with fewer shadows.

Al Jazeera Al Hamra

Capture history as it is frozen in time at the only remaining historical pearling village in the region: Al Jazeera Al Hamra. If you love taking photos of old architecture, you’ll find plenty here.

Some photogenic subjects include:

• Fort and watchtowers
• Courtyard homes
• Two-story buildings (homes of the wealthiest pearl merchants)
• Ancient mosque
• Souq

Is Al Jazeera Al Hamra suitable for children and families? Absolutely! We do recommend supervising your kids because the structures are old and the terrain is uneven.

Al Jazeera Al Hamra is also on the UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Tentative List, making this one of the more worthy photography spots in Ras Al Khaimah.

Al Wadi Desert

The Arabian desert is a must-photograph landscape anywhere in the UAE. In Ras Al Khaimah, that photogenic landscape is the Al Wadi Desert. It’s located within the protected Al Wadi Nature Reserve. 

This unspoilt environment will present you with plenty of instagrammable moments, especially if you’re staying at The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah. From your private pool villa, you’ll be able to photograph the nature reserve amid luxurious surroundings.

Other than the wilds of the desert and the undulating dunes, capture local wildlife in their habitat: from the graceful gazelle to the wily desert fox.

Prefer to paint rather than shoot? Your posh accommodation offers one of the best painting spots in Ras Al Khaimah.

Mangrove Coastline

Ras Al Khaimah is not just all about rugged terrain and golden desert dunes. The northern emirate is also home to lush mangroves, and exploring this thriving coastal ecosystem is one of the top things to do in Ras Al Khaimah.

Head to the mangrove coastline and capture images of local wildlife, from herons perched amid the foliage to crabs scuttling across the mudflats and handsome flamingos wading through shallow waters.

You can get to the mangroves from several locations, including Al Qawasim Corniche and resorts like Anantara Mina Al Arab Resort. But make sure to bring waterproofing items, like rain covers and waterproof camera bags. For serious photographers and birdwatchers, bring a telephoto lens to get those awe-inspiring images without disturbing the habitat.

Wadi Shawka

Finally, Wadi Shawka is one of the more popular hiking trails in Jebel Jais for its scenic routes. Along this wadi are seasonal water pools, picnic spots, wildlife, and mountain views. The natural pools are usually around the Shawka Dam, which is also a good photography spot for wildlife images.

If you love shooting nature, Wadi Shawka offers several opportunities for breathtaking photos.

Other photography spots in Ras Al Khaimah to add to your list are Dhayah Fort (for historical landmark photography), Al Rams Corniche (for daily life shots in one of the oldest coastal settlements), and the Bassata Desert Village (for a look at Bedouin culture).

Want more ideas? Discover more places to visit in Ras Al Khaimah today.