10 Myths About Ras Al Khaimah, Busted!

Table of Contents

• 1. Is Ras Al Khaimah Safe for Tourists?
• Is Ras Al Khaimah Safe for Women?
• 2. Is Ras Al Khaimah Far From Dubai?
• 3. Is There Anything to Do in Ras Al Khaimah?
• 4. Is Ras Al Khaimah Only for Adventure Seekers?
• 5. Is There Any Greenery in Ras Al Khaimah, or Is It All Desert?
• 6. Is Ras Al Khaimah Only a Weekend Destination?
• 7. Is Ras Al Khaimah Not a Foodie Destination?
• 8. Is Ras Al Khaimah Only for Families?
• 9. Is Ras Al Khaimah Expensive?
• 10. Is Ras Al Khaimah Easy to Get Around?
• Travel in Ras Al Khaimah

Are you considering a trip to Ras Al Khaimah, but are feeling hesitant due to something you’ve heard? We’re here to debunk some of the myths you might have encountered.

1. Is Ras Al Khaimah Safe for Tourists?

Ras Al Khaimah is the Northernmost Emirate in the UAE, and is, therefore, part of one of the safest countries in the world. In fact, Numbeo’s crime index ranked the UAE as the safest country in the world in 2025, with Ras Al Khaimah featuring third out of 400 global cities for safety.

Ras Al Khaimah, like the rest of the UAE, is a tranquil, secure place where people from all over the world live and work alongside each other, peacefully and respectfully.

Is it safe to travel to Ras Al Khaimah? Definitely! Getting here involves reliable transport options. You can use major airlines, licensed taxis or the reputable public transport network. Security is visible in hotels and other tourist destinations. The emergency services in Ras Al Khaimah are quick to respond, speak English, and can be reached by calling 998. You are in safe hands in Ras Al Khaimah.

Is Ras Al Khaimah Safe for Women?

Absolutely! In Ras Al Khaimah, you can walk at night, hike in the mountains, or relax on the beach without fear of harassment. As long as you respect local laws and dress customs, you are free to enjoy the warmth and hospitality on offer here.

Here is a helpful guide to local etiquette for female travelers to Ras Al Khaimah for your reference.

2. Is Ras Al Khaimah Far From Dubai?

No, Ras Al Khaimah is just a short distance from Dubai. City to city, Ras Al Khaimah is around 110 km from Dubai. From Dubai International Airport, the distance is reduced to 85 km, which usually equates to a 45-minute drive time to most Ras Al Khaimah hotels and destinations.

Getting to Ras Al Khaimah is easy from almost anywhere in the world. As a major travel hub for the UAE and the Middle East, it is easy to fly to Dubai from most global destinations, then make the short hop to Ras Al Khaimah.

However, the Emirate has its own international airport serving Middle Eastern, European and Asian destinations, and you can get here from Abu Dhabi in around two and a half hours.

3. Is There Anything to Do in Ras Al Khaimah?

For sure! Ras Al Khaimah is perfect for adventurous and active travelers, those who just want to relax, and everyone in between.

Here are some of the best things to do in Ras Al Khaimah:

• Summit Jebel Jais, the highest mountain in the UAE.
• Experience Jais Flight, the world’s longest zipline.
• Take the Jais Sky Tour, a zipline adventure in the mountains.
• Camp in the mountains at Camp 1770.
• Gallop through the desert on horseback.
• Take a hot air balloon flight across the desert.

These are just a small sample of activities on offer. Explore our pages to find plenty more.

4. Is Ras Al Khaimah Only for Adventure Seekers?

No, not at all. While adventure is a big draw, many travelers come to Ras Al Khaimah for culture and history, traditional experiences, festivals and events, or just to lie back and relax in one of Ras Al Khaimah’s luxury resorts and hotels.

If adventure is not your thing, you could:

• Visit Suwaidi Pearl Farm to learn about the fascinating history of pearl farming.
• Get a taste of traditional desert life at Bassata Desert Village or Bedouin Oasis.
• Take a speedboat tour of Al Marjan Island.
• Dine at the highest restaurant in the UAE, 1484 by Puro.
• Visit some of the UAE’s leading coastal forts and historic sites.

5. Is There Any Greenery in Ras Al Khaimah, or Is It All Desert?

No, it’s not all desert. Ras Al Khaimah’s vast dunes are a highlight, but there is some greenery to admire, too. The surprising diversity of the landscapes here delights visitors. As well as the desert dunes, you can explore natural attractions like:

• Date palm oases
• Beautiful beaches
• Lush mangrove forests
• Landscaped parks and gardens
• Hidden waterfalls and wadis

6. Is Ras Al Khaimah Only a Weekend Destination?

While it’s true that Ras Al Khaimah is a popular weekend destination for visitors from Dubai, Abu Dhabi and other nearby cities, there’s plenty to keep you here for longer. Here’s a five-day beach holiday itinerary, for example.

7. Is Ras Al Khaimah Not a Foodie Destination?

Ras Al Khaimah has plenty of outstanding restaurants and can definitely keep a foodie happy. The food scene here is diverse and international. Use this guide to the best places to eat in Ras Al Khaimah to find fine dining, international names, local cuisine and cozy cafes.

8. Is Ras Al Khaimah Only for Families?

Ras Al Khaimah is a family-friendly destination, but if you prefer adult spaces, there is plenty for you. Many of the all-inclusive and luxury resorts have adult-only pools and offer deluxe spa facilities as well as late-night bars and restaurants.

9. Is Ras Al Khaimah Expensive?

Ras Al Khaimah offers good value for money on luxury travel experiences, particularly when compared to Dubai.

There are budget-friendly alternatives to hotels, too. Opportunities for camping here offer the added bonus of being immersed in nature.

10. Is Ras Al Khaimah Easy to Get Around?

Getting around Ras Al Khaimah is straightforward. There are intercity buses, plus plenty of taxis and car-hailing services. Use this guide for holiday planning in Ras Al Khaimah for more information.

Travel in Ras Al Khaimah

To see more of what Ras Al Khaimah has to offer and to explore accommodation and travel options, browse our pages for a comprehensive insight into this spectacular corner of the UAE.