Ras Al Khaimah’s unique combination of history, natural beauty and incredible manmade attractions has made it one of the region’s most popular destinations for Instagram users seeking the perfect pic to post on the global social media platform. Here’s our list of Instagram favourites.
Jais Viewing Deck Park
Located 1,250 metres above sea level, Jais Viewing Deck Park has quickly become one of Ras Al Khaimah’s most Instagrammed locations, thanks to its prime location within the famous Jebel Jais Mountain range. The park itself spans a mountain ridge and features seven viewing decks and 12 powerful binocular installations, providing panoramic views of the surrounding rugged and diverse terrain and the valleys below. It provides a serene and spectacular backdrop to some truly stunning Instagram snaps.
Most Instagrammable locations: Where to begin? To the east lies Jebel Jais – the UAE’s tallest mountain – as well as its world-famous zipline, Jais Flight. The viewing deck provides a birds-eye view of thrill-seeking adventurers as they fly down the zipline – which is renowned as the world’s longest and one of its fastest – and over the mountain valley below. From this angle you can also fully take in the incredible twists and turns of the Jebel Jais Mountain Road, which is universally recognised among the world’s greatest driving roads.
To the west you’ll discover panoramic views over Ras Al Khaimah’s unique coastline and waterways, which are dotted with mangroves and natural islands. For a quirkier take, why not snap a shot beside RAK Bank’s ‘world’s highest ATM’, which is installed within the Deck Park’s grounds and is surely the most scenic location on the planet to make a cash withdrawal.
Popular Insta search tags: Jebel Jais, Viewing Deck Park, #visitjebeljais #visitrasalkhaimah
Dhayah Fort
A prospective UNESCO World Heritage site, Dhayah Fort has produced some amazing Instagram snaps over the years, thanks to its incredible history and rugged beauty. The fort, which dates back to the Late Bronze Age (1600 – 1300 BC), is located atop a 70-metre-high hill that overlooks lush date palm gardens and stands in the shadows of the incredible Jebel Jais mountains, providing a remarkable and unique backdrop for intrepid Instagrammers.
Most Instagrammable locations: Climb the 239 zigzagging steps to the top of the fort and take in the incredible views of Jebel Jais to the east and across to the beautiful waterways of Al Rams to the west.
Popular Insta search tags: Dhayah Fort RAK, #DhayahFort #visitrasalkhaimah
Al Rams
Speaking of Al Rams, this pristine waterside destination with its lush mangroves and sandy beach is one of Ras Al Khaimah’s most Instagrammed locations, with almost 20,000 posts to date. Lying to the north of Ras Al Khaimah city, visitors will find calm, shallow waters perfect for paddleboarding and kayaking, not to mention the only working pearl farm in the Gulf today, operated by Suwaidi Pearls. This truly unique destination is also home to Saraya Island, which lies adjacent to the coast and is home to horses and camels, many of whom enjoy a daily dip in the water to cool off, making the island an incredible and unique backdrop for intrepid Instagrammers looking for the perfect pic to post.
Most Instagrammable locations: Al Rams Beach, with its clear waters and vast stretch of white sand, is a popular favourite. Arrive late-afternoon to capture the brilliant colours as the sun sets over the horizon.
Popular Insta search tags: #Alrams #visitrasalkhaimah
Al Jazeera Al Hamra
This historic pearling village, which is also a prospective UNESCO World Heritage site, is the only preserved location of its kind to endure in the Gulf region, making it a must-visit destination for Instagram enthusiasts. At its peak, this thriving community featured upwards of 500 dwellings. Today, Instagrammers descend on the village’s well-preserved fort, looking upwards to its watchtowers, before touring its ancient mosque, souq and extensive courtyard, which houses a variety of houses made from locally sourced materials including fossilised beach rock, mangrove tree beams and date palm trunks.
Most Instagrammable locations: The fort’s ancient wind tower and watchtowers, which are classic examples of traditional Arabic architectural design, feature prominently in Instagram photos taken at this iconic location. Immerse yourself in history and get snapping!
Popular Insta search tags: #aljazeeraalhamra #visitrasalkhaimah
Corniche Al Qawasim
In the beating heart of Ras Al Khaimah City lies Corniche Al Qawasim, widely recognised as the emirate’s most beautiful waterside promenade. Lined with luxury apartments, restaurants and cafes, the corniche is always buzzing, but particularly as the sun goes down, when the brightening city lights provide a vibrant backdrop to atmospheric Instagram snaps.
Most Instagrammable locations: The 37-metre-tall RAK Eye Ferris wheel, which provides panoramic views over the Grand Mosque, corniche and surrounding mangroves, is one of Ras Al Khaimah’s most Instagrammed attractions, while the enormous RAK Flagpole, which flies a massive UAE flag and can be seen from across the city, is another popular location for Instagram enthusiasts. For a unique angle, grab your waterproof camera and hit the water on one of the many water sport crafts available for hire along the corniche.
Popular Insta search tags: #cornichealqawasim #visitrasalkhaimah
