With gleaming metropolises like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, it’s easy to assume that the UAE is more about architecture, malls and beach clubs than flora and fauna. However, take a short drive from the big cities to Ras Al Khaimah, and you’ll see a very different picture.
In Ras Al Khaimah, nature is everywhere. Its stunning natural attractions include unspoiled beaches, miles of desert where wildlife roams, 68km of coastline and mangroves, and the spectacular Hajar Mountains and the UAE’s highest peak.
Come and explore 10 must-see locations in Ras Al Khaimah.
1. Jebel Jais
Reaching 1934 meters into the sky, Jebel Jais is the pinnacle of the natural attractions in the UAE. This mountain is the tallest in the UAE’s section of the Hajar Mountains, which stretch across the northern part of the Arabian Peninsula and into Oman.
Jebel Jais is an ideal destination for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone seeking picture-perfect views. Its mountain-top attractions include:
2. Wadi Shawka
Wadi Shawka is a renowned beauty spot loved for its challenging hiking and mountain biking trails and incredible views. Its name translates to ‘powerful valley’, which gives you a clue to its majesty and beauty.
Features in and around Wadi Shawka include its famous dam, picturesque villages, remote camping and picnicking spots, and an abundance of wildlife, including curious mountain goats.
Each visit to Wadi Shawka offers a unique experience, as the dry river bed transforms into a flowing stream and seasonal water pools form over the winter.
3. Al Wadi Desert Reserve
Ras Al Khaimah nature reserve Al Wadi is a vast desert sanctuary. It is home to wild Arabian oryx, desert foxes and gazelle that roam freely across acres of pristine dunes. A visit to Sonara Camp is a great way to experience Al Wadi.
Fully embrace Al Wadi’s beauty by staying at The Ritz-Carlton, Al Wadi Desert. This luxury, eco-friendly resort offers incredible accommodation in Bedouin-style tented villas, complete with private pool, butler service, and floor-to-ceiling windows for 24/7 desert views.
4. Flamingo Beach
With 68km of coastline, Ras Al Khaimah has plenty of beaches to explore. Flamingo Beach is a favourite destination because it combines unspoiled beauty with great amenities, such as easy parking, cafes, and water sports. This beach’s calm and shallow waters make it ideal for families.
Flamingo Beach is also famous for its sunsets, when dazzling gold and crimson gently fade into twilight.
5. Ras Al Khaimah’s Mangroves
Ras Al Khaimah’s lush mangroves are a unique ecosystem that supports a diverse array of wildlife, particularly birds. You can explore the mangroves by kayak, which combines adventure with the serenity of gently paddling through an untouched, nature-rich location.
Anantara Ras Al Khaimah is a five-star resort that overlooks both mangroves and the ocean. It’s the perfect place to relax, immerse yourself in nature, and make incredible memories. With luxury Maldives-inspired overwater villas, it’s a perfect romantic hideaway.
6. Wadi Bih
Wadi Bih is another incredible river valley in the Hajar Mountains. Like Wadi Shawka, it offers excellent hiking opportunities. It’s also a well-known birdwatching location and, if you are lucky, you may spot falcons soaring on thermal currents as well as smaller birds like finches and warblers.
7. Dhayah Fort
While Dhayah Fort is, of course, human-made, it does offer brilliant views across Ras Al Khaimah’s most brilliant natural attractions, with the mountains in one direction and the Arabian Sea in the other. This hillfort is surrounded by palm oases and date farms.
The 239-step climb to the top is well worth it. Bring sturdy footwear to navigate the rough paths and a torch to take advantage of amazing sunrise or sunset vistas.
8. Saqr Park
Saqr Park in Ras Al Khaimah city has been landscaped to include numerous natural attractions, such as a waterfall and lake, lush gardens, abundant trees, and open spaces. It’s an excellent place to escape for a few minutes or hours. Saqr Park is a popular destination for local families, who come to picnic, barbecue, play games, read, or relax.
9. Al Rams Beach
Being in the northernmost part of Ras Al Khaimah, Al Rams beach is more remote than other natural places to visit in the UAE. However, its beautiful sandbars and islands make it well worth the journey. You’ll need a vehicle designed for off- roading to reach the shore.
You can also sometimes witness a rare phenomenon at Al Rams. A pink lake occasionally appears on the seashore, caused by red algae that flourishes in high salinity and an arid climate.
10. Al Hamra Beach
Al Hamra public beach is a quiet beach with few facilities. You’ll need to bring your own supplies. However, this also means that the beach is ideal for camping or a day out in nature. You’ll have plenty of its golden sands and turquoise waters to yourself.
If you want the same views but a little more luxury, then Al Hamra is also home to three luxury resorts: Ritz-Carlton Al Hamra Beach, Sofitel Al Hamra Beach Resort, and Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah.
More Inspiration for Natural Attractions in Ras Al Khaimah
Ras Al Khaimah offers numerous nature retreats, adventure vacations, and day trips that make the most of the UAE’s natural beauty. Explore our pages for more ideas.
