With 68 kilometers of coastline and the UAE’s tallest mountain, Jebel Jais at 1,934 meters, Ras Al Khaimah adds up to the ultimate family road trip. Explore the northernmost Emirate from Dubai, Abu Dhabi or even from Oman or Saudi Arabia by making the most of a long family weekend.
As the authority on all things Ras Al Khaimah, you’re sure to find activities the whole family can enjoy on our list of recommendations.
Key Takeaways
- Ras Al Khaimah is about 45 minutes from Dubai International Airport and 2 hours 30 minutes from Abu Dhabi, so a family road trip fits easily into a weekend.
- Adventurous families could make the road trip from further afield, including Muscat and Riyadh, thanks to straightforward routes and modern highways.
- Families can combine beach time, paddleboarding and mangrove kayaking with desert safaris, animal feeding at Al Wadi Desert, and heritage stops like Dhayah Fort.
- Recommended hotels all offer kids’ clubs, play areas, pools, a private beach and family-friendly restaurants.
- Special kids’ hotel experiences can set your Ras Al Khaimah family road trip apart.
Ras Al Khaimah Family Road Trip Itinerary
Here are ideas for building a customized Ras Al Khaimah road trip itinerary. Enjoy a mix of relaxation, adventure and sightseeing at the pace of your choice.
Arrival Day
Relax after your long drive. After checking in, explore the resort. This could mean a swim for all, or perhaps a spa treatment for the adults while the kids play in the hotel kids’ club.
Ras Al Khaimah is famous for its spectacular sunsets, so don’t miss out on an evening stroll before a leisurely dinner in one of the many brilliant family-friendly restaurants.
Coastal Exploration
Take a full day to explore Ras Al Khaimah’s varied coastline. You could include:
Desert Escape and Wildlife Encounters
Hop back in the car and make a short drive out into the desert, with its stunning mountain backdrop.
Al Wadi Desert is home to The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert which offers brilliant animal feeding and traditional Emirati experiences, as well as being a luxurious potential base for your trip.
Other family activities out in the desert include:
Learning About Ras Al Khaimah’s Fascinating Past
Explore Ras Al Khaimah’s history and culture, including:
- Dhayah Fort, a breathtakingly beautiful place and scene of an infamous battle
- The National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah
- Al Jazeera Al Hamra, a heritage village and open-air gallery
Driving Times and Routes to Ras Al Khaimah
Getting to Ras Al Khaimah is easy on major highways.
| From |
Distance |
Time |
Route |
| Dubai |
70 km |
45 min. |
E611 or E311 |
| Abu Dhabi |
250 km |
2 hrs. 30 min. |
E11 and then E611 or E311 |
| Muscat |
450 km |
5 hrs. |
N1 |
| Riyadh |
1,160 km |
11 hrs. |
E11 and then E611 or E311 |
Best Family Hotels in Ras Al Khaimah
With dozens of places to stay along Ras Al Khaimah’s coast nestled out in the desert, families have lots of choices. Take your pick from ultra-luxe resorts through to budget-friendly hotels and campgrounds.
All these recommendations have kids’ clubs, play areas, pools, a private beach and family-friendly restaurants:
Spotlight on Special Hotel Experiences for Kids
Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island offers the Little Explorers Experience, a fun, child-centered program designed to elevate hotel trips into immersive, fun-filled stays for young children. Thoughtful touches like mini-tipis, cookie-decorating kits and art supplies make your stay magical for the whole family.
Older children can take part in Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah’s inspiring Little Hotelier initiative. It involves a full day of “working” in a five-star hotel and exploring roles in the industry.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ras Al Khaimah Family Road Trips
What are the best things to do in Ras Al Khaimah with kids?
The best things to do combine beach time, wildlife and cultural stops. Families can paddleboard, feed animals at Al Wadi Desert, and try a mangrove boat tour at Suwaidi Pearls. Heritage sites like Dhayah Fort and the National Museum add variety when the kids need a break from the outdoors.
Which hotels in Ras Al Khaimah are best for families?
Top family hotels in Ras Al Khaimah include Rixos Bab Al Bahr, Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island, DoubleTree by Hilton Al Marjan Island, The Cove Rotana Resort and Hampton by Hilton Al Marjan Island. All offer kids’ clubs, play areas, pools, a private beach and family-friendly restaurants.
What is the Little Hoteliers program in Ras Al Khaimah?
The Little Hoteliers program at Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah is an activity for older children that lets them experience hotel life firsthand. Participants spend a day “working” in a five-star hotel and exploring different roles in the hospitality industry. It gives children a hands-on introduction to hotel careers beyond the usual kids’ activities.
What are the best family-friendly activities in Ras Al Khaimah?
Family-friendly activities in Ras Al Khaimah span coast, desert and heritage. On the coast, families can enjoy beaches, paddleboarding, mangrove kayaking and sunset boat trips. In the desert, options include safaris, horse riding, camping and animal feeding experiences. For culture, Suwaidi Pearls and Dhayah Fort suit curious children.
How many days do you need for a family trip to Ras Al Khaimah?
Three to four days is ideal for a family trip to Ras Al Khaimah. That covers an arrival day to settle in, plus separate days for the coast, the desert and wildlife, and the emirate’s history and culture.
Planning Your Ras Al Khaimah Family Road Trip
For more inspiration and ideas for planning your road trip to Ras Al Khaimah with kids, browse our pages and explore special staycation offers.
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