Did you know that the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah is one of the few places in the world that has been home to humans for 7,000 years? This corner of the UAE has a rich history and enthralling cultural heritage. It’s a fascinating place to explore, offering four different and equally striking landscapes: coast, mangroves, desert and mountains.
This three-day itinerary features all the top historical places to visit in Ras Al Khaimah as well as other compelling cultural experiences.
The History of Ras Al Khaimah: A Brief Overview
For around 7,000 years, humans have made use of the unique topography of Ras Al Khaimah to survive and prosper. Its fertile plains, coast rich in seafood and pearls, high mountains and desert have worked together to protect, nourish and provide income for its inhabitants. Pursuits like trading, hunting, pearl fishing and date farming are integral to the area’s heritage.
The Earliest Ras Al Khaimah Residents
The finding of Ubaid pottery from the Neolithic era 7,000 years ago paints a hazy picture of life for the first Ras Al Khaimah settlers. These were nomadic or semi-nomadic people that farmed and hunted across areas that were greener than today’s land, with evidence of freshwater lakes and grasslands.
Not much more is known about residents until the Bronze Age, around 6,000 to 3,000 years ago. The people of Bronze Age Ras Al Khaimah left their mark with burial cairns and chambers. Finds from the tombs include fragments of jars originating from what is India and Pakistan today, suggesting that these people were traders. More evidence from the Bronze Age suggests date farming, craft industries, agriculture, fishing and hunting on land and sea were all helping sustain human life here.
The Iron Age and Beyond
During the Iron Age, Ras Al Khaimah began to build more substantial fortifications. Technological advancements and the trading of knowledge with other civilizations also brought more sophisticated irrigation systems. This enabled larger communities to form in the area from around 3,000 years ago.
Around 700 years ago, opportunists founded a prosperous port here in Ras Al Khaimah. Known as Julfar, it was one of the most important in the Middle East and known for its incredible pearls. Archaeological finds such as rare Chinese pottery have shown that traders traveled through Julfar from far and wide.
Archaeologists have identified more than 1,000 sites of importance in Ras Al Khaimah, and many are on the UNESCO Tentative List for World Heritage, including Dhayah Fort and Al Jazeera Al Hamra. Explore these sites and dive deeper into the history of Ras Al Khaimah with this heritage itinerary.
Your Ras Al Khaimah Heritage Itinerary
This three-day tour takes you to many of the key historical places and cultural experiences in Ras Al Khaimah.
Day One
Morning
Modern-day Ras Al Khaimah city stands on what was the major port of Julfar. Start out at the National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah here. The objects on display will enlighten you on the history, culture and traditions of the area, and they include discoveries of some of the earliest settlers. The museum is within a traditional fort and it’s previously been home to royal rulers, the police and a prison.
Next, visit the Mohammed Bin Salem Mosque, also in Ras Al Khaimah city and one of the most historical places to visit in Ras Al Khaimah. The mosque, along with the museum, are among the oldest traditional buildings in the UAE.
Afternoon
To get an overview of Ras Al Khaimah’s unique topography make your way to Jazirah Aviation Club. Their flying experiences will soar you over the Emirate’s mountains, desert and coast.
Finish your day at nearby Al Jazeera Al Hamra, where you can meander through the past at this abandoned fishing village. Preserved buildings include courtyard houses in various traditional designs, souks, a fort and watchtowers, plus a mosque.
Day Two
Morning
At Suwaidi Pearl Farm, one of the best cultural experiences in Ras Al Khaimah, you can immerse yourself in the tradition of pearl farming. Ras Al Khaimah’s pearl industry began to thrive around 900 years ago and is one of the reasons why Julfar became such an important trading port. Take a tour here, learn about the pearl’s cultural significance, and stay for a delicious lunch.
Afternoon
Hilltop Dhayah Fort sits among date gardens at the foothills of the mountains. It’s the UAE’s only remaining hillfort and the site dates back to the Bronze Age. Today’s structure is over 200 years old and was the scene of a major battle between the British and local tribes.
Take time to visit Al Hamra Mall. This modern-day shopping destination is a great place to find traditional crafts and artisanal products.
Day Three
The Hajar mountain range and the UAE’s tallest peak, Jebel Jais, are of major cultural importance to Ras Al Khaimah. Various hiking trails stretch up and across the mountainsides.
The hike to Camp 1770 is particularly worthwhile, since it’s a great place to experience a traditional meal, listen to traditional Emirati stories around the campfire, and appreciate the vistas. Stay the night to experience sunset and sunrise, a blanket of stars, and enjoy a hearty breakfast cooked by local tribeswomen.
Recommended Accommodation for Your Ras Al Khaimah Heritage Itinerary
You will love The Cove Rotana Resort, which combines Arabian charm and a Mediterranean fishing village feel. The resort’s coastal hillside location offers incredible views across the Arabian Gulf. Pretty streets meander down to the sea and link the resort’s luxury villas and pools, restaurants and other amenities.
Accommodation is in spacious and stylish rooms or in expansive one- to three-bedroom villas. All guests have access to the resort’s two infinity pools and private beach, but villa guests also have exclusive access to their villa’s private pool and al fresco dining space.
The resort’s choice of seven restaurants include all-day dining at Cinnamon, serving a variety of world cuisines, and Basilico, a Mediterranean fine dining restaurant. You can refresh or refuel after your cultural experiences in Ras Al Khaimah at the beach bar, ice cafe, or with in-room dining.
Drive Times From The Cove Rotana Resort
Al Jazeera Al Hamra: 15 minutes
Dhayah Fort: 40 minutes
RAK National Museum: 15 minutes
Jazirah Aviation Club: 25 minutes
Suwaidi Pearl Farm: 40 minutes
Cultural Experiences in Ras Al Khaimah
With so many historical and cultural experiences in Ras Al Khaimah, it makes a fascinating three-day heritage itinerary. Explore our site for more details on all the destinations above, further hotel choices, and plenty of Ras Al Khaimah restaurant inspiration.
