Ras al Khaimah Travel: 100 Questions Answered based on NeemTime research
General Information & Vibe
Is Ras Al Khaimah worth visiting? Yes, travelers say it’s worth it for a more laid-back, peaceful vibe compared to Dubai and Abu Dhabi. It’s a great place for a relaxing weekend trip.
What is the overall feel of RAK? It’s described as a quieter, more tranquil city with a slower pace of life. It’s not as bustling with daily events or nightlife as Dubai.
What’s the main appeal of RAK for tourists? Travelers highlight its diverse offerings: mountains, beaches, and desert, all in one emirate.
How does RAK compare to Dubai? RAK is seen as the “Goa of the UAE”—more relaxed, less traffic, and generally more affordable.
Is RAK family-friendly? Yes, it is considered a very good place for families, with a safe and community-oriented atmosphere.
What’s the cost of living/travel in RAK like? Generally, it’s considered to be cheaper than Dubai, though prices have been increasing.
Is RAK a good destination for a solo traveler? Yes, particularly for those who enjoy a quiet and peaceful trip focused on the outdoors and relaxation.
Is it easy to make friends in RAK? Some users note it can be a bit harder to socialize than in Dubai, but there are tight-knit expat communities and groups for activities like hiking and running.
Getting There & Getting Around
How do you get to RAK from Dubai? You can take a public bus from Union Bus Station in Dubai. The cost is around 30 AED one way.
How long does the bus trip from Dubai to RAK take? The bus ride is about 40 minutes to an hour.
Are taxis widely available in RAK? Taxis are plentiful, but they can be more expensive for long distances.
Are ride-hailing apps available? Yes, Careem has coverage in RAK and can be used to book regular taxis.
Is public transport good within RAK? Travelers consensus is that the public transit network is weak and not very reliable.
Do you need a car to get around RAK? Most users strongly advise having a car for convenience, or at least a motorbike or scooter, as the public transport is limited.
What’s the traffic like in RAK? Traffic is minimal and not as chaotic as in other major cities like Dubai or Sharjah.
Is it a straightforward drive from Dubai to RAK? Yes, the road is described as a straight drive with no complicated intersections.
How long is the drive from Dubai to RAK? About 40 minutes to an hour, depending on your location and traffic, which can get heavy on the Emirates Road.
Is it possible to commute from RAK to Dubai for work? Yes, many people do, but it can be a long daily drive, especially with traffic from Sharjah.
Things to Do & Attractions
What are the main tourist attractions in RAK? Jebel Jais, Al Marjan Island, and various resorts and beaches are the most frequently mentioned.
Is Jebel Jais worth visiting? Yes, absolutely. It’s a highlight of RAK, known for its beautiful mountain scenery, hiking trails, and the world’s longest zipline.
What is there to do on Jebel Jais? Activities include the Jais Flight (zipline), Jais Sky Tour, and hiking.
Are there hiking opportunities in RAK? Yes, the mountains offer many hiking trails for all levels, including Shawka Dam for beginners and Staircase to Heaven for more experienced hikers.
What are the best beaches in RAK? Travelers recommend Turtle Beach on Marjan Island and Flamingo Beach.
Are there any “hidden gems” in RAK? A famous “hidden gem” is the abandoned village of Al Jazirah Al Hamra, a historic ghost town.
Is the abandoned village of Al Jazirah Al Hamra haunted? Locals told travelers it’s believed to be inhabited by “jinns,” making for a chilling and memorable experience.
What is Al Marjan Island known for? It’s a major tourist area with a lot of resorts, beaches, and planned developments, including the upcoming Wynn casino.
What is the Wynn casino resort? A massive, multi-billion dollar project on Al Marjan Island that is expected to bring a lot of tourism and real estate growth to RAK.
Is there an old town or historical area to visit? You can visit Dhayah Fort for history.
Are there any good places for outdoor activities besides the mountains? Yes, there are wadis like Wadi Bih and Wadi Naqab, and places for dune bashing in the desert.
What about shopping? RAK has Manar Mall and RAK Mall, which are good options.
What about water sports? Al Marjan Island is a good spot for water sports.
Can you go fishing in RAK? Yes, fishing is an option.
What is there to do in the evening? The nightlife is not as vibrant as Dubai, but there are decent bars and places to eat, especially in resort areas like Al Hamra and Marjan.
Accommodation
What are the main areas for tourists to stay? Al Marjan Island, Al Hamra, and Mina Al Arab are the most popular areas with many resorts and expat communities.
What are the best luxury hotels in RAK? The Waldorf Astoria and Ritz-Carlton resorts (Al Wadi Desert and Al Hamra Beach) are highly recommended for luxury.
Are there hotels with private pools? Yes, some luxury resorts like the Ritz-Carlton Al Wadi have private pool villas, but they are expensive.
What is a good mid-range hotel recommendation? Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Beach Resort is a popular choice for a good balance of quality and price.
Are there all-inclusive options? Yes, the BM Beach Resort is mentioned as a good and affordable all-inclusive option.
How far are the main hotel areas from the city center? Areas like Al Marjan Island and Al Hamra are about 20-30 minutes away from the main city.
Are there any budget-friendly options? While not mentioned as a budget-focused hotel, DoubleTree by Hilton on Marjan Island is a good pick.
What’s the difference between the two Ritz-Carlton properties? One is in the desert (Al Wadi) and one is on the beach (Al Hamra), offering two different experiences.
Are there any recommendations for a staycation in RAK? The Cove Rotana is highly recommended for its laid-back vibe and Italian restaurant with a panoramic view.
Food & Dining
What kind of food is available in RAK? You can find a wide range, from local Mandi spots to international cuisine.
Any specific recommendations for Mandi? Al Yemen Al Saeed is highly recommended for Mandi and Haneeth.
Where can you find good shawarma? Farouj and Al Anood are popular choices for shawarma.
What about burgers? Meet the Cheese is a popular burger joint.
Any recommendations for Italian food? Piuma the Italian, located in Al Hamra Marina, is a favorite for its great food, drinks, and happy hour deals.
Are there good Indian food restaurants? Bright Restaurant is a good choice for Indian cuisine.
Any recommendations for Chinese food? Chinese Dragon in Manar Mall and Panda Grill are mentioned.
Where can I find good seafood? There are many local seafood places by the beach.
What’s a good fine dining option? Farmhouse in the Ritz-Carlton Al Wadi is highly praised for its steak and service.
What’s a local favorite for a cheap, good meal? Falafel Abu Naeem Restaurant is a locally famous falafel joint.
Practical Travel Tips
What’s the best time of year to visit RAK? The winter months (November to March) are ideal for outdoor activities due to pleasant weather.
What’s the weather like in the summer? It’s extremely hot, making daytime outdoor activities difficult.
Is it safe for a single female traveler? Yes, RAK is considered very safe and peaceful for women.
Are there any specific cultural considerations for tourists? It’s always a good idea to be respectful of local culture, though RAK is generally a relaxed and welcoming place.
Can you buy alcohol in RAK? Yes, there are several “booze shops” and many licensed venues within resorts.
Are there any safety concerns? It’s considered a very safe city with minimal traffic and a laid-back vibe.
Do I need an international driving permit to rent a car? Yes, for most tourists, an international driving permit along with a home country license is required.
Is there a local bus service? Yes, RAKTA has a city bus network, but it’s not extensive.
Is it better to visit RAK or Fujairah? Both are beautiful. RAK is great for mountains and a mix of experiences, while Fujairah is known for diving and snorkeling.
Can you take a day trip from Dubai to RAK? Yes, it’s a common day trip.
Is it a good place for a weekend getaway? Yes, its proximity to Dubai and Abu Dhabi makes it a perfect weekend escape.
What kind of activities are available for kids? Marjan Island has a large play area for children.
Are there any community groups to join? There are many community groups on Facebook for expats, especially for hiking and running.
Specific Recommendations & Experiences
Any specific hotel recommendations on Al Marjan Island? Doubletree by Hilton, Hilton Garden Inn, and Marjan Island Resort and Spa are mentioned.
How is the service at the Waldorf Astoria? One user described it as “Beautiful and True Luxury.”
What about the Ritz-Carlton properties? Both are highly rated, with the Al Wadi desert resort being a top pick for a unique experience.
Any advice on finding a place to live for an expat? Al Marjan, Al Hamra, and Mina Al Arab are popular but expensive. The local communities offer more affordable options.
What’s the most scenic drive in RAK? The drive up Jebel Jais is considered very scenic.
Are there any places for desert safaris? Yes, you can book a desert safari in RAK.
What’s the best time to visit Jebel Jais? Early morning or late evening for sunrise/sunset and to avoid the heat.
Is the abandoned Qasimi Palace worth visiting? A user mentioned that a security guard might let you in, and it’s known for some great paintings.
Where can I see flamingos? There is a corniche with a mangrove area where flamingos come during their migration.
Are there good places for a relaxed evening? Al Marjan Island is recommended for a chill evening.
Is it easy to find good restaurants? Yes, there is a good selection of restaurants and fast-food options.
Is there a good place for a burger? Meet the Cheese is popular.
What about a good coffee shop? No specific coffee shops were widely mentioned, but resorts and malls have plenty of options.
Are there any good places for a brunch? RAK has brunches at various resorts.
Can you camp in RAK? Yes, camping is a popular activity, especially in the mountains and desert.
What’s the best way to explore the mountains? It’s best to go with a group, especially for more challenging hikes like Staircase to Heaven.
Is it easy to get a taxi from the RAK bus station? Yes, taxis are readily available.
Are there any inter-emirate buses? Yes, there are buses to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and even Al Ain on weekends.
What are the main areas for residential living in RAK? Al Hamra, Al Marjan Island, and Mina Al Arab are the main expat residential communities.
Is it a good place for a quiet life? Yes, many expats choose RAK for its peaceful, quiet lifestyle.
Future Developments & Investment
What is the future of RAK’s tourism industry? With the Wynn Resort and other planned projects, RAK is expected to become a major tourist destination.
What is RAK Central? A new financial district being constructed across from Al Hamra, expected to bring more offices and jobs to the emirate.
How will the Wynn casino affect RAK? It is expected to be a major catalyst for growth, bringing in more tourists and improving infrastructure.
Is real estate in RAK a good investment? Some travelers believe it has solid investment potential, especially on Al Marjan Island, due to the upcoming developments.
What are the tax benefits? The UAE offers a tax-free environment, which is a major draw for both residents and investors.
Is RAK a better investment than Dubai? Some argue that RAK’s entry price is lower, offering better potential for appreciation, though it is a riskier bet.
Are property prices in RAK rising? Yes, they are increasing, but still 30-40% cheaper than in Dubai.
When is the Wynn resort expected to open? Expected to open in 2027.
What other projects are planned? Upgrades to the airport and general infrastructure improvements are underway.
Miscellaneous Questions
Are there any specific safety precautions to take when hiking? Go in a group, bring plenty of water, and time your trek to avoid the midday heat.
What’s the driving etiquette like? Less chaotic than in Dubai, but still be prepared for some poor lane discipline.
Is it easy to get around by foot? Some areas are walkable, but generally, you will need a vehicle to cover distances.
Are there any unique local experiences? You can find authentic UAE living experiences and a more genuine community feel than in bigger cities.
What’s a good alternative to RAK for a similar vibe? Fujairah is mentioned as an alternative to consider for a more relaxed trip.