Forget Dubai, there's a new Emirate on the rise, with glorious beaches, affordable luxury hotels and a thrilling zipline
EASTERN PROMISE Forget Dubai, there's a new Emirate on the rise, with glorious beaches, affordable luxury hotels and a thrilling zipline
IF you thought the UAE was all sky-high towers and five-star flash, then Ras Al Khaimah will make you think again.
This rising star of the Emirates is where adrenaline meets luxury, mountains meet sea, and where your taste buds will thank you forever.
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One if the many fabulous beaches in Ras Al Khaimah
Credit: Getty
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Head inland for the incredible Jebel Jais desert sandstone mountains
Credit: Alamy
I explored this incredible emirate by air and land, through mountain and desert — and discovered why Ras Al Khaimah (RAK for short) deserves a firm place on your bucket list.
My girlfriend Ayesha and I stayed at two unforgettable world-class resorts during our trip and tried just about everything RAK has to offer.
After a relaxing first day, we kicked things off with a trip into the region's past at the Suwaidi Pearls Farm in Al Rams.
Set on a calm stretch of coast, it's the UAE's only working cultured pearl farm and one of the coolest cultural experience ever.
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After a boat ride through mangroves to the floating pearl station — watching camels walk along the shore on the way — I got a crash course in the ancient art, learned about traditional diving methods, and even cracked open an oyster myself (yes, there was a pearl inside!)
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David found a gem in an oyster shell at the Suwaidi Pearls Farm in Al Rams.
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Live the Bedouin lifestyle at Bassata Desert Village
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Dune safari ride at Bassata Village
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It's relaxing and an authentic, way to learn local heritage.
From the sea to the sands, next stop was the Bassata Desert Village, where we dived headfirst into Bedouin-style adventure. We tried our hand at dune bashing, camel riding and sandboarding, and enjoyed some Arabic coffee around the campfire.
After dark, the village transformed into a colourful spectacle of belly dancers, fire breathing acts and local food, all enjoyed under a sky full of stars. Think Marrakech meets Mad Max, with shisha on tap.
Then came the big one — the Jebel Jais adventure day. The towering Hajar Mountains dominate the skyline in RAK, and it's here you'll find the Jebel Jais Flight – officially the world's longest zipline, stretching a wild 2.83km across mountain ravines.
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I was strapped in like Superman, then off I went — flying at up to 160km/h above jagged cliffs and deep valleys.
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The views were unreal, the adrenaline unmatched. Rather embarrassing Go Pro footage has it all, including my screams.
All that flying builds up an appetite, so next up was lunch at 1484 by Puro, the highest restaurant in the UAE (yep, it's literally 1,484 metres above sea level). The views are as tasty as the food.
I went for a barbecue chicken pizza and truffle fries with mountain air and a side of total awe. If you want to eat with your head in the clouds, this is your spot.
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On your way back down the mountain you can get into full survival mode at the Bear Grylls Explorers Camp.
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David braves the Jabal Jais experience – the world's longest zipline
Credit: David Robson
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Fly through the mountains at the Jabal Jais zipline
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Stunning views from 1484 by Puro restaurant in Ras Al Khaimah
Credit: David Robson
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David soared over land sea and mountains on his light aircraft flight
Credit: Alamy
This place is part outdoor boot camp, part wilderness school, all hosted in RAK's stunning rocky terrain. You can learn how to build shelters, light fires, rock climb, and navigate using just nature.
The UAE's first cross-emirate adventure trail has also been launched in Ras Al Khaimah, connecting mountains, wadis, and deserts, promoting sustainable tourism and immersive cultural experiences across RAK and neighbouring emirate Fujairah.
On the final day, I ticked off one more epic activity — a 30-minute flight over Ras Al Khaimah with Jazirah Aviation Club.
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Sitting in a light aircraft with the wind in my face and the sun rising over the coast is something I'll never forget.
We cruised over mangroves, beachside resorts, desert plains and the city skyline. It's peaceful, beautiful, and the perfect end to a high-octane trip.
GO: RAS AL KHAIMAH
GO: RAS AL KHAIMAH
GETTING THERE: Fly Glasgow to Dubai from £642pp return. See emirates.com.
STAYING THERE: Rooms at the Rixos Al Mairid, start from £192 a night, all inclusive. See allinclusive-collection.com and prices at Doubletree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island, start from £152 a night, half board. See hilton.com.
Six nights all-inclusive at the 5H Rixos Al Mairad Ras Al Khaimah is from £1,572pp leaving Glasgow on November 12 and a week half board at the 5H Doubletree By Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island is from £2,745 for a family of three, flying from Glasgow on September 28. See barrheadtravel.co.uk.
MORE INFO: For more on visiting Ras Al Khaimah see visitrasalkhaimah.com.
Of course, no adventure is complete without a luxurious place to kick off your shoes.
Our first base was Rixos Al Mairid, and let me tell you, it's a showstopper. We stayed in a beachfront suite, and from the moment we stepped inside, it felt like a private slice of paradise.
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The villa opened up into a large, airy living space with floor-to-ceiling windows that bathed the room in golden light. A plush sofa, espresso machine, and curated minibar made it hard to leave.
The bedroom was just as dreamy — a king-sized bed with cloud-like pillows, blackout curtains for lazy mornings, and sliding doors that led straight to our private terrace and onto soft white sands.
The five-star resort spans 1.5km of private beach with 466 rooms, suites, and villas.
The food here was incredible, but the standout? The burger at Toro Loco. Hands down, the best burger I've ever had. Perfectly grilled, juicy, and devoured in record time.
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The beahcfront Rixos Al Mairid was luxurious but relaxed
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Dreamy bedroom at David's suite with direct beach access
Credit: David Robson
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The burger at the Toro Loco restaurant is not to be missed
Credit: David Robson
Later that night we dined at Orient, their Turkish restaurant where mezze and slow-cooked meat were served with breathtaking views over the Arabian Gulf.
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It's not just food that impresses at Rixos — the jungle gym and kids' zones are brilliant for families, and they even host celebrity-led workout classes for guests looking to break a sweat in style.
There's also a small football pitch next to the main saltwater pool — ideal for an impromptu kickabout with the kids or a quick game at golden hour.
The resort has just unveiled a brand-new entertainment stage which we unfortunately missed. It will bring acts from around the world. So if you like your beach days with a side of glitz, this is the place.
Our second stop was the family-friendly DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa on Al Marjan Island — a firm favourite for sun-seekers with kids.
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There's an onsite water park, loads of beach activities (paddleboarding, volleyball and jet skis), tennis courts and other activities for those looking to keep active.
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Aerial view of Hilton Doubletree on Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah
Credit: David Robson
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The pirate ship waterpark at Hilton Doubletree on Marjan Island
Credit: David Robson
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Bright and spacious rooms at the Double Tree by Hilton on Al Marjan Island
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Meze Restaurant served modern Turkish delights
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Delicious food at Sanchaya restaurant
Credit: David Robson
And when it's too hot outside? No problem — there's a spacious indoor pool to cool off in.
The rooms were bright, modern, and designed for comfort, with balconies that opened onto sea views and sunsets worth pausing for.
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Food-wise, the Meze restaurant brought a modern Turkish twist to classics, while Sanchaya, their lively Asian eatery, hosts a night brunch that's basically a party with plates.
We tucked into sushi, spicy noodles, spring rolls, szechuan chicken and cocktails — all to the beat of a live DJ.
It was the perfect mix of laid-back and lively.
I left RAK with sand in my shoes, photos on my camera roll, and serious thoughts about coming back for a fortnight next time.
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Ras Al Khaimah has everything you could possibly want from the UAE — but with fewer crowds, more soul, and a serious sense of adventure.
Move over Dubai, there's a new emirate on the rise.
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