Ras Al Khaimah offers sublime postcard images: tropical lagoons, desert dunes, white beaches, lush golf courses, low-rise villas hiding amongst date plantations…

Over the last few years this coastal Emirate has flourished into a leading tourist destination, especially for UAE and GCC residents. It offers an easy escape, an oasis of tranquility that’s just a short hop from Dubai or Arabia’s other cities.

We take a look at what do do and why to go to Ras Al Khaimah.

The Postcard Perfection of Ras Al Khaimah

Ras Al Khaimah winds along the Arabian Gulf, offering an iconic impression of the region’s promise. Majestic red mountains of the Hajjar provide a timeless backdrop, standing above the dunes of the desert. The beaches are long and sandy, and they glisten white as the sun crosses the sky. Palm trees rise above them and when you venture further inland you discover great swathes of date palms. Then a series of natural canals and lagoons weaves from ocean to desert, elevating the beauty of the setting further.

Arrive for a Ras Al Khaimah holiday and you’re immediately struck by the tranquility of the setting. The tropical colours blur harmoniously and there’s a supreme sense of space. Especially when seen from the air, this coastal Emirate seems to offer a fabled getaway. The question is where to escape to. The desert, the beach, the golf course, the tropical lagoons? This is Ras Al Khaimah’s great appeal, the chance to escape into a world of exotic options.

Practicalities of Visiting Ras Al Khaimah and Proximity to Dubai

Ras Al Khaimah is located just north of Dubai, a short journey by car and just a 45-minute journey by seaplane. It’s far enough away to suggest that you’re really on a holiday. But close enough to make travel quick and easy. Most international visitors land in either Dubai or Abu Dhabi before transferring to Ras Al Khaimah. There are no special entry requirements for visiting this Emirate.

Seawings operates regular scheduled flights from Dubai Creek to Ras Al Khaimah, where you touch down on the water and step straight into a luxury coastal resort. Seaplanes can also be chartered for private transfers from anywhere in the UAE.

Ras Al Khaimah – An All Year Round Destination

Ras Al Khaimah has the classic Arabian climate, with hot dry summers and warm dry winters. From October to March you could spend the whole day on the beach. A canopy of date palms and greenery provides generous shade throughout the summer. This Emirate’s beaches offer far greater shade than those in Dubai, meaning you can stay outside longer from May to August. A cooling breeze often whips off the Gulf, bringing more respite from the heat. On a Ras Al Khaimah holiday there’s no need to leave the beach. With air-conditioned villas overlooking the water and vast natural shade, this is an all year round destination.

Luxury Resorts in Ras Al Khaimah

The majority of the luxury resorts are situated around the area of Marjan Island and Al Hamra. This is just south of the town, offering fine white sand and a string of exclusive getaways. Standing on the beach is the wonderful Banyan Treee Ras Al Khaimah. Double Tree by Hilton Ras Al Khaimah has its own spa and broad private beach. Rixos Bab Al Bahar offers an all-inclusive option while the Cove Rotata provides a boutique option on the coast. Luxury accommodation is also found amongst the sand dunes, with the Banyan Tree Al Wadi Desert Resort set amongst its own nature reserve.

Staycation Holidays to Ras Al Khaimah

Ras Al Khaimah is an escape. Take off the watch, remove the shoes, dip your toes in the sand, and revel in a tranquil world. The Emirate takes you into a languid realm, one where stress floats away on the salty Arabian breeze. Weekend staycations to Ras Al Khaimah are becoming increasing popular with residents of Dubai and the rest of the GCC. There’s an indelible chance to reenergise with one or two nights of tropical white sand and sapphire waters. Staycation packages combine transfers with accommodation and all the facilities at one of the Emirate’s luxury resorts. It’s just 45 minutes away from Dubai but it really feels like you’ve entered a completely different world, one where time doesn’t exist and the body can fully recharge.

Complementing the luxury resort accommodation is the opportunity to fly by seaplane. Seawings operates scheduled flights from Dubai Creek to Ras Al Khaimah every Friday. This is the quickest way to reach the Emirate and start a staycation. You take off from the heart of the city, further reducing transfer time. But it’s not just convenient. Cruising at 1500 feet, the journey provides beautiful aerial views over all the UAE’s charms. Loop above the cityscape for prime vistas of the fabled cityscape. Soar above the desert and gaze down on rolling sand dunes. Then land on the water and savour untouched panoramas of the Arabian Gulf coastline.

Things to Do in Ras Al Khaimah

Step out from your villa, feel the soft sand beneath your toes, and relax. In such a tropical destination, what more than the beach do you need? But peel yourself away from the sunbathing and there are many things to do in Ras Al Khaimah.

Travel into the sand dunes and admire a falconry demonstration, or wander through a nature reserve that teems with Arabian gazelle and oryx. Gallop on horse back along the coast, slumber in one of the Ras Al Khaimah spas, or charter a yacht to cruise around the topaz waters of Marjan Island and Al Hamra. There’s also the usual array of water sport activities offered by the coastal resorts. The Al Hamra Championship Golf Course offers a real test, with the lagoon running alongside the majority of the 18 holes. It’s a classic tropical course, one that’s as photogenic as it is challenging.

But back to the original appeal of Ras Al Khaimah…for many visitors, a staycation holiday is all about lounging on the coast and doing nothing at all.

Places of Interest in Ras Al Khaimah

Ras Al Khaimah is packed with history, the relics of past centuries scattered across the landscape. Crumbling forts are found on mountain summits while traditional Bedouin tents are the site for tea ceremonies in the desert. Throughout the year, the Emirate hosts camel racing festivals and you’ll see the one-humped wanderers across the sand. There’s a real sense of history when visiting the villages in the foothills of the Hajjar Mountains, showcasing an evocative heritage that’s as authentic as it gets in the UAE.

Exclusive Staycation Discounts in Ras Al Khaimah

Seawings has partnered with the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Board to create a unique collection of staycation packages. These all start with a scenic seaplane flight from Dubai Creek to Ras Al Khaimah, departing on Fridays. These staycations provide a choice of day packages, overnight escapes, and two-night relaxing breaks. Touch down on the water and you’re swept away to one of the Emirate’s premier resorts. Choose from staycations to:

• Double Tree by Hilton Ras Al Khaimah – An exclusive resort on Marjan Island with an exceptional spa.
• The Cove Rotana – Boutique accommodation that radiates serenity.
• Rixos Bab Al Bahar – An all-inclusive option for a staycation of indulgence.
• Banyan Tree Al Wadi – A spa oasis located in the desert, where every villa has its own pool.

As part of our collaboration with the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Board, Seawings is offering significant discounts on the listed price for all our Ras Al Khaimah staycations. A one-night five-star stay with seaplane transfer now starts at just AED 999 per person.

You can find out more information about all our seaplane Ras Al Khaimah staycations here. Alternatively you can speak to a Seawings Lifestyle representative by calling 04-8070709 or sending an email to [email protected]

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