Discover Ras Al Khaimah

When one thinks of the United Arab Emirates, almost the same names come to mind: Dubai, Abu Dhabi. In contrast, Ras Al Khaimah sounds like a hidden gem to many – and it feels just like that. I got to experience the emirate myself, and it honestly surprised me.

Arrival: Stress-free instead of spectacular

I started in Dubai. The airport there is loud, colorful, and bustling – but as soon as you head north by car, a certain relaxation sets in. The drive takes almost an hour, and you can already feel after just a few kilometers that you are slowly distancing yourself from hectic Dubai. No more gigantic skyscrapers, but more openness, some industrial areas, small mosques by the roadside. It’s a quiet transition into another world.

Mina Al Arab: Life by the water

My first stop was Mina Al Arab – an artificially created island world with villas, hotels, and small shops. Normally, such projects make me think of the glitz and glamor of Dubai, but Mina Al Arab feels calmer, less over-the-top. In the morning, I walked along the water, and it felt almost like a small holiday resort on the Mediterranean – just with an Arab flair.

Adventures in the mountains: Jebel Jais

A real highlight was my day trip to the mountains. Jebel Jais is almost 2,000 meters tall, making it the highest mountain in the Emirates, and the drive along the serpentine road is an experience in itself. I first dared to try the Jais Sledder – a kind of summer toboggan run that speeds down the slope with great velocity. An absolute blast!Then the Jais Flight Zipline – the longest zipline in the world. The butterflies in my stomach at the start were intense, but the view of the rugged mountains and deep valleys compensates for any nerves. For a few seconds, you feel like a bird, and that is no exaggeration.In between, there are small cafés and platforms from which you can enjoy the view. This combination of action and serenity is typical for Ras Al Khaimah: there is so much to do, but never that overwhelming feeling one sometimes experiences in Dubai.

The Ritz-Carlton Al Wadi Desert: Luxury in the desert

After the mountain adventure, I switched to the desert resort The Ritz-Carlton Al Wadi Desert. A complete contrast. Suddenly absolute silence, vast dunes, and gazelles trotting along the edges of the paths.

The resort offers many activities: I visited the renowned 'The Rainforest' Spa, rode my bike around the grounds, and in the evening watched the sunset from my terrace with a private pool. This feeling that the desert 'swallows' the day and slowly transitions into incredible tranquility was one of the most beautiful moments of the trip for me.

Al Hamra: A place in transformation

Finally, I wanted to breathe in some city air – so off to Al Hamra. There, you encounter a mix of traditional life, international hotels, and large projects. Particularly striking: the planned casino that is being built right by the water. It is still a huge construction site, but you can already feel how much it will change the region.

For a more relaxed balance, I then headed to the paddle tennis court – yes, paddle tennis has created quite a hype here. Games go on until late in the evening under floodlights, and it’s a nice way to engage with locals and expats.

My conclusion

Ras Al Khaimah is not a second Dubai – and that's exactly what makes it appealing. It is quieter, more original, and surprisingly versatile: from the relaxed beach in Mina Al Arab to adventures in the mountains, to luxurious desert romance and sporty activities in Al Hamra. Anyone wanting to experience the 'other emirate' should give RAK a real chance.