Rugged mountains, endless deserts, ancient cultural sights and superb beaches, Ras Al Khaimah offers a spectacular Arabian holiday. Only 45 minutes up the coast from bustling Dubai, it couldn't be more of contrast; as the most northern emirate, it is an oasis of nature that now offers a choice of spectacular Arabian experiences.
Still relatively undiscovered by the crowds, Ras Al Khaimah offers more of a glimpse of real Arabian life. With a variety of luxury hotels, mostly on the coast, there's a great choice of water sports as well as relaxing spa's. Inland, however, the unspoilt landscape awaits discovery with a great selection of unique activities and excursions for the ultimate Arabian experience. Just a 7 hour flight from the UK & Ireland, and an easy 45-minute car transfer from Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah is yours to discover. Call our specialist team for more details.
Mahlatini offer a choice of luxury resorts in Ras al Khaimah: the superb beachfront Waldorf Astoria; Rixos Bab Al Bahr with superb all Inclusive options; and The Cove Rotana Resort.
The region's soaring Hajar mountains come as a surprise to many people who expect endless, flat deserts in the Middle East. The UAE's highest peak, Jebel Jais rises over 1,900metres high and offers amazing, rugged scenery with a number of wadis, hiking and mountain bike trails. The temperature here is some 10 degrees cooler than on the coast.
Via Ferrata at Jebel Jais mountain is an adventure product that opened in November 2016. The Via Ferrata (Iron Path) is a breathtaking 470 metres long, with three individual start and finish points, all with varying degrees of difficulty. There are also three zip-lines ranging in length from 165 feet to well over 950 feet. And new in 2018, perfect for those seeking exhilaration, the world's longest zip wire opened on Jebel Jais mountain at a staggering 2 miles long. Stretching from near the summit, it drops 1,300ft and forms part of the plan for Ras al Khaimah to become the adventure hub of the Middle East with a huge choice of thrilling experiences.
Ras Al Khaimah's terracotta desert is one of the most fertile in the region. Visitors are able to get an insight into the life of the Bedouins at a variety of desert camps as well as take part in activities such as 4x4 dune safaris and horse or camel treks. The local, friendly way of life is very much as a result of desert dwelling, seafaring and an Islamic way of life. Traditions of falconry, camel racing, art and fishing still form a key part of it and local museums and forts are a good way to get a glimpse of the culture and heritage.
The pristine Gulf beaches of the resort hotels at Ras Al Khaimah are not only the perfect place to relax and unwind, but also offer great water sports - from windsurfing, sailing and banana boat rides to water skiing, fishing and diving. On land, as well as activities at the resort hotels, there's also go-karting and several golf courses. If you really crave some retail therapy, Ras Al Khaimah has five shopping malls offering the leading brands as well as cinemas and restaurants. There are also several traditional souks if you fancy honing your bargaining skills!
The beaches and hotels offer a great variety of fun-filled activities for children of all ages, as well as mums and dads of course. The desert and mountains offer a host of additional Middle East experiences for a real unique flavour and great memories.
Average temperatures in the mid to high twenties during our winter make Ras Al Khaimah a great place to relax and unwind in the sun at a luxurious resort. For the more active, this relaxation may be combined with a little more adventure and discovery - in the mountains or the desert.
Whatever your reason for considering a holiday in Ras al Khaimah, whether it's the mountain or desert activities that appeal or if it's simply a family resort you are seeking, call our knowledgeable Mahlatini team now and let them help tailor-make your ideal Middle East holiday.
Our favourite itineraries, showcasing the best of Ras Al Khaimah
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An ideal leisure getaway, surrounded by desert and mountains, the Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah is an award-wining luxury resort set in a charming beach-front location. Only 50 minutes from Dubai the hotel offers palatial rooms, stylish dining and an 18-hole golf course.
The Cove Rotana Resort overlooks the gorgeous Arabian gulf from an idyllic water inlet on the Ras Al Khaimah beachfront. It's an ideal getaway destination for those looking to soak up the sun offering an array of guest facilities, comfortable rooms and a host of activities. It is particularly suited to families and groups.
An all-inclusive and family-friendly resort, the 5-star Rixos Bab al Bahr Hotel offers the perfect Arabian holiday with a superb beachfront location, impressive rooms and a wealth of facilities. If you can tear yourself away from the beach or the pool you can explore the area on a sailing cruise, desert excursion or mountain adventure.
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