#NInjaVerdict: Ras Al Khaimah UAE

Overview

“Ras Al WHERE?!” – that’s the standard response from maybe 3 out of 4 people when you even mention Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), but it was time for the NInja to discover why it is quickly getting a “must-visit” reputation.

Ras Al Khaimah is in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and is nestled on the shores of the Arabian Gulf. Its the northern-most emirate, and feels a world away from the hustle of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, yet just a short drive from both (about a 45 mins drive from Dubai International Airport and two hours from Abu Dhabi). The area is crammed with pristine beaches, rugged mountains, endless desert, and a history stretching back over 7,000 years.

Getting there

The UAE is incredibly easy to reach, with direct flights from Dublin to Abu Dhabi and Dubai with Etihad and Emirates respectively. You can of course fly via London from Belfast City with BA and other airline options.

We went with Etihad to Abu Dhabi and, after 7 and a half hours, arrived on time ready to make the transfer to RAK

The NInja had hired a car for the duration of the trip. This was a cost effective option, and the UAE has an excellent road network that is well sign-posted. NINJA TIP: In the UAE you drive on the right side of the road and drivers may switch lanes without much warning, so its important to stay alert. If you dont feel comfortable, and for those that prefer to let others do the driving, taxis or private transfers are widely available – and easily organised through your hotel concierges.

Hotel Resort

The luxurious all-inclusive 5-star Rixos Al Mairid RAK resort was our home for the duration of our stay – and what a hotel it is!! The NInja was immediately blown away by the huge and luxurious lobby that greeted us. We received a warm welcome, and the check-in process was quick and easy.

We had been allocated a Deluxe room. It had a huge comfy bed, a sofa, a massive TV, and a complimentary minibar that was full of soft drinks. The balcony looked out over the pool area and also had a sea view! The very spacious modern bathroom boasted his & her wash basins, a shower, and a bath.

The resort has its own 1.5 km stretch of sandy beach – perfect for a stroll along the water’s edge. The sand is golden, and the Arabian Gulf enjoys clear and warm water. NINJA TIP: The sunset in RAK is one of the best the NInja has ever seen, and the hotel beach is the perfect place to see it; maybe with a cocktail in hand?

The hotel offers seven pools, including freshwater, saltwater, and kids’ pools. There’s also an adult pool for those seeking a few quieter moments, and the beachfront pool comes equipped with a swim-up bar.

There are a further five bars dotted around the resort, including the adults-only La Bodega. They are stocked with premium alcoholic and soft drink brands. Ice-cold Stella and Carling were on draft. NINJA TIP: Don’t miss a trip to the Zest Vitamin Bar where you can sample smoothies, milkshakes, and try the freshly chopped fruit buffet. There is a “help yourself” fridge for water and a freezer full of ice lollies. NINJA TIP: Make sure to look out for the Baskin Robbins Ice Cream truck that comes every day.

The hotel has five restaurants. The NInja enjoyed bruschetta and seabass in the L’Olivo Italian restaurant and had one of the best steaks he’d ever eaten in Toro Loco Steakhouse. There was also a seafood and an oriental restaurant. The buffet-style restaurant, which the NInja used for breakfast and lunch, had a huge selection of food, including a large variety of UK and European dishes. There was a different theme every day, such as Italian, Mediterranean and BBQ – even the pickiest of eaters will have no problems, and for the more adventurous eaters, there was an intriguing array of treats to sample.

The hotel also has a multitude of activities for you to get involved in. These include beachside yoga, a full range of fitness classes throughout the day, indoor and outdoor gyms, water sports, volleyball, and a football pitch. There were even daily ice-bath sessions – the NInja gave this one a miss! And if all that seems like too much effort, then there is, of course, a luxurious spa offering a range of massages and treatments (we would love to have tried this, but just didnt have the time)

Families are very well catered for with the Rixy Kids Club and a dedicated Teens Club. As you would expect, there is an excellent evening entertainment programme. The production value is incredible for a hotel resort. Each evening starting with family themed show (which will be sure to tire out any enthusiastic children that need to go to bed!), then onto live music acts, then a DJ playing some great tunes.

And I haven’t even mentioned the best bit yet—the all-inclusive package covers all meals, premium beverages, and snacks throughout the day, so there’s no need to worry about extra costs! Leave your wallet and credit card in the room, you wont need them!

NINJA TIP: Make sure to share your phone number with reception when you check in. They will then WhatsApp you each morning with all the activities and timings for the day ahead. This was so handy to ensure you dont miss anything thats going on that day.

This was undoubtedly one of the best hotels the NInja has ever stayed in. The food was out of this world and there was so much to do. The staff were so friendly and the concierges were extremely knowledgeable and helpful. To be honest, this NInja really did not want to leave the hotel at all during his stay ……. however, we managed to drag ourselves from the sunbeds to see what the surrounding area had to offer…

Jais Flight – The Worlds Longest Zipline

Ever wondered what it feels like to be Superman or Superwoman? Well, the world’s longest zipline at Jebel Jais gives you the opportunity to find out!

The adventure starts at the UAE’s tallest peak, Jebel Jais, 1,680 meters above sea level. For comparison, Slieve Donard is 850 meters. Getting there is easy, as there is a three-lane carriageway all the way to the top of the mountain! If you haven’t hired a car, the hotel or the zipline company can arrange the transfer for you. There’s free car parking, the UAE’s highest restaurant (1484 by Puro), and a comfortable waiting lounge.

Once you arrive, you have a safety briefing, and the friendly and professional staff help you into your harness and safety gear—making sure everything is secure. It’s then off the flight deck, and after a short nervous wait, the NInja was launched off the top of Jebel Jais mountain!!!!

The zipline stretches nearly 3 kilometres, sending adventurers soaring at speeds of up to 85 mph while suspended 300 metres above the rugged terrain. If you dare to open your eyes, you will enjoy breathtaking views of the majestic Al Hajar mountain range.

Whilst the NInja was relieved to get his feet back on solid ground, this was without doubt, one of the most unforgettable and surreal experiences you will ever have. It really did feel like flying!

This is an absolute must for all thrill-seekers. It costs around £80, and you can get a head-camera to video the experience at a modest extra charge. Whilst the NInja was nervous beforehand, the expert support from trained staff ensured a seamless and very safe experience.

You can find out more about the zipline and other experiences on offer at Jebel Jais Zipline Ras Al Khaimah Tickets | RAK Zipline Booking

Al Hamra Golf Club

Having survived the zipline, the NInja was looking for something a little more sedate for the next activity. And where better than the luscious fairways of Al Hamra Golf Club.

This par 72 course offers an enjoyable and interesting challenge suitable for golfers of all skill levels. In 2022, Al Hamra Golf Club became an official DP World Tour venue. The course offers stunning views as it weaves its way around four lagoons.

The NInja started the day by warming up at the excellent driving range, which included a huge putting green and a chipping area. The golf carts were fully GPS-enabled, ensuring we had all the information we needed on each hole. It was a thoroughly enjoyable round, even though a few of the NInja’s balls went for a swim!

Following the round, we picked up some souvenir merchandise in the (reasonably priced) pro shop. We finished off the experience with lunch in the club restaurant, The Bay. The NInja would highly recommend trying the Smash Burger—delicious!

You can read more about the course and check green fees at Al Hamra Golf Club | Book Your Golf Escape Today.

Suwaidi Pearls Farm

The House of Pearls by Suwaidi Pearls is one of the “must-do” activities in RAK. The tour is an exclusive opportunity to discover the historical and cultural importance of the region’s pearling industry and learn about the evolution of the Arabian pearl.

The meeting point is around 25 minutes from downtown RAK, in the quiet fishing village of Al Rams, at the foot of the Al Hajar Mountains. The tour starts with a sedate, authentic boat journey out to the floating pearl farm. On the way, you can enjoy some local treats and drinks. If you’re lucky, you may also spot some local wildlife, including camels and turtles.

Once at the farm, the knowledgeable guide gives an educational and entertaining overview of the history of oysters and pearls and their place in society. We also learned how pearls are graded and how much they cost. A beautiful pearl necklace had caught the NInja’s eye, but when he was advised this was a “priceless” item, he put his wallet away.

Next, we got to board an actual pearling boat—a 60-foot vessel that was home to up to 30 sailors for four months at a time! We learned about the dangers of diving for pearls, the hardships of being onboard, and the constant threat of pirates.

Our guide then explained that traditional pearl diving has almost completely disappeared, replaced by sustainable oyster farming. Then came the highlight of the tour— as the guide carefully prised open an oyster that had been cultivated for over a year. Inside, was a shiny round pearl—a true treasure of the sea!

The whole tour lasted two and a half hours and cost approximately £50. This was an immensely enjoyable experience. It was a very relaxing and informative way to spend the morning.

You can visit their website at House of Pearls by Suwaidi Pearls

Dhayah Fort

It was time to dig into a little bit more of the region’s history for the NInja, so we headed off to see Dhaya Fort. It’s a castle-like structure set on a 70-metre-high hill and is on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List.

It is the only hill fort remaining in the UAE and was constructed in the 16th century. It was used as a defensive structure during the early 19th century. One of the primary advantages of the fort was that it was located on high ground; the people inside the fort could easily spot invaders from several miles away.

Entry is free, and we climbed the 239 steps to the top. Our efforts were rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view of the Arabian Gulf, the Al Hajar Mountain range, and the city of RAK. Do not leave your camera behind!

NINJA TIP: It took the NInja 45 minutes in total to visit the fort. It’s only a 10-minute drive from the Pearl Farm, so you can easily combine the two in one trip.

Kayaking

For the NInja’s final adventure, we opted for a little night-time kayaking in RAK harbour.

We used Al Ras Kayaking which was a 10 minute drive from the hotel. There is no need to book in advance, and prices are very reasonable. We paid £8 for 30 minutes in a double kayak. The water was very calm, and the kayaks were easy to manoeuvre. It was a little eerie paddling around in the dark at first, but it was so quiet and peaceful on the water that it turned out to be a really relaxing experience. The view from the middle of the harbour, looking up at the bright city lights, was fantastic. It would probably be a completely different experience during the day in the heat as well.

You can find out more about kayaking in RAK harbour and the other activities on offer on Al Ras Kayaking’s Instagram page.

Good to know

The UAE enjoys sunshine year-round, but the best time to visit is between November and March when temperatures are milder. Expect daytime highs around 26–30°C and cool evenings, ideal for outdoor dining. From June to September, the heat can well exceed 40°C with high humidity, so most activities move indoors to air conditioned luxurious malls and high-end resorts.

The UAE is considered one of the safest destinations in the world, consistently ranking high for low crime rates. Petty crime is rare, though it’s always wise to take normal precautions, such as keeping valuables secure – no different than anywhere else in the world.

The UAE is one of the more liberal countries in the Gulf region, but it still values its traditions. A few tips to keep in mind:

• Alcohol is widely available in hotels and restaurants, but drinking in public spaces is prohibited
• Beachwear is fine at resorts, beaches, and pools. However, you should dress more modestly elsewhere, shorts and t-shirts are generally fine unless you are visiting a religious site or place of worship
• Public displays of affection should remain discreet

The NInja found everyone extremely welcoming and encountered no issues during the trip.

So ….. Ras Al Khaimah ….. what’s the NInja Verdict?

The hotel was nothing short of spectacular—luxurious, stylish, and designed to impress. The food and drink were truly exceptional, and with so many activities on offer, you could easily keep the whole family entertained for weeks. For those thinking of a Mexico / Caribbean all inclusive resort getaway, this is the perfect alternative. Additionally, it’s the perfect add-on to any trip to Abu Dhabi or Dubai, giving you the ultimate blend of relaxation and a city break.

If you’re the adventurous type and can tear yourself away from the hotel’s luxuries, Ras Al Khaimah has plenty of adventures waiting for you. The zipline is an absolutely insane experience like no other, while the Pearl Farm offers a calmer—but equally fascinating—way to spend a morning.

You can check out the FULL highlights from this NInja trip over on the Instagram page—on the homepage under RAK

Why not visit your LOCAL NInja travel agency and ask them to plan your next NInja adventure to Ras Al Khaimah?

You can contact them via Holiday NInja—CLICK HERE—and we can easily make that connection for you!