Business Traveller (Middle East)
24 HOURS IN ... RAK
From history to hiking, a quick visit to RAK promises business travellers welcome surprises around every corner
Make the most of a day in the UAE’s adventure capital
There’s so much to see and do in Ras Al Khaimah, the destination is worthy of at least a week’s trip to do it justice. However, if you’re visiting for work or a business event and only have a few hours – or a day – to spare, there are plenty of attractions that promise an unforgettable experience.
In a nutshell, Ras Al Khaimah – or ‘RAK’ as it’s affectionately known by UAE nationals and expats alike
– is the gateway to 7,000 years of fascinating history, Emirati culture, magnificent landscapes, pristine beaches, lush mangroves, terracotta desert, green oases and much more.
Let’s not forget the dramatic Hajar mountains featuring the country’s highest mountain peak – Jebel Jais – where adrenaline-fuelled adventures such as hiking, trekking, cycling and ziplining await.
Drop into RAK for the day and you could find yourself 1,934 metres above sea level at Jebel Jais peak. If that’s not your bag, the emirate’s cultural, leisure and dining experiences are just as thrilling. Here are our top picks for a 24-hour visit.
Breakfast with a view 1
Start your day with breakfast at Maison Mathis ( mm-alhamra.com), a popular restaurant located at the Al Hamra Golf Club. Elegant yet relaxed, Maison Mathis promises a European dining experience overlooking the golf course. From eggs cooked just how you like them, to fresh bakery items, you can fuel up in anticipation of the day’s activities.
Step back in time at 2 Suwaidi Pearl Farm
After breakfast, make the Suwaidi Pearl Farm ( suwaidipearls.ae) your next port of call. The region’s first cultured pearl farm is the place to learn about the rich pearling history of the UAE. Guests can hop on a traditional pearling boat to the floating cultured farm, which spans 4,000 square metres at the base of the Hajar Mountains. The guided tour provides insight into the pearl cultivation and harvesting process, starting with the history of pearling and the evolution of the industry over the years to modern-day times.
Drop into RAK for the day and you could find yourself 1,934 metres above sea level at Jebel Jais
Lunch like the locals 3
For lunch, visit the Al Fanar Restaurant ( alfanarrestaurant.com) to explore Emirati cuisine at its finest. A venue where modern and traditional décor blend seamlessly, rooms are decorated to reflect a majlis – the most welcoming space in an Emirati home. Experience true Arabian culture and sample traditional dishes, from authentic mixed grills to the UAE’s favourite sweet treat, Luqaimat. You can then make your way to Ashuk Ice Cream – one of the oldest ice-cream pit stops in the emirate, located on
Old Corniche Road.
Souk shop 4
After a satisfying lunch, head to one of the emirate’s popular souqs (markets) for some retail therapy.
The old market on the coast attracts people from all over the country and beyond. Trawl through the stalls and stores for locally made souvenirs, from handwoven fabrics and traditional perfumes (oud) to jewellery, leather shoes, fresh vegetables and much more.
Discover the UAE’s 5 only hilltop fort
Don’t miss the chance to stop at the most visited archaeological attraction in Ras Al Khaimah, Dhaya Fort, which is also a prime example of heritage site conservation in the emirate. Built during the 19th century on the foundations of much older structures, it is the only hilltop fort still existing in the UAE today and offers a fantastic view of the lush palm gardens, the Arabian Sea and the dramatic Hajar mountain ranges. If you still have time to spare, pop into one of RAK’s many date farms where you can learn about the date cultivation and harvesting process, as well as the steps taken to produce date syrup and the traditional tools used to extract it.
Reach for the peak 6
End your afternoon on a high note at Jais Adventure Peak ( visitjebeljais.com), the gateway to multiple exhilarating attractions. They include the Jebel Jais Viewing Deck Park where seven viewing decks reveal stunning 360-degree vistas of the spectacular Hajar Mountains and the Jebel Jais Flight, the world’s longest zipline. Other options include the Jais Sky Tour, comprising seven ziplines and a 15-metre-long sky bridge and the recently opened Jais Sky Maze, a suspended obstacle course where a series of rope swings, wobbly bridges, swinging loops and more test your physical and mental strength. When the fun is over, tuck into some sunset snacks and drinks at Puro Café and Terrace. Our top tip: handy e-bikes make it easy to get around the adventure park with great views of the mountain range to be had along the way.
Spend a night under 7 the stars
Finish your day with camping at Wadi Showka, a popular trail on the fringes of the Hajar Mountains range that’s a big hit with hikers, runners and cyclists, as well as campers wanting to escape the city buzz. If you prefer a more glamorous desert and stargazing experience, book a night at The Ritz- Carlton, Al Wadi Desert resort ( ritzcarlton.com) where astronomy experts are on hand to help you navigate the night sky.
Need to know 8
Ras Al Khaimah is home to industry-leading hotels – from ultra-luxurious beach resorts managed by well-known hospitality brands to city and beach properties that are business and family friendly. There are multiple ways to get around the emirate with ride-hailing firms such as Careem providing, safe, reliable and smart transport services to RAK’s hotels and attractions. For more information: visitrasalkhaimah.com
Finish your day with camping at Wadi Showka, a popular trail on the fringes of the Hajar Mountains