Ras Al Khaimah, the northernmost emirate of the UAE, is known for its stunning beaches, majestic mountains like Jebel Jais, and vibrant heritage. With rich history and a blend of outdoor activities, it offers unique experiences that celebrate Arabian culture and natural beauty.
ARRIVAL AND RESORT BLISS
As the wheels of my flight touched down at Dubai airport, a thrill washed over me, the promise of exploration beckoning. The drive to The Cove Rotana Resort, shimmering beside the Arabian Gulf, was enchanting. With its traditional architecture and the embrace of warm Arabian hospitality, the resort was a captivating introduction to my journey. After a smooth check-in, I soaked in breath-taking coastline views, relishing sumptuous meals that confirmed my taste buds were in for a treat.
HISTORY AND HERITAGE
The next morning, my adventure began with an energizing breakfast, perfectly setting the stage for the day ahead. First on our itinerary was the majestic Dhayah Fort, perched high on a hill. From its vantage point, the surrounding date palm oasis and rugged mountains unfolded like a cinematic panorama. Here, I was entranced by tales of the fort’s resilience during the 19th-century standoffs with British troops—a testament to the region’s storied past. Later, our journey took us to Suwaidi Pearls, where the ancient art of pearl diving unfurled before my eyes. Guided by an impassioned pearl farmer, I learned about the delicate craft of cultivating these lustrous gems and even had a chance to pry open an oyster myself! The Emirati lunch that followed was culinary perfection—a delicious array of machboos and luqaimat that captivated my senses. Our afternoon visit to the RAK National Museum revealed the region’s vibrant heritage, with artifacts narrating the lives and trades of Ras Al Khaimah’s people. Wandering through Al Jazeera Al Hamra Heritage Village, I felt the echoes of history within its coral stone streets—a once-bustling community frozen in time. With a heart brimming with stories and a mind buzzing with newfound knowledge, I returned to The Cove Rotana, ready to indulge in yet another exquisite dinner as the sun dipped below the horizon.
CONQUERING JEBEL JAIS
The following morning was nothing short of exhilarating! After a hearty breakfast, we set out for Jebel Jais, the towering pinnacle of the UAE at a striking 1,934 meters. The drive along the winding mountain roads was a breath-taking prelude, revealing sheer cliffs and distant cityscapes that glimmered in the early light. Once there, guided by an expert local team, we plunged into the wild beauty of the mountain for a hike. Each step on the rugged terrain felt triumphant, buoyed by crisp air and awe-inspiring vistas. Our knowledgeable guide regaled us with stories of the mountain’s history while pointing out unique flora and fauna—every pause rewarding us with another slice of this captivating landscape. The adventure continued with the legendary Jais Sledder, the region’s ultimate toboggan ride. Leaving my phone for safekeeping, I grabbed a GoPro to immortalize the breath-taking descent down a 3,000-meter track. As I sped downhill, wind whipping against my face, the majestic mountain vistas became a blur, and a rush of pure adrenaline courses through me. After such excitement, I needed a moment to savour it all. We headed to 1484 by Puro, the UAE’s highest restaurant, perched at an elevation of 1,484 meters. There, I dined on gourmet dishes while revelling in panoramic views that were mesmerizing beyond words—dining amid stunning mountain scenery was an absolute feast for the senses. Then came the grand finale: the Jais Flight, the longest zipline in the world. Strapped in tight, I took a deep breath and plunged into the vast expanse, reaching dazzling speeds of up to 150 km/h. The unmatched glory of the Hajar Mountains unfolded beneath me—each second etching itself into my memory forever. As the sun painted the sky with hues of orange and pink at day’s end, I returned to the resort, triumphant and breathless.
FAREWELL TO AN ENCHANTING DESTINATION
On my last morning, breakfast unfolded against a backdrop of cobalt waters, an idyllic conclusion to this sublime adventure. The trip had seamlessly blended thrills with cultural discovery, each moment more enriching than the last. As I readied myself for departure at the resort, I couldn’t help but reflect on the memorable experiences I’d gained—the rush of the zipline, the deep history of the forts, and the serenity of my surroundings. My journey back to Dubai airport was filled with a profound appreciation for the beauty of Ras Al Khaimah, a place that had captured my heart and would remain cherished forever. In the end, every moment of this journey was exquisitely curated; it was not just a travel experience, but an adventure that left my spirit brimming with wanderlust, eager for the next escapade on the horizon.
Akanksha Dean is an independent food & travel writer, a chef and a catalyst and is the first Indian to have trained at Osteria Francescana, in Modena, Italy, rated as the world’s best restaurant in the World’s 50 Best Restaurants, in 2016 and 2018 and currently in the Best of The Best Category.