Ras Al Khaimah — Mountains & Adventure

Ras Al Khaimah (short RAK) is the northernmost emirate and a rising star in UAE tourism. While Dubai and Abu Dhabi focus on skyscrapers and luxury, RAK scores with nature, adventure, and authenticity — and at significantly lower prices.

Jebel Jais

The Jebel Jais is the highest mountain in the UAE at 1,934 meters — and a surprising contrast to the desert landscapes. A spectacular serpentine road leads almost to the summit and offers breathtaking views of rugged limestone cliffs, deep gorges, and (rarely) even snow in winter.

At Jebel Jais, you'll find the world's longest zipline: The Jais Adventure Peak Zipline stretches over 2.83 km with a height difference of over 500 meters. You shoot across the gorge at up to 150 km/h — an absolute adrenaline rush. From 350 AED (87 EUR) per person.

Other activities at Jebel Jais:

• Jais Sledder: Summer toboggan run with a length of 1,885 m (from 85 AED/21 EUR)
• Jais Sky Tour: 7 ziplines over the mountain landscape (from 320 AED/80 EUR)
• Hiking: Several marked trails, including the Jebel Jais Stairway (from 150 AED/37 EUR)
• Bear Grylls Explorers Camp: Outdoor survival experience and overnight stay in tents on the mountain (from 450 AED/112 EUR)

Beaches & Resorts

RAK has some of the most beautiful and untouched beaches in the UAE — kilometers of white sand, much emptier than in Dubai. Top hotels like the Waldorf Astoria RAK, the Rixos Bab Al Bahr, and the Al Hamra Palace Beach Resort offer 5-star luxury at prices unthinkable in Dubai (from 400 AED/100 EUR per night instead of 1,000+ in Dubai).