Known for its combination of modern architecture and dusky deserts, the United Arab Emirates entices all types of travellers. The northernmost destination of Ras Al Khaimah is no different, hosting a wealth of fantastic amenities and a glorious stretch of coastline.
If you can tear yourself away from your luxury resort, why not explore the many shopping options in and around Ras Al Khaimah? Opulent designer stores and several fun-filled malls await.
Shopping in Ras Al Khaimah
While they may not be as vast as those in neighbouring Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah still boasts an impressive selection of shopping malls. With stunning architecture and convenient locations close to the coastline, you don’t have to go far to indulge in a much-deserved shopping trip. Many of the resorts in Ras Al Khaimah offer a shuttle bus service to the malls or are within walking distance. Worried about bringing the kids along? Don’t be, as these malls have a great selection of activities and indoor playgrounds to keep them entertained while you engage in a little retail therapy.
Manar Mall
Home to over 120 stores and entertainment centres, Manar Mall is far from your ordinary shopping experience. Pick up various brands of makeup at Sephora before browsing clothes at Zara. As well as clothing and make up stores and jewellers, you’ll find an authentic spice market that’ll fill your senses.
Bringing the kids along? Manar Mall is the perfect place to go on your family holiday to Ras Al Khaimah featuring Tridom, an expansive children’s area with a soft playground, arcade, the tallest indoor drop tower in the Middle East and many other rides. As well as a kid’s area, Manar Mall is home to a cinema and food court where you can watch the latest flicks before choosing something to eat.
Al Hamra Mall
Based in the residential area of Al Hamra Village, this retail centre offers two storeys of shops and an impressive food court. Al Hamra Mall is home to several popular luxury and high street shops, including Matalan, Hour Choice and Jawhara Jewellery.
And to fuel up, head to the food court where you’ll find a wide range of restaurants and cafés including the ever-popular Nando’s, Pizza Express and Caffe Nero as well as traditional Arabic dining outlets. Once you’ve shopped all you can, make your way to Vox Cinema to catch the latest Hollywood blockbuster.
RAK Mall
A popular choice with locals and holidaymakers alike, RAK Mall is a great source of entertainment. Inside this modern Ras Al Khaimah mall, you’ll find several fashion and lifestyle stores and a few other surprises including an ice skating rink! Head to the food court and grab a small bite to eat at Dunkin’ Doughnuts or sit down for dinner at Bella Venezia; whatever your tastes, you won’t be disappointed by what's on offer.
Shopping beyond Ras al Khaimah
Widen your shopping horizons by driving to neighbouring Dubai, only an hour and a half away by car. Here are our top picks of the city’s malls.
The Dubai Mall
One of the largest malls in the world, the Dubai Mall mixes fantastic shopping experiences with dining, entertainment and leisure. Over 1,300 retail outlets including two department stores (Galeries Lafayette and Bloomingdale’s) are spread over several levels – for high-end designer shopping, browse more than 150 luxury brands at Fashion Avenue.
But there’s so much to do at Dubai Mall than shopping till you drop! More than 200 food and beverage outlets serve a range of cuisine from around the world, while the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo housing 33,000 marine mammals provides a unique attraction. And of course, we have to mention that the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain are also located in this area.
Dubai Flea Market
For a different kind of shopping experience, head to the city’s parks. Every Saturday in the winter months (it takes a hiatus during the hotter summer season), the open-air Dubai Flea Market takes over one of the parks with pop-up stalls selling second hand and pre-loved items. You’ll find everything from kitchenware and ceramics to DVD box sets, paperback and bric-a-brac.
Mall of the Emirates
One of Dubai’s biggest malls, it’s easy to see why the multi-level Mall of the Emirates is one of the city’s most visited. A hub of retail, dining and entertainment, you’ll find pent of fun attractions and activities as well as a number of restaurants, cafés and fast food options and hundreds of fashion and lifestyle outlets including boutiques and department stores.
This is also where you’ll find one of Dubai’s most unique attractions: Ski Dubai! The first indoor ski resort in the region, there’s a snow park where you can ski, snowboard, toboggan and take a chairlift ride – plus there’s the ski slope, ski school and a colony of Gentoo and King penguins. And that’s not all… families will love Magic Planet with an arcade, bowling alley and gravity trampoline park, and Dreamscape where you can take part in a series of virtual-reality adventures.
Experience sandy beaches and luxury shopping malls when you choose one of our luxury affordable holidays in Ras Al Khaimah. With a myriad of amenities such as spas, fitness centres and infinity pools, our hand-selected resorts have everything you need to enjoy Ras Al Khaimah.