Nothing says getting away from it all quite like going on the adventure of a lifetime, and Ras Al Khaimah simply delivers. The mountains provide breathtaking views, while the desert plains let you enjoy a huge range of activities. And then you have the sea, providing watersports, paragliding and relaxation after an action-packed day. Sounds like fun? That’s only the start of the things to do in this incredible destination.
Fun for thrillseekers at Jebel Jais
Jebel Jais is the place to go if you're seeking thrills on your Ras Al Khaimah holiday and here are just a few of the activities that can be enjoyed on the UAE’s highest peak.
Jebel Jais Flight Experience
If you’re looking for adrenaline-fuelled fun in Ras Al Khaimah, the Jebel Jais Flight Experience takes the top spot.
Fancy travelling at over 90mph suspended from a wire with far-reaching views and unspoilt mountain scenery? That’s what the Jebel Jais Flight experience offers.
As you hang from the World’s Longest Zipline, you’ll reach speeds up to 93mph over the 1.7-mile course for an unforgettable adrenaline rush – 1,680 metres above sea level!
Zip even further and sign up for the Jebel Jais Sky Tour. Cover three miles, across seven separate ziplines, taking in the panoramic view for over an hour.
Stop off at the sky bridge
Catch your breath and pay a visit to the UAE’s highest sky bridge. A 15-metre structure, this bridge is part of the zipline tour and offers breathtaking views of valleys below. You'll need to walk across this bridge in the clouds to reach the next section of the zipline tour but it's worth the rush of adrenaline.
You can witness the view without the exertion too. The Viewing Deck Park allows you to take in the scenes at your own pace.
Here you'll find binoculars looking out over the Arabian Gulf and you can even spot people whizzing by on the zipline course. Grab a hot cup of tea, sit back and take a moment – while still 1,250 metres above sea level.
Escape the Sky Maze
Put your navigational skills to the test at great heights in the Sky Maze, a unique addition to the Jebel Jais experience. Here, you'll find yourself 10 metres above the ground (that's twice the height of your typical giraffe) with narrow wooden ramps to navigate and various challenges to undertake – there's even the chance to try and ride a bicycle across a wobbly bridge. Of course, you'll be wearing a harness at all times, but you're still guaranteed a rush.
Try your hand at mountain climbing
Head to Via Ferrata – Italian for “iron road” – for an exciting yet secure way to enjoy epic mountain climbing. Connect to the cable and take in the gorgeous backdrop as a professional instructor guides you along the mountain face – it’s a workout with a view. Don’t forget your GoPro for impressive videos of your route and the surrounding scenery.
Head out hiking
Experience the landscape on foot and head into the wilderness on a hiking trail – don your comfiest, sturdiest shoes and off you go. There are six trails to choose from around Jebel Jais, with varying levels of difficulty, so you can choose the right one for your party. Make your way through the winding paths up the mountain, get up close and personal with its residents including goats and donkeys and find a spot to catch your breath while admiring the views at the top.
Other things to do for thrillseekers in Ras Al Khaimah
Jebel Jais isn't the only destination for adrenaline-inducing adventures. Here are just a few more options for thrillseekers.
Explore the desert on horseback
Thunder across the desert on the back of an Arabian horse for a truly authentic and thrilling challenge at The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah Al Wadi Desert’s equestrian centre. Walk, trot or canter along the sand, discovering well-established desert trails to explore the Al Wadi reserve.
Combine this with dune bashing and sandboarding at the Bedouin Camp Oasis, located just over 10 minutes from the equestrian centre. Take the driving seat in a quad bike, a Land Cruiser or even on a camel as you enjoy the panoramic views from the top of the dunes. Finish off the day with a traditional Arabic feast in the authentic Bedouin tent at the heart of the facility.
Go canyoning in Wadi Showka
To the south of Ras Al Khaimah, Wadi Showka offers a huge range of options for those with a sense of adventure. Pass through local farms, mountainous foothills and beautiful scenery when you start the day early to enjoy the sunrise while on camelback.
Outdoor activities also include canyoning as you scramble through a wadi before hiking to your next destination. Be prepared to get wet, as the canyons often have streams running through the middle of them. Backpacking, mountain survival and epic hikes are also available in a huge range of day excursions nearby.
Discover the waters
Lose yourself in the mangroves and salt flats that extend from the sea right through to the centre of Ras Al Khaimah. Quietly watch a flamboyance of flamingos, make your way through the waterways and listen as the birds sing in the trees around you – there’s so much to see and hear as your professional guide takes you kayaking through these beautiful landscapes.
There are also miles of coastline to explore. Climb aboard a jet ski for high-octane fun or pick up a paddle and go paddleboarding, a gentler sport. Those who love to explore beneath the waves can book snorkelling and diving with the Al Jazeera Diving & Swimming Center and even receive qualifications before your next underwater adventure.
Ready to discover a whole new side to Ras Al Khaimah? If you're seeking thrills, create an itinerary filled with ziplining, hiking and active exploration.
Book your holiday to Ras Al Khaimah with Best At Travel and speak to one of our experts.