RAK Old Town and Corniche Holidays
RAK Old Town & Corniche
Holidays
The authentic heart of Ras Al Khaimah — a beautifully preserved old town of traditional wind-tower houses, the National Museum, a historic corniche and the most genuine Emirati character of any city in the UAE
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Flight Time
7h to Dubai + 1h transfer
Best Time
October to April
Country
Ras Al Khaimah, UAE
Suppliers
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RAK Old Town & Corniche Holiday Guide
RAK Old Town is the most authentic destination in the UAE — the National Museum, traditional wind-tower houses, Dhayah Fort and the genuine Emirati character make it a fascinating contrast to the resort developments of Al Marjan Island and Al Hamra. The least touristy city in the Emirates.
1 hour from Dubai Airport. October to April is ideal.
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Popular Areas in RAK Old Town & Corniche
Average Temperatures
Jan
20°C
Feb
22°C
Mar
26°C
Apr
31°C
May
36°C
Jun
39°C
Jul
41°C
Aug
41°C
Sep
38°C
Oct
33°C
Nov
27°C
Dec
22°C
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Call 01282 960 460Top 8 Things To Do in RAK Old Town & Corniche
The National Museum, traditional wind-tower houses, Dhayah Fort and the most authentic Emirati character in the UAE that make RAK Old Town the most genuine destination in the Emirates.
National Museum of RAK
The National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah is the finest museum in the emirate — housed in a beautifully preserved 19th-century palace (the former residence of the ruling Al Qasimi family), with an excellent collection of archaeological finds from the RAK region (including Bronze Age and Iron Age artefacts from the Hajar Mountains), traditional Emirati crafts, weapons, jewellery and a fascinating history of the pearl diving and maritime trading culture of the Gulf. The palace building itself is extraordinary and is the finest example of traditional Emirati architecture in RAK.
Dhayah Fort
Dhayah Fort is the most dramatic and historically significant fort in the UAE — a 19th-century hilltop fort perched on a rocky outcrop above the Dhayah oasis, with extraordinary views of the Hajar Mountains, the palm groves and the Gulf coast. The fort was the site of the last armed resistance to British forces in the UAE (1820) and is the finest example of a traditional Emirati hilltop fort. The climb to the fort is steep but the views from the summit are extraordinary. Dhayah Fort is 20 minutes from RAK city.
Old Town Architecture
The RAK Old Town has the finest collection of traditional Emirati architecture in the UAE — a series of beautifully preserved wind-tower houses (barjeel), traditional courtyard homes, old mosques and historic merchant houses along the creek and the old souq area. The wind towers (traditional air-conditioning systems) are the most distinctive architectural feature and are rarely seen in such good condition elsewhere in the UAE. The old town is the most authentic urban environment in the Emirates.
RAK Corniche
The RAK Corniche is the most pleasant and authentic waterfront promenade in the UAE — a relaxed, uncrowded walkway along the shores of the Arabian Gulf, with views of the traditional dhow harbour, the old town and the Hajar Mountains. The corniche is lined with local cafes, fish restaurants and traditional coffee shops and has a genuinely local and unhurried atmosphere. It is the best place in the UAE to experience authentic Emirati daily life.
Traditional Souqs
The RAK traditional souqs are the most authentic markets in the UAE — the gold souq, the spice souq and the fish market are all genuinely local and unspoilt by tourism. The fish market at the RAK harbour is the finest in the UAE, with an extraordinary variety of fresh fish, lobster and shellfish from the Arabian Gulf. The gold souq has excellent prices and a more relaxed atmosphere than the Dubai gold souq. The spice market has good quality saffron, frankincense and traditional Emirati spices.
Local Restaurants
The RAK Old Town has the most authentic and affordable local restaurant scene in the UAE — a mix of excellent Emirati restaurants (serving machboos, harees and traditional Emirati dishes), Indian curry houses, Iranian grills and local cafes. The seafood restaurants along the corniche serve the freshest fish in the UAE at very reasonable prices. The local restaurants are significantly more authentic and affordable than anything in Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
Bin Majid Beach Hotel
The Bin Majid Beach Hotel is the most characterful hotel in RAK city — a traditional, family-run beach hotel on the RAK corniche with a genuine local atmosphere, a private beach, a pool and excellent local food. The hotel is the best choice for visitors who want to experience authentic RAK rather than the international resort developments of Al Marjan Island and Al Hamra. The hotel is significantly more affordable than the luxury resorts and has a genuine charm.
Practical Tips
RAK Old Town is 1 hour from Dubai International Airport by taxi. The old town is compact and walkable — most of the main sights are within 15 minutes walk of each other. Taxis are the most convenient transport within the city. October to April is the best time to visit. The National Museum is closed on Tuesdays. Dhayah Fort is 20 minutes from the city by car. The fish market is best visited in the early morning (6–9am) when the catch is freshest.
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