If Dubai is the dazzling metropolis and Abu Dhabi is the cultural powerhouse, Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) is the UAE’s rugged, adventure-loving sibling. In 2026, it is officially the fastest-growing tourism spot in the region.
While the world is watching the cranes on Al Marjan Island, RAK has managed to keep its “wild” side intact. It’s where you go to trade the mall for a mountain and the skyscraper for a sunrise over a 16th-century fort.
1. The Big News: Al Marjan Island & Wynn 2027
You can’t talk about RAK “now” without mentioning Al Marjan Island.
- The Milestone: As of early 2026, the Wynn Al Marjan Island resort has reached its structural topping out. The 70-floor tower is a permanent fixture of the skyline now.
- The Hype: It’s set to open in Spring 2027 and will house the UAE’s first legally licensed gaming area (casino). Even before opening, it has turned RAK into a global real estate magnet.
- The Vibe: For now, the island is a haven of ultra-luxury beach resorts (Rixos, Waldorf Astoria, InterContinental) that offer much more space and privacy than you’d find in Dubai.
2. Getting There: Your Gateway to Ras Al Khaimah
Most people used to land in Dubai and drive up, but in 2026, RAK International Airport has become a major hub for budget-conscious travelers.
Flight Hacks
If you’re looking for the best way to get here, Kiwi.com is the way to go. They’re excellent at finding those “hidden” routes—like flying into Sharjah or RAK directly—which can be significantly cheaper than a direct flight to DXB.
Traveler Tip: Use the code KIWI20TPWINTER for €20 off bookings over €270 (valid through February 2026). That’s your first desert safari paid for!
You can also check Mytrip or Flight Network to compare full-service carriers if you’re bringing a lot of adventure gear.
Driving & Connectivity
RAK is a “car city.” To get from the beaches to the mountains, you need wheels.
- Rentals: Use GetRentacar.com. It’s often cheaper than the airport desks, and you can pick a rugged 4×4, which is much better for exploring the Wadis.
- Data: Don’t rely on hotel Wi-Fi if you’re heading into the mountains. Grab an eSIM from Airalo before you land. 5G coverage at the top of Jebel Jais is surprisingly excellent.
3. The “Adventure Capital” Checklist
Jebel Jais: The Highest Point in the UAE
This mountain is the star of the show. It’s about 10-15 degrees cooler than the coast.
- Jais Flight: The world’s longest zipline. You’ll hit speeds of up to 160 km/h. It’s terrifying, exhilarating, and absolutely worth it.
- 1484 by Puro: The highest restaurant in the UAE. Eating breakfast here while looking down at the clouds is a core memory.
- Bear Grylls Explorers Camp: If you want to actually learn how to survive in the desert mountains, this is the only place in the region to do it.
Suwaidi Pearl Farm
Located in Al Rams, this is a beautiful, low-energy counterpoint to the ziplines. You take a traditional boat through the mangroves to the UAE’s only active pearl farm. It’s quiet, cultural, and deeply educational about the country’s history before oil.
Dhayah Fort
A quick but steep climb up some stairs leads you to the last hilltop fort standing in the UAE. The 360-degree view of the date palm lushness (the “Zayan” area) against the backdrop of the Hajar Mountains is the best photo op in the Emirate.
4. For the Indian Traveler: Practical Advice for Ras Al Khaimah
RAK is incredibly popular with Indian tourists because of the direct flights (IndiGo and Air India Express fly directly into RAK from Kochi, Mumbai, and Hyderabad).
Smart Banking
Since you’ll be doing everything from paying for ziplines to buying local honey in the mountains, a good NRI or travel-friendly account is key.
- The Duo: Many travelers use the IndusInd Tiger Credit Card or SBI Credit Cards. The low foreign markup and airport lounge access (especially if you have a layover in Mumbai or Delhi) make a huge difference.
Insurance is Non-Negotiable
RAK is for adventure, and adventure carries a bit of risk.
- Comprehensive: ICICI Lombard is the standard for most Indian families.
- Existing Riders: If you use Acko Bike or Acko Car Insurance back home, check their app for their travel insurance add-ons.
- For International Travels: If you want something you can buy in 2 minutes on your phone, AURAS offers very clear international coverage.
Flight & Baggage Help
If your flight to RAK gets delayed or your bags get lost during a connection, don’t let it ruin the trip. AirAdvisor helps you file for compensation for baggage claims or delays. They handle the legal back-and-forth so you can get back to your vacation.
5. A 3-Day RAK “Peak to Beach” Itinerary
- Day 1: Scaling the Heights.
- Morning: Drive up Jebel Jais. Do the Jais Flight zipline early before the wind picks up.
- Lunch: 1484 by Puro at the summit.
- Afternoon: Hike the Jebel Jais Lower Trails (easier and very scenic).
- Evening: Dinner at The Ritz-Carlton Al Wadi Desert to see the Arabian oryx.
- Day 2: Culture & Mangroves.
- Morning: Visit Dhayah Fort for the morning light.
- Afternoon: Suwaidi Pearl Farm tour in Al Rams. Followed by kayaking in the mangroves to see the flamingos.
- Evening: Explore Al Jazeera Al Hamra, the “Ghost Village,” a perfectly preserved traditional pearling town.
- Day 3: Island Life.
- All Day: Head to Al Marjan Island. Spend the day at a beach club or doing motorized water sports (jet skiing is huge here).
- Evening: Shopping and dinner at Al Hamra Mall or the local Kuwaiti Souq for authentic spices and textiles.
Ras Al Khaimah Quick-Links Table
| Service | Recommended Provider |
| Cheap Flights | Kiwi.com (Code: KIWI20TPWINTER) |
| Connectivity | Airalo eSIM |
| Car Rental | GetRentacar.com |
| Best Travel Insurance | ICICI Lombard or AURAS |
| Indian Banking | IndusInd Tiger or SBI Cards |
| Flight Delays | AirAdvisor |
If you’re a photographer or vlogger, I’d highly recommend a quick look at Skillshare for their mobile videography courses before you head to the mountains—the scale of Jebel Jais is hard to capture without the right techniques. You can then use Wondershare to edit those mountain clips into a stunning travel reel.
Conclusion
Ras Al Khaimah in 2026 is that rare destination that feels like it’s on the verge of a massive breakthrough while still letting you hear the wind through the Hajar Mountains. With the Wynn Al Marjan tower now a permanent fixture on the skyline, the emirate has officially found its stride as the UAE’s adventure and lifestyle capital.
Whether you’re here to conquer the world’s longest zipline or to find a quiet stretch of beach that hasn’t been “over-Instagrammed” yet, RAK is the perfect antidote to the big-city hustle.
