Going up the road, you pass through some quite picturesque village perched on the mountain of Ras Al Khaimah City Tour. It seems incredible that someone can live in such an inhospitable place.
In the final section there are several free parking lots with views of the valley and the peaks. It is surprising that in many there are families camping to spend the day or night.
It is even more surprising that at the top there is a zip line, the largest in the world, and a kind of vintage roller coaster.
If what you like is the landscape, I recommend that you access the Observation Deck which costs 5 dirhams and offers beautiful views of the sunset over the Persian Gulf. In addition, it has a good cafeteria and bathrooms in good condition.
Where to eat in Ras al Khaimah
The restaurant they recommended to me is at the entrance to the city coming from Dubai. It’s called Madfoon AlSadda and it was truly a local experience.
You can choose between eating in the private spaces or in the dining room. In both places there are covers of traditional fabrics.
Emirati cuisine is served and as a particularity they have goat cooked underground with a local technique ( Madfoon mutton ). There are also options of chicken and fish marinated with highly recommended spices.
The main course is served with a complimentary beef soup, a spicy tomato sauce, and scented rice. There is no bread or the typical mezze of Middle Eastern restaurants.
How to organize day trip to Ras al Kahimah
Start the journey at 9 am from Dubai (approx. 1.5 hours). You can take the opportunity to stop in the small emirate of Umm al-Quwain which has large intact mangroves
At 11.30 you can already be in the abandoned town of Al Jazirah Al Hamra . The ride takes about half an hour.
Have lunch at the Madfoon al Sadda restaurant .
Continue north along the coast to the Rams where pearls used to be fished and you can see the mountains and the sea.
Go up to the Dhayah Fort and enjoy the views of the sea, the mountains and the thousands of palm trees.
At 4 pm maximum you have to start the ascent to Jebel Jais . The road is in good condition, but it takes an hour if you make stops to appreciate the views. There are several free car parks, but the Jebel Jais Observation Deck is the best for views and services and costs 5 dirhams.
If you want to enjoy the attractions of the mountain such as the largest zip line in the world or a kind of roller coaster, you must arrive much earlier.
Alternative activities to climb Jebel Jais:
- Pearl farm tour in Al Rams
- Afternoon in the Ras al Khaimah desert and visit a camel farm .
- Ras al Khaimah in two days
A second day in Ras al Khaimah is necessary if you want to camp at Jebel Jais . During the week the place is more or less quiet, but I don’t recommend it on weekends.
Another very attractive activity involves entering Oman. The end of the Al Hajar mountains closes the Persian Gulf with a peculiar formation of desert fjords. As you have to cross the border of this small portion of Omani territory, entry is not allowed if you have not contracted an activity with a local agency.
The wonderful pearl farm of Suwaidi
Have you seen a beautiful pearl necklace? During your visit to the Emirates, you will get to know a place where these beautiful decorative elements are usually extracted: the Suwaidi pearl farm.
With the help of a guide you can take this tour. You will board a boat at the port of Al Rams Marina . This boat will give you a ride through the mangroves .
You will arrive at the Ponton. In this place, the natural process of the formation of the oyster and pearls will be explained to you. There will even be an oyster splitting demonstration so you can see the beauty of pearls in their natural state.
If you were captivated by pearls and oysters, you have the option of buying handicrafts and jewelry in the local markets. The artisans will offer you a wide variety of items that you can take with you as a souvenir.