Activities to try in Ras Al Khaimah. ARCHIVE

Whether you're chasing thrills, soaking in the views, or uncovering ancient traditions, Ras Al Khaimah is where your bucket list comes to life. From diving for real pearls at Suwaidi Pearl Farm, to flying down the world’s longest zipline at Jebel Jais, we tried it all—so you know exactly where to go for your next epic UAE escape.

Suwaidi Pearls

Our exploration of Ras Al Khaimah’s heritage took us to the Suwaidi Pearl Farm, the UAE’s only pearl farm. We took a 10-minute boat ride out to the middle of the coastal waters, where we were treated to an educational and fascinating experience. Learning about the history of pearl farming in the UAE was a highlight, and the excitement peaked when we each picked an oyster and found our very own pearl. It was a truly unique and memorable activity that connected us to the rich heritage of the region. ALSO READ: Meet the UAE's last pearl diver

Jebel Jais: A scenic escape

Our trip to Jebel Jais was filled with adrenaline-pumping activities. The scenic drive up the mountain offered stunning views of the rugged landscape, and we were in awe of the natural beauty surrounding us. At the top, we hopped onto the Jais Sledder—a thrilling ride with hairpin turns and breathtaking views that had us racing down the mountain with the wind in our hair. Pure fun and adrenaline!

Jais Flight experience

For the ultimate adrenaline rush, we couldn’t resist trying the Jais Flight Experience, the world’s longest zipline. Flying over the mountain at breakneck speeds was exhilarating, to say the least. The views were incredible, and the sense of freedom as we soared through the air was unmatched. It’s not for the faint-hearted, but for those who dare, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that you’ll never forget.

Jais Sky Tour for daredevils

The Jais Sky Tour takes you soaring across six heart-pounding ziplines—some stretching over a kilometer long—all while you fly at speeds averaging 60kmph. Perched at 1,600 meters above sea level, this thrilling ride whisks you through 5km of Hajar Mountains, offering insane bird’s-eye views that make you feel like a falcon in flight. The highest platform? A jaw-dropping sky bridge suspended 300 meters in the air! Your journey kicks off with a scenic 30 km drive of steep switchbacks and hairpin bends as you climb to Jebel Jais, the UAE’s tallest peak at 1,934 meters. Total experience time? Around two hours of pure adrenaline. Hold your breath and enjoy the view!

Dining at 1484 by Puro: A high-altitude delight

One of the highlights of our trip was dining at 1484 by Puro, the highest restaurant in the UAE, located atop Jebel Jais. The scenic drive alone is worth the trip. The drive up the mountain was breathtaking, with every turn revealing more of the rugged landscape. The restaurant itself offers breathtaking views, and the food is as spectacular as the setting. The menu lived up to the hype. The food was delicious, the service impeccable, and we couldn't resist trying their signature drink—a concoction so sweet that it even attracted a few honeybees to our table! Dining at such an altitude, with the world seemingly at your feet, was an unforgettable experience.

RAK from the skies at Jazirah Aviation Club

We missed our flight, but not the thrill! Jazirah Aviation Club in RAK is a must-do for sky lovers. Our adventure at Jazirah Aviation Club in Ras Al Khaimah may have been grounded due to gusty weather, but that only fueled our excitement to come back. Home to the emirate’s first aviation club, Jazirah has trained hundreds of sky-high dreamers for over 25 years. Ever flown a microlight aircraft? Here, you can tick that off your bucket list while enjoying stunning aerial views of Jebel Jais, terracotta dunes, glittering waters, and even flamingos mid-flight. Spot camels, wild oryx, and reef sharks from above—it’s like National Geographic, but you’re the drone! PIA/Expat Media This story also appears in the Expat Media Special Edition magazine
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