City in the
UAE
Surrounded by the fierce Hajar Mountains, Ras Al Khaimah (or simply ‘RAK’, pronounced 'rass-al-kai-muh') is the UAE’s northernmost emirate.
While the call of the beach still laps up most visitors, who rarely move from the confines of their resort, RAK has been pulling out the stops in recent years to capitalise on its natural surroundings. Jebel Jais (the UAE's tallest mountain) is front-and-centre of the development, offering the world's longest zip line and a via ferrata route.
After the swish resort beaches and adrenaline-fuelled mountain vistas, RAK City itself can seem bland. To see the city looking its best, head here at sunset to join families and joggers for the evening promenade down Al Qawasim Corniche, fronting the creek and overlooked by the pearly white Sheikh Zayed Mosque.