Situated on the coast, Ras Al Khaimah has a unique and varied landscape, stretching from the bordering Hajar mountains down to the golden sandy beaches, making it one of the United Arab Emirates top tourist spots. Apart from its beautiful beach views and attractions, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Ras Al Khaimah National Museum or the hilltop Dhayah Fort for a deeper look into the emirate’s rich cultural history.
Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah
Discover a dazzling array of Arabia’s surprisingly diverse enchantments in the UAE’s newest hotspot: Marjan Island is an idyllic, man-made archipelago of four coral-shaped islets stretching 4.5kms into the shimmering sea off Ras Al Khaimah. Marjan Island was designed to celebrate the best of outdoor living, with 7.8 kms of silvery white beaches, warm blue waters, more than 8 hours of daily sunshine and super-star lit nights, all set against the scenic backdrop of the Yanis and Jais Mountains.
And the special colors, sights, sounds and smells of Ras Al Khaimah leave a lasting impression, with something to delight everyone. The unique natural landscape features lush green mangrove swamps, the vast, silent desert and 68kms of pristine beaches, all guarded by giant Jebel Jais, the UEA’s highest mountain.
Only 80kms from Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah – often known just as RAK - is a warm and welcoming place of contrasts. Its contemporary sophistication is inspired by ancient Bedouin and Emirati traditions. Enjoy bartering in the bustling souks, set between slick modern malls. Find fresh inspiration in the emirate’s varied world-class cultural happenings – plus fireworks, music and a choice of major gastronomic festivals.
Food plays an important part of any stay in RAK: the warm sea air and fresh local produce add to the pleasures of outdoor eating and drinking. And the Radisson Resort Ras Al Khaimah Marjan Island offers a delightful range of incredible dining experiences, including balanced breakfast buffets, fantastic fresh seafood, pub classics with a twist and flavour-packed Mediterranean favorites. Cool off at the swim up-pool bar, the beach-facing sports bar, or enjoy a snack any time of day in the relaxing lobby Bake House.
Want to get that adrenaline pumping? Escape to RAK’s great, unspoilt outdoors and choose from the exhilarating range of adventures on offer, including diving, kayaking, parasailing, abseiling, hiking, mountain biking, golf and the world’s longest Zipline.
Or soak up some fascinating local history and traditions: immerse yourself in the emirate’s rich, 7,000-year old heritage at stunning sites like Dhaya Fort, Jazirat Al-Hamra and the RAK National Museum; share the excitement at the camel races – and soak up the serenity of the sand dunes and the awesome views on a desert safari or a Bedouin Camp visit. Or simply unwind with a book and a poolside cocktail as you totally relax, recharge and reconnect on an unforgettable sun, sea, sand and spa escape. Magical Marjan: the experience of a lifetime...
Reasons to go
World class, crowd-free beaches; nature; views; history; culture; adventure sports; shopping: entertainment and glorious sunshine make Marjan Island the ideal place to escape all year round.
The wide range of activities available - suitable for all tastes and ages – make for fabulous, fun-packed family holidays. Offering a great choice of spacious rooms and suites designed for adults with children, the Radisson Resort Ras Al Khaimah Marjan Island is the perfect destination for a sun-soaked family getaway - with a private beach, special kids’ area and pool, an exciting range of water activities and on-site restaurants with menus designed to appeal to everyone from picky young eaters to sophisticated foodies.
Marjan’s fantastic array of attractions and exotic atmosphere also create a dream destination for couples who’ll fall in love with the spectacular scenery, pristine private beaches, warm sea, sunshine, great choice of entertainment and world-class, waterfront dining options.
And the romance of the desert - with its balmy star lit nights – sets the scene for truly magical honeymoons In RAK. Check out the stylish waterfront rooms and suites - all with breath-taking views - at the Radisson Resort Ras Al Khaimah Marjan Island. Newlyweds can relax in peace on the private beach, unwind in the spa, enjoy sunset sessions at the cosy Seafood Shack, sip cocktails on the RGB terrace – all without leaving the comfort of the resort. Or they can take off on a dreamy desert adventure, making memories to last a lifetime.
Here are our insiders’ Don’t Miss recommendations...
- Dive Into The Blue: Scuba, parasail, fish, flyboard or snorkel in the Gulf’s turquoise waters. Or kayak through the tranquil mangrove swamps – home to flocks of flamingos.
- Shop Like A Local: Barter for traditional textiles and treasures in the bustling souks and explore the sights, scents and colours of the fresh food markets.
- Go Ghostbusting! Take a spooky trip to dusty Jazirah Al Hamra, an abandoned 14th century pearl fishing village with its allegedly haunted ruined houses, mosque and marketplace.
- Explore Modern Destination: Malls Popular malls like the Al Naeem, the RAK, the Manar and the Al Hambra offer a vast range of shopping, leisure, entertainment and eating options.
- Uncover the Mysteries of History: Find out all about the Gulf’s famous Pirate Coast and RAK’s fascinating 7,000-year old-history at the National Museum, housed in an Old Town fort.
- Delight in The Desert: Sample the best of authentic Bedouin culture at a desert oasis camp. Enjoy an unforgettable night of barbecue, belly dancing and fire eating under the stars – and maybe get a henna tattoo...
- Travel Back in Time: Instagram the atmospheric Dhayah Fort - an important 18th century monument, perched on a hilltop with beautiful mountain views.
- Get in The Swing: Tee off at a friendly local golf club, soaking up the sun and spectacular surrounding views.
- Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah! Feel that RUSH... Adrenaline addicts can fly at speeds of up to 150kph down the 2.83km span of the thrilling Jebel Jais Flight – the world’s longest zip wire!
Getting There
Take one of the great choice of flights available to Dubai: Marjan Island is then less an hour away by taxi or hire car, both easily booked at the airport. Or travel by public transport on the Line 102 bus.
When to Go
Marjan Island is a great, year-round destination, with 8-10 hours of daily sunshine. But spring is the ideal time to visit, when temperatures hit a daily high of around 27 degrees and the skies are a deep, clear blue.
Travel Tips
The climate is generally very warm, dry and sunny. But pack a light waterproof if you’re heading to the mountains in case of a sudden shower - plus a cover-up for occasional cooler evenings.
