Best Places To Live In Ras Al Khaimah For Tourist

Want a great holiday with beaches, history and luxury hotels? Look at Ras al Khaimah, a secret place in the United Arab Emirates. This is becoming super popular with tourists! Last year, more than one million people visited, and tourism revenue increased by 12%.

If you are planning a trip, then you are probably wondering where to live. Ras al Khaimah has a lot of places for all, whether you are going on a short vacation or thinking of staying for a long time. There are luxury resorts on islands and cool local areas. This guide will help you find the best place to live as a tourist.

First of all, let’s see why Ras al Khaimah is so great for travellers.

Tourism in Ras al Khaimah

Ras al Khaimah is constantly improving its tourism ranking in the UAE. Its tourism sector has shown impressive growth in 2024, with a 15% increase in meetings, encouragement, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) visitors. But why this increase? Many factors have attributed to this popularity. Let’s see one by one.

New Luxury Resorts: The inauguration of high-end hotels such as Sofitel Al Hamra Beach Resort and Anantara Mina Al Arab Resort raised the hospitality landscape. You will also amazed to know that Anantara Mina Al Arab Resort introduced the emirate’s first overwater villas, which isa key factor of attraction.
Better Connectivity: Ras al Khaimah International Airport has expanded its connections in major cities around the world. That’s why many international travellers can easily reach this paradise.
World-class Program: RAK government every year arranges internationally acclaimed programs such as Highlander Adventure Hiking Challenge, Ras Al Khaimah Golf Championships and Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon. This step increases Ras al Khaimah to sports enthusiasts and adventurers.
Future Development: Emirates is ready for further development and plans to attract 3.5 million visitors annually by 2030. By 2027, hotel room key inventories in Ras Al Khaimah are set to double, with nearly 7,000 keys gearing up to be added. Major hotel openings in Ras Al Khaimah:
- Le Meridien: 350 hotel rooms, opening TBC 2026
- JW Marriott: 300 hotel rooms, opening Q4 2026
- Hilton: 315 hotel rooms, opening TBC 2026
- Unexpected Hotel Al Marjan Island: 422 hotel rooms, opening TBC 2026
- W: 300 hotel rooms, opening Q1 2027
- Nobu: 165 hotel rooms, opening TBC 2028

As you can see, Ras al Khaimah is not only resting on its praise but is constantly developing to provide a unique experience to its visitors. Now, let’s find out some popular tourist destinations that make the Emirates so special.

Popular Tourist Destinations in Ras Al Khaimah

Dhayah Fort

Want a glimpse in the past of the Emirates? Check Dhayah Fort. This old clay-brick fort of the 1700s is a must-visit destination to experience history. Now, it gives you killer views of the Palm Garden, the Mountains and the Gulf of Arabia. At the base of the fort lies 12 large Wadi Suq tombs from between 2,000 to 1,300 BC. As you go up, you can witness the spectacular views.

Al Jazeera Al Hamra

Al Jazeera Al Hamra is like a time capsule before the UAE oil. Zaab tribe ruled this town before the tribe moved to Abu Dhabi between 1968 and 1971. Currently, this place is famous as a ‘ghost town’. With the passage of time, this site was turned into a heritage and archaeological village. This ghost city has some really well old Emirati buildings such as coral stone houses, mosques and another fort. Walk around the cool roads and imagine how busy things are.

National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah

The National Museum of Ras al Khaimah is located inn an old fort. It is a treasure of artifacts that tells the story of 7,000 years of Emirates. It has everything from old pottery to weapons, which takes you a look at the history and culture of the region. If you want to know the cultural taunting of Ras al Khaimah, then you need to stay here.

Ras Al Khaimah National Museum Ticket Price: AED 5 for adults | AED 2 for children
Ras Al Khaimah National Museum Timings: Tuesday to Thursday, Saturday & Sunday (08:00 am to 06:00 pm) | Friday (03:00 pm to 07:30 pm) | Monday (Closed)

Hajar Mountains

If you love nature or like thrills, then the Hajar Mountains is the right spot for you. The majestic Hajar Mountains are a major part of the emirate, adding to its scenic beauty and being one of the major attractions for locals and tourists. This mountain is great for hiking, biking and climbing. In addition, the highest point in the UAE is Jebel Jais, which has the longest zipline in the world.

Flamingo Beach

Flamingo Beach is a haven for nature enthusiasts. It is a public beach located between Ras Al Khaimah and Al Hamra village. This protected area is home to a variety of bird species, including reputed flamingos. The atmosphere is very pleasant and perfect for a special hangout.

Iceland Water Park

Very hot? Head of Iceland Water Park to cool. This water park has slides, pools and leisure items for all. Whether you like crazy water riding or just chilling in a lazy river, it is a refreshing escape for the whole family.

Now that we’ve explored some of the top attractions, let’s look at where you can stay to make the most of your visit to Ras Al Khaimah.

Best Hotels in Ras Al Khaimah for Tourists

Ras Al Khaimah boasts an impressive array of luxury hotels and resorts, catering to discerning travellers and families alike. Here are some of the top accommodations in the emirate:

Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Resort

Experience luxury at Anantara Mina Al Arab Resort. This newly opened resort covers the first overwater villa in the Emirates. It offers a Maldivian-style experience in the UAE. With its commitment to world -class amenities, it is perfect for those who are looking for a lavish experience.

Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah

Waldorf Astoria offers amazing views of the Arabian Gulf, a private beach and a championship golf course. The palace rooms and suites, combined with extraordinary food options, make it an ideal choice for sensible travelers.

Hampton by Hilton Marjan Island

For those looking for more budget-friendly options without compromising on quality, Hampton by Hilton on the Marjan Island is an excellent option. This family-friendly hotel provides easy access to a comfortable room, a private beach and attractions. It is perfect to explore Ras al Khaimah without staying for a long time or breaking the bank.

Sofitel Al Hamra Beach Resort

Opened in 2024, Sofitel Al-Hamra Beach Resort brings French elegance to the shores of Ras Al Khaimah. With its beach space and sophisticated design, this resort provides a good view of the beach. Enjoy world-class food, a magnificent spa, and beautifully appointed rooms that mix local effects with contemporary style.

Best Places To Live & Invest In Ras Al Khaimah

For those considering a longer stay or investment in Ras Al Khaimah, several areas stand out for their amenities, lifestyle offerings, and potential for growth.

Al Marjan Island

Al Marjan Island leads Ras Al Khaimah’s tourism growth. This artificial archipelago has four coral-shaped islands that stretch into the Arabian Gulf. Its clean beaches high-end resorts, and future attractions make it ideal to live and invest. The island will expand a lot, with plans for new hotels, homes, and the much-awaited Wynn Al Marjan Island resort, which will have the Gulf’s first legal casino when it opens in 2027.

Mina Al Arab

Mina Al Arab is a seaside community that blends living areas with protected coastal wetlands. This green development offers various properties from apartments to villas, all built with the environment in mind. Its lagoons, walking paths, and closeness to nature reserves make it perfect for people who want a mix of modern life and natural beauty.

Al Hamra Village

Al Hamra Village is a well-known community that has a mix of villas, townhouses, and apartments. It includes the Al Hamra Mall, an 18-hole pro golf course, and a marina giving residents a full lifestyle. The area’s nearness to beaches and the Al Hamra business district attracts both long-term residents and investors.

Al Hamra Island

Al Hamra Island links to Al Hamra Village and provides a more selective living option. This community has gates and boasts high-end villas with their own beach areas and great views of the Arabian Gulf. People who want privacy and top-notch features choose this spot, which also gives easy access to what the mainland has to offer.

Al Mairid

Al Marid is a developing area close to the center of the city. It provides a mixture of residential and commercial properties, in which new projects emerge continuously. It has everything from beach access to popular shopping centers which keeps your everyday busy.. It is an excellent option for those who want to be closer to urban features, enjoying Ras al Khaimah comfortably.

Conclusion

Ras al Khaimah is becoming a top position for tourists and long -term visitors. In 2024, it had 1.28 million visitors, and it is ready to grow even more. You can find many places to live here, from luxury resorts to environmentally friendly communities. The region combines modern luxury with traditional attractions and focuses on permanent growth.

When it comes to choosing where to live, think about what you like and what you want. You can choose from busy waterfronts, cool mountainous regions or a vibrant city center. New attractions are coming every day, such as the Wyan al Marjan Island Resort in 2027. As Ras al Khaimah grows, it maintains its natural beauty and culture.

Best Places To Live In Ras Al Khaimah For Tourist

Tourism in Ras al Khaimah