Things To Do
in Al Jazirah Al Amra'

Abandoned coral-stone homes, wind towers, and narrow alleys create moody, textured scenes — ideal for morning or late-afternoon light and architectural details.

Low-key seaside vistas with local dhows and fishing boats; great for golden-hour shots and candid seaside life photography.

Panoramic mountain views and dramatic cliffs provide wide landscape shots, sunrise and sunset opportunities; bring a telephoto for distant peaks.

Shallow water, wading birds and reflective water surfaces make for peaceful nature photography, especially at low tide or dawn.

A spiced rice dish cooked with fish or meat and flavored with dried lime and warm spices; commonly available at family restaurants and traditional eateries in Ras Al Khaimah.

Must-Try!

Slow-cooked cracked wheat with meat — a creamy, porridge-like dish often served during festivals and Ramadan, found in traditional Emirati restaurants.

Freshly caught fish and prawns grilled with simple seasonings; best sampled at small coastal restaurants and seafood cafés along the RAK corniche.

Sweet deep-fried dough balls drizzled with date syrup or honey — a popular Emirati dessert sold at markets and cafés.

A working fish market where you can see the day’s catch, buy fresh fish or have nearby vendors prepare a simple grilled meal — a great place to experience local fishing culture.

Small souks around Ras Al Khaimah sell spices, dates, sweets and snacks; try shawarma wraps, manakish (flatbread) and fresh juices from street vendors.

Dress conservatively in public: shoulders and knees should be covered in towns and traditional areas, especially when visiting mosques or government buildings. Swimwear is fine at private hotel beaches and pools but not in public urban areas.

During Ramadan avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public during daylight hours out of respect; many restaurants operate behind curtains or have limited hours. Be mindful of local practices and schedules.

Public displays of affection are frowned upon; speak softly and behave respectfully in family areas. Use the right hand for giving and receiving items as a sign of respect.

Always ask permission before photographing people, especially women and families; avoid photographing military sites, ports and some government buildings.

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory — 10% in restaurants is common if service charge isn’t included; round up taxi fares or add a small tip, and give porters and housekeeping a few dirhams. Service staff in small cafés may not expect tips but will appreciate loose change.

The UAE dirham (AED) is the local currency and cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and most shops. Carry small amounts of cash for small vendors, markets and remote operators; contactless payment and mobile wallets are increasingly available.

June to September are extremely hot and humid, with daytime highs often exceeding 40°C (104°F); outdoor activities are best early morning or after sunset. Expect limited local outdoor events and many businesses running reduced hours; stay hydrated and avoid prolonged sun exposure.

October to November bring more pleasant temperatures and lower humidity — a good time for outdoor exploration, beach visits and mountain drives.

December to February are the most comfortable months with temperatures from about 15–25°C (59–77°F), ideal for hiking, beach activities and heritage walks — this is high season for visitors to the region.

March to May warm up quickly; winds can pick up at times and occasional dust can reduce visibility. Plan outdoor activities earlier in the day as temperatures begin to rise.

The most popular sport among locals and expatriates; many community and youth matches are held and local clubs participate regionally.

Very popular among South Asian expatriate communities; informal and organized matches are common in fields and clubs.

Fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding and recreational boating are widely enjoyed along the coast; many hotels and tour operators offer equipment and trips.

Jebel Jais and nearby ranges attract hikers, trail runners and adventure visitors — also home to the world’s long zipline and viewpoint trails.

Vegetarian options exist but are less common in traditional menus; many restaurants offer mezze, salads, hummus, falafel and rice-based dishes. Ask for vegetable versions of stews and ensure the use of separate cooking surfaces if you avoid cross-contamination.

Vegan choices are available at larger hotels and some cafés; speak clearly about no dairy and no eggs and look for salad, falafel, hummus and rice dishes. Carry snacks if you’ll be exploring remote sites.

Virtually all meat served is halal in Emirati establishments. Non-halal food can be found in some international restaurants; ask if halal certification is important to you.

Tell staff about allergies (nuts, shellfish) — while many places accommodate requests, cross-contact in small kitchens is possible. Carry necessary medication and an allergy card in Arabic if needed.