Why RAK is the Most Popular Day Trip from Dubai
Ras Al Khaimah has become one of the top weekend destinations for Dubai residents. Jebel Jais - the UAE's highest peak - draws adventure seekers for the world's longest zipline, the Via Ferrata, and mountain hiking. The northern coast has some of the UAE's finest luxury beach resorts. And the drive itself, heading up the E311 through greener landscapes than the Dubai desert, is a welcome change of scene.
Popular RAK Destinations
- Jebel Jais: UAE's highest peak, Toroverde zipline, Via Ferrata, hiking, mountain dining
- Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah: luxury beach resort on the northern coast
- AnantarA Al Jabal Al Akhdar: mountain resort (note: this is technically in Al Ain area but often paired with RAK trips)
- Rixos Bab Al Bahr: all-inclusive beach resort, popular with families
- Al Hamra Village: golf, beach club, Al Hamra Mall
- RAK City: old town, National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah, waterfront
Route: Dubai to RAK
- Distance: approximately 115 km
- Recommended route: E311 (Emirates Road) northbound - avoids Sharjah/Ajman traffic
- Normal drive time: 1 to 1.5 hours
- Weekend peak: allow extra time from 9am onwards heading north
- No major tolls on E311 route
Day Trip Structure
Your driver picks you up in Dubai (typically 7am to 8am for a full day). You drive north to RAK. The driver waits at the base of Jebel Jais, at your resort, or wherever you spend the day. At the end of the day, you leave together and return to Dubai. One fixed price, both legs covered, driver available throughout.
From Jebel Jais particularly, finding a taxi back to Dubai at 4pm on a Friday afternoon is nearly impossible. A driver waiting for you means you can focus entirely on your day without the logistics anxiety.