Visitors

If you are a resident of the UAE looking for a unique destination, Ras Al Khaimah is the emirate to visit. Whether it's a quiet, relaxing escape, or a getaway that’s filled with thrills, with Ras Al Khaimah, you’ll find something new to explore on every visit. 

The emirate also offers a spectrum of resorts and hotels, depending on what your agenda is. Choose to stay in blissful luxury or to explore your adventurous side - on white sandy beaches, amidst the silken dunes of the desert or ensconced on acres of rolling green acres. 

Getting to RAK is as easy as deciding to go visit – just a matter of hours if driving down from another emirate, the trip itself is designed to be smooth and scenic. And then, there’s always Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Road – which offers a more than a glimpse of the UAE!

If youlive outside the UAE and are planning to visit RAK, you must first acquire a VisitVisa to be able to enter the UAE. Several steps must be followed to obtain your visa.

GCC citizens do not require any visa and are free to enter the UAE from any port of entry by showing their GCC country passport or ID card.

Check if you are eligible for a Visa on Arrival in the UAE

Citizens of Australia, Austria, Andorra, Belgium, Brunei, Denmark, France, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Republic of South Korea, San Marino, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, Sweden, the United States, the United Kingdom and the Vatican can get a visa upon arrival at any airport within the UAE. 

However, this list is subject to change from time to time and it is therefore advisable to check with the UAE embassy abroad or the airline company before coming to the UAE.

Citizens of other countries not included on the list mentioned above need to apply for a visit entry permit (valid for 30, 40 or 60 days) through a sponsor,which can be an entity such as a tourism establishment, hotel, airline or other company based in the UAE.The visa must be issued prior to arrival in the UAE.

Please note that this type of visa is non-renewable and is valid for 30 days (short term visits) and for 90 days (long terms visits).
For more information on the issuance of a Visit Visa, visit the General Directorate of Residency & Foreigners Affairs - RAK or the nearest embassy or council of the UAE in your country.

You can travel toRas Al Khaimah by car from neighbouring countries such as Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, KSA and other countries, or by plane through RAK International Airportwhich is only 20 minutes away from the centre of the city.

RAK International Airport

Situated 18 kilometers from the city, and only 45 minutes north of Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah International Airport (RKT) is the rapidly growing Northern Emirates Gateway to the UAE.  RKT is the leading low cost and charter airport in the region and offers efficient 24/7 operations.  With ample slot availability, sizeable catchment area (5 of the other 6 emirates are within an hour’s drive), strong local economy, booming tourism sector and excellent road network, RKT is attracting leading passenger and cargo carriers. From the passenger perspective, Air Arabia uses RKT as a hub to 10 destinations, Qatar Airways recently commenced operations through Doha to over 150 connections, and Air India Express commenced services from March 2016.

On the commercial side RKT offers a distinct price and service advantage, with the most competitive terms in the region, and all-inclusive deals are a particular specialization, providing partners with a further strategic advantage

For more information about RAK International Airport, visit http://www.rakairport.com/ or

contact:
P.O. Box: 501, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE.
Tel.: +971 7 2448111 / +971 7 2075200
Fax: +971 7 2448199
E-mail: administration@rakairport.com

Ras Al Khaimah has a modern and developed road network that linksit to the other Emirates and allows for easy access to all cities in Ras Al Khaimah. English and Arabic Road signs are conveniently placed all across the roadways in the emirate to facilitatean easy, hassle-free and comfortable commute.

You can enjoy exploring the emirate on board a tour bus or by taxi. If you wish to drive yourself, you can visit one of the many car rental companies and choose from a wide range of vehicles that are availableat very reasonable prices.

However, please note that you will need to provide a copy of your passport and a valid international driver's licence.

While Arabic is the official language in Ras Al Khaimah, the English is widely used to communicate. The services and menus in hotels and restaurants are available in both Arabic and English.

“Dirham” is the local currency. You can exchange your currency for Dirham (AED)by visiting any bank or currency exchange centre that are widespread across the emirate.. ATMs are spread across the emirate and in shopping centres, allowing easy and quick access to moneywhenever you need it.

The best time to visit Ras Al Khaimah is in winter as the weather gets cooler and the humidity levels drop to a minimum.At this time of year, the weather can get a little chilly, especially at night, with temperatures in varying between 18 and 25 Celsius. 

Summers are hotand humid, with temperatures ranging between 35 and 43 Celsius, whilethe humidity level varies between 60% and 90%.

However, despite the hot and humid weather during summer, all the places and facilities in Ras Al Khaimah are fully equipped with state-of-the-art air conditioning systemsto provide a suitable environment for its visitors.

Islam is the official religion in Ras Al Khaimah, and the Islamic spirit is maintained throughout the emirate. However, Ras Al Khaimahwelcomes visitors of all nationalities, races and religions. Respecting Islamic customs and traditions allows for a better understandingof the life and lifestyle of the citizens of RAK (and the UAE, in general). Here are some tips for visitors about the customs and traditions of Emirati people:

✓ Courtesy and hospitality are important virtues in the Arab world, and visitors will enjoy the friendliness and warm welcome provided by locals.

✓ If you are offered a cup of Arabic coffee (Gava) anywhere in Ras Al Khaimah, you may take a sip as a sign of respect. 

✓ Similarly, if you wish to invite Emirati friends or acquaintances to your house, it would be a good idea to offer them some tea or coffee before you start chatting.

✓ If you are invited to a majlis, remove your shoes at the entrance. Men and women will probably be escorted to different seating sections.

✓ It is important to stand up for new guests and older or higher-ranking people, and men are expected to stand when a woman enters the room. 

✓ When greeting a member of the opposite sex who is Muslim, it is important not to offer to shake hands unless they extend their hand first – both men and women (more commonly women) may prefer not to shake hands with the opposite sex due to religious reasons.

✓ In certain places such as banks, women have a separate section to accomplish their transactions. Also, women are given the priority in waiting lines.

✓ In Ras Al Khaimah, visitors (both men and women), should dress modestly and appropriately.

✓ Light summer clothes are the best choice for most of the year (summer, spring, and autumn). It is highly recommended that you keep with you a jacket, sunglasses and water, especially during the summer months.

✓ Drinking alcohol in public places or any other place other than allocated places (such as hotels) is strictly prohibited. Being drunk and disorderly in public is unacceptable, and may result in a fine or jail.

✓ In general, you areallowed to take photos in Ras Al Khaimah, but avoid taking photos of women, especially Muslim women. Moreover, it is preferred that youget permission from the person you would like to take a picture of or with. Photographing government buildings, military installations and diplomatic places is also prohibited.