We totally get it. The sweltering heat of UAE can deter the most avid adrenaline junkies from heading out. If you are thinking of making a beeline for cooler destinations, halt right there! Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) is just an hour’s driving destination and has all the adventure and outdoor activities at not only a shoestring budget but also at bearable temperatures. Here are some fantastic activities lined up for you.
For those craving some quiet solitude, away from the hum drum of city life, The Ras Al Khaimah boasts of a beautiful golf course, ideal for some putting practice or a more robust game for the professionally inclined. At just Dhs 300 for guests, you can play a lovely game of 19 holes.
While Dubai offers all the water sports like surfing, skiing, canoeing etc, Ras Al Khaimah is all about futuristic water sports. Try the fly board in which you are surf-boarding in the air with a boat tugging you at full speed ahead. At Dhs 400 per person see what it feels like to ‘surf’ in the air.
Since it’s just a 45 minute drive from Dubai it is an ideal spot for family picnics. Home to Jebel Jais the highest mountain range in the UAE, it’s a place of scenic beauty. There are beautiful driveways, viewing platforms and food trucks scattered all over. You can see majestic mountains, lush mangroves and therapeutic springs that rejuvenate the senses. Just some good eats, a camera and you can sit back, relax and enjoy the scenic surroundings.
Besides the crispy clean mountain air, RAK’s beaches are world class and give you the perfect opportunity to put your feet up in leisure. The beaches have some natural lagoons where you can splash and swim very safely. A tan at the beach resorts will have you heading back home with a fantastic after glow.
RAK is also an ideal place to learn a round of archery or have a glimpse of falconry. The banyan al wadi allows you to get up and get close and personal with owls, eagles and vultures. Riding enthusiasts can head to the stables for a spot of trotting and cantering with the beautiful horses.
The awe inspiring Hajar mountains provide the perfect backdrop to test your physical strength and your mountaineering prowess. Besides long treks and organised hikes, Ras Al Khais also gives the more spirited a chance to rock climb, rappel on mountain faces and abseil.
Your newly acquired fishing hooks and rods can now be put to good use. RAK’s beautiful lagoons are the perfect spots for fishing. King fish, barracuda and cobia are some of the varieties of fish that are found here and can be taken back home to enjoy as your supper along with a chilled glass of wine. There are places which give out boats and other equipment on rent to make your fishing experience a unique one.
If you are tired of the same old rut of staying in a resort then camping in style under the open stars may just be the right choice for you. Developing on top of the Jais Mountain, 2000 metres above sea level is a glamorous camping site. Specially done up rooms Bedouin style with meals being served out in the open may make this experience rustic, earthy yet memorable.
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