Adventure Calling: Trek, Camp & Dive in Ras Al Khaimah

6 minutes read

If your idea of a holiday involves swapping hotel lobbies for rugged mountain trails, and room service for campfire meals, Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) might be your next favourite escape. Located in the far north of the UAE, this under-the-radar emirate is fast becoming the region’s adrenaline capital and it’s easily accessible from Bahrain.

RAK blends dramatic mountains, vast desert, and a pristine stretch of coastline, offering year-round adventure with fewer crowds and more raw natural beauty.

Getting There from Bahrain

Ras Al Khaimah is a short 1 hour 15-minute flight from Bahrain to Dubai or Sharjah, followed by a 45–60 minute road transfer. Gulf Air, Emirates, and Air Arabia operate regular routes. You can also fly into RAK International Airport, but flights are less frequent.

No visa is required for Bahraini nationals entering the UAE. Pack your passport, and you’re good to go.

Conquer Jebel Jais

Standing tall at 1,934 metres, Jebel Jais is the UAE’s highest peak and the centrepiece of outdoor activity in RAK. The Jebel Jais Viewing Deck Park offers panoramic views, but for real thrill-seekers, the mountain’s hiking trails offer various levels from beginner paths to technical ascents.

If you want a guided experience, the Jais Hiking Trail is well-marked and maintained. Morning or sunset hikes are best to avoid the midday heat.

Camp at Bear Grylls Explorer Camp

Yes, that Bear Grylls. Located near the base of Jebel Jais, this camp offers rustic, no-fuss wooden cabins, survival-themed challenges, and group activities like fire-building and shelter-making all overseen by instructors trained at Grylls’ Survival Academy.

It’s one of the few UAE destinations where you can completely disconnect, cook over coals, and sleep under open skies.

Ride the Jebel Jais Flight – World’s Longest Zipline

This is not for the faint of heart. At 2.83 km long and reaching speeds up to 160 km/h, the Jebel Jais Flight is the world’s longest zipline and it shoots you across the dramatic Hajar mountains like a human falcon.

You’ll wear a full-body harness and launch from a glass-bottomed platform at the mountain’s peak, eventually landing on a suspended platform. There’s also the Jais Sky Tour, a sequence of six shorter ziplines for those who prefer a slower pace.

Dive into the Arabian Gulf

The warm waters off RAK’s coast are ideal for snorkelling and scuba diving, with coral reefs, wrecks, and colourful marine life. Popular dive sites include the Pearl Island reefs and Dhayah Rock. You can also try paddleboarding or kayaking in mangrove-lined lagoons.

Local operators offer everything from PADI-certified courses to half-day dives, with options for beginners and advanced divers alike.

Where to Stay

RAK caters to all travel styles — from luxury resorts to glamping pods:

Ritz-Carlton Al Wadi Desert: For a luxe desert escape with private pools and wildlife.

BM Beach Resort: Mid-range, beachfront, and family-friendly.

Bear Grylls Camp: For rugged simplicity and a true wilderness vibe.

Longbeach Campground: Offers glamping tents with sea views.

What to Pack

Item	Why
Hiking shoes	For Jebel Jais and rocky trails
Hydration pack	Heat and elevation demand it
Sun protection	Hat, glasses, and high-SPF sunscreen
Swimwear	For coast, pools, and water sports
Lightweight jacket	Nights in the mountains can be cool
Action camera	For ziplines and panoramic shots

Travel Essentials

Currency: UAE Dirham (AED)

Language: Arabic and English

Travel Time from Dubai: 60–75 minutes by car

Weather: Best from October to April

Best for: Active couples, adventurous families, or solo thrill-seekers

Final Tips

Pre-book zipline and Bear Grylls Camp activities they fill up quickly on weekends.

Always hike early to avoid high temps, and bring more water than you think you’ll need.

Combine your trip with a day or two in Dubai for a city-meets-mountain contrast.

Many attractions offer discounts or bundled adventure passes check locally before you book.

Why RAK

Ras Al Khaimah offers a taste of the wild no passport stamps or long-haul flights required. Whether you’re scaling peaks, diving deep, or sleeping under stars, RAK is a refreshing break from the polished, mall-heavy cities of the Gulf. For Bahraini travellers craving motion, space, and a bit of mountain air, this is the call to answer.