RAK City is the capital of Ras Al Khaimah, blending a historic old town and fort with a modern corniche, traditional souqs and the National Museum. Compact and characterful, RAK City is where the emirate’s heritage and everyday life meet by the water.
About an hour from Dubai, it makes an easy, low-key city break. Here is how to make the most of it, as part of our main Ras Al Khaimah guide.
Getting your bearings in RAK City
The city splits between the old town and fort on one side of the creek and the modern corniche and souqs on the other, with the mountains rising behind.
Things to do in RAK City
Wander the old town and nearby Dhayah Fort, browse the souqs, visit the National Museum and stroll the corniche — much of the heritage is low-cost, so see free things to do across the UAE.
Where to eat in RAK City
The corniche and city centre cover everything from local eats to seafront dining, strong on value and fresh seafood.
Where to stay
Central and corniche hotels make RAK City a convenient base for exploring the emirate’s coast and mountains.
Getting to RAK City
About an hour from Dubai by car.
Best time to visit
The cooler months and the evenings are best for the old town, souqs and corniche.
Explore more of Ras Al Khaimah
Head back to the main Ras Al Khaimah guide to explore more of the emirate.
Good to know
Ras Al Khaimah city straddles a natural creek that splits the modern town from the atmospheric old quarter on the far bank. The old town holds the National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah inside an 18th-century fort, the hilltop Dhayah Fort ruins nearby, and the pearling-era heritage that predates the emirate’s resort boom. It’s a compact, walkable base for exploring both RAK’s history and the Hajar mountains rising just inland.