Surrounded by the Hajar Mountains, Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) is the UAE’s northernmost emirate. Both beach-sloths and outdoor enthusiasts love it here, thanks to its sandy shores, sprawling oases and sun-baked desert, all on the emirate’s doorstep.

While the call of the beach still attracts domestic and international visitors, who rarely move from the confines of their resort, RAK has been pulling out the stops in recent years to capitalise on its natural surroundings. Jebel Jais (the UAE’s tallest mountain) is the latest development, offering the world’s longest zip line and a via ferrata route.

After the swish resort beaches and adrenaline-fuelled mountain vistas, RAK City itself can seem bland. To see the city looking its best, head here at sunset to join families and joggers for the evening promenade down Al Qawasim Corniche, overlooking the creek and the Sheikh Zayed Mosque.

One of the main sights in RAK is Dhayah Fort. Thanks to Google maps which led me through some village roads with bumpy surfaces, my car almost could not make it to the fort. I was quite worried and since I was already halfway through, there was no point turning back. After the uneven roads and I saw proper paved roads in front of me, I heaved a sigh of relief and parked in front of a small hotel. Then began the ascent to the fort.

Dhayah oasis has been occupied for more than 5000 years and the hill has always been a focus of the settlements. The present fort dates back to the beginning of the 19th century. The hill top was surrounded by stone walls and the inside filled with gravel to create a flat platform. Two mudbrick towers were built on top of the platform and connected with a perimeter wall.

The fort has historical importance as it was the last point of resistance against the British attack in 1819. The British troops had to move the heaviest cannon in their ship in order to aim their attack at the fort. The walk up to the top of the fort takes about 15 to 20 minutes. It is an easy climb and once you reach the top, you will be greeted with a scenic view of the valley below, with huge swathes of date palm plantations.

RAK is also near the border to Oman. For those doing a visa run, it is a convenient ride about 40 minutes away. A drive from Dubai to the Al Dara border crossing will take about two hours. On the Musandam peninsula, it is a mountainous area projecting into the Strait of Hormuz, separated from the rest of Oman by the United Arab Emirates. Its jagged coastline features fjordlike inlets called khors, and its waters are home to dolphins and other marine life. Musandam would make an interesting trip for me, but for now the borders are closed due to Covid-19. Maybe next time.

Driving deeper into the mountains, we reach Jebel Jais Viewing Deck Park. Opened in early 2018, the landscaped and manicured viewing terraces here at 1250m have sublime vistas of the surrounding Hajar Mountains peaks.

The panoramas tumble and dip down to the Gulf far below on one side and windy roads which resemble hairpins on the other. There are paid binoculars for close-up viewing, and plenty of shade provided by sails, on each of the several terraces while the main deck offers parking, toilet facilities and two cafe-kiosks for refreshments.

For those looking for more workout, do try the hike to the viewpoint. It is worth the 45 minutes walk, with the cool mountain air blowing in your face. The trail distance to Ghaf summit which I did is 4.3km long and of moderate level, although at some parts I felt myself trying to catch my breath.

Once you reach the Ghaf summit, there would be a UAE flag and also a sign showing that you are 1415m above sea level. The feeling of being on top of the world, without anyone else in sight, is just spectacular. The mountains in Middle East look so different, because they are so dry and brown.

On the way down, I stopped by a dam with turquoise waters.

Back in town, there is nothing much to see except for the typical souqs, shopping malls or the beach. I stopped by the traditional handicraft market but did not manage to find the souvenirs that I wanted.

To end off the evening, I went to the beach to catch the sunset. This was the second consecutive day that I went there, because it is such a relaxing place. Children were playing in the waters, men were fishing and women chatting among themselves while giving an occasional watchful eye towards their children. The ambience was enhanced by the various orange hues of the setting sun. Just around the corner, the 5-star Hilton RAK Resort & Spa offers 1.5km of private, white sandy beach for its guests. The rooms have unparalleled views of the Arabian Sea.

As for me, my stay was in a 3-star hotel – Citymax RAK. Located in the Al Nakheel area by the creek, it offers modern accommodations with free WiFi, a rooftop pool and a fitness centre. The property is a short walk from the Free Trade Zone and across the street there is a huge shopping mall.

If you are tired of the fast-paced city life in Dubai, just rent a car and head to RAK, which is only 160km northeast of Dubai. From relaxing at the beach to hiking in the mountains, RAK offers nature and adventure to any visitor. It was a hidden gem for me in UAE and I thoroughly enjoyed my 3 days spent in RAK.