If the name Ras Al Khaimah sounds foreign to you, you obviously haven’t seen UAE beyond Dubai. Beyond the glittery and famous Emirates lies one of the 6 forgotten Emirates Ras Al Khaimah—a land of natural wonders, the missing jigsaw in the seemingly complete UAE puzzle.

And here are the reasons why you should visit Ras Al Khaimah if you haven’t already!

8 reasons why you should visit Ras Al Khaimah

1. Ras Al Khaimah is a refreshing alternative to the man-made wonders of other Emirates

Ras Al Khaimah goes long back in history! Unlike other Emirates that are the epitome of what technology and wealth can achieve, Ras Al Khaimah shaped up into a charm through history, time, and well, nature.

2. Ras Al Khaimah is an ideal day trip/weekend trip

This modest city also comes at the privilege of just a 2-hr drive from Dubai city. So yes, if you really can’t make up your mind about creating a separate itinerary for this “experiment”, you can still secure a day or two for visiting this place and that’s all it takes.

3. History lovers will totally fall for the place!

If you are the odd one in your family for whom the world’s fastest roller coaster or the world’s largest artificial island don’t make the cut, Ras Al Khaimah can make your trip better through its natural, historical attractions like Ras Al-Khaimah National Museum and Dhayah Fort.

4. Ras Al Khaimah has record-breaking adventures

The adventures you can try here in some cases outdo their Dubai and Abu Dhabi counterparts—the world’s largest zip line in Jebel Jais, Hajar Mountain hiking, Jazirah Al Hamra exploration and the list doesn’t end here.

5. Refreshing beach resorts that contradict the otherwise sun-baked outlook of Ras Al Khaimah

Do not mistake the simplicity of Ras Al Khaimah for dull. The epic beach resorts that come with Caribbean-ish breezy island feel and compelling indoor activities could totally convince you to stay indoors and explore Ras Al Khaimah through closed windows.

6. Mountain person? You need more than a weekend in Ras Al Khaimah

Hike the 1,934 m Jebel Jais, UAE’s highest peak or Hajar Mountains, the one with incredible views on offer. Desert trails and nature hiking are the top things to do in Ras Al Khaimah. No crowds, offbeat adventures, nature—if this is your idea of the perfect trip, Ras Al Khaimah is the place to be.

7. There is a hot spring in the middle of the desert

Khatt Springs is infused with the goodness of healing minerals, or that’s how the legend goes. Healing or not, rejuvenating in a hot spring surrounded by a desert is not something you can experience every single day.

8. There’s a haunted town heavily inspired by Islamic folklores

Islamic folklores galore in this haunted town called Jazirah Al Hamra and the 14th-century dust-collected Sephia-hued buildings can send chills down your spine and keep you awake at night! It keeps luring documentary directors and photographers for a different adventure in the forgotten lands of Ras Al Khaimah.

If you are visiting Dubai or Abu Dhabi, take a chance at visiting Ras Al Khaimah, the forgotten UAE Emirate and there are chances you will come back for more.