Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah: a quiet holiday in the UAE
Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah as calmer alternatives to Dubai: museums, mountains, beaches, airports and how to choose.
Dubai is loud, fast and expensive. If you want something calmer, look at the neighboring emirates: Sharjah with its museums and Ras Al Khaimah with mountains and beaches. For the main resort of the country read Dubai: which area to stay in.
Sharjah
According to the Wikivoyage description, Sharjah is the third largest city in the UAE, known for Arab and Islamic architecture, libraries, museums and cultural centers. The city is called the cultural and literary center of the country.
- Sharjah is closely linked to Dubai: many people live in Sharjah, where rent is lower, and commute to work in Dubai. There is traffic on the roads at rush hour.
- The buildings in the emirate follow one style, and it is a pleasant change of scenery after the skyscrapers.
- The emirate is larger than Dubai and has access to the sea on two coasts, west and east. The road east goes through the Hajar mountains.
- Sharjah airport (SHJ) receives flights of the low-cost airline Air Arabia.
- Before the trip take local rules into account: Sharjah has strict norms of behavior and restrictions on alcohol. Check them in advance.
Ras Al Khaimah
Ras Al Khaimah is the northernmost of the emirates and borders the Omani exclave of Musandam. It is called the "adventure center" of the UAE: here is the longest zipline in the world, kayaking, mountains and desert. People come for white beaches, dunes and the Hajar mountains, and also for golf.
- It is about an hour's drive to Dubai on the E311 highway.
- Ras Al Khaimah airport (RKT) receives a limited number of flights, and more options are offered by Sharjah (SHJ, about 80 km) and Dubai (DXB, about 100 km).
What to choose
- A cultural trip and a budget: Sharjah.
- A beach, mountains and active holiday without crowds: Ras Al Khaimah.
- Shopping, shows and skyscrapers: Dubai, staying overnight in Sharjah or Ras Al Khaimah to save money.
Arrange insurance before you leave, and compare fares in the HotTrip flight search.
Frequently asked questions
Can I live in Sharjah and commute to Dubai?
Yes, many people do, but there is traffic on the road at rush hour.
Which airport should I choose for Ras Al Khaimah?
It is easiest to fly into Sharjah or Dubai and continue by road. There are not many direct flights to RKT.
How is Sharjah different from Dubai?
It is calmer here, with more museums and traditional architecture, but the local rules are stricter.
When is the best time to go?
From mid-autumn to early spring. Summer is very hot.
Is Ras Al Khaimah suitable for families?
Yes, there are beaches and active holidays, but check the hotel format and the distance to the beach.
Cover: photo by Kirandeep Singh Walia on Pexels
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