The Emirate is welcoming four-legged guests with unique activities and experiences
Want to enjoy an adventure in Ras Al Khaimah? There’s no excuse to leave your furry companions behind, especially with the launch of a new programme welcoming dogs to the Emirate.
From spectacular wadi walks and mountain hikes to relaxing beach days, desert adventures and overnight stays, there are plenty of “pawsome” experiences for you and Fido to enjoy in the nature-based Emirate.
Dog-friendly beaches and parks
Ras Al Khaimah is famous for its pristine white sandy beaches, most of which are open to dogs. Play catch, splash around in the water or have a chilled out day in the sand. Firm favourites include Al Jazeerah and Flamingo beaches.
Various locations. Ras Al Khaimah.
Ras Al Khaimah Animal Welfare Center
Take your pooch to the largest open-air dog park in the UAE, with over 7,000 square meters of landscaped areas for your pet to run free off-leash. The park also features a fully equipped agility park and dedicated doggy swimming pool. For dog owners, there’s a café where you can socialise while dogs are playing. Additionally, you can adopt or foster your very own pet companion at the centre.
Open Thu-Tue 9am-6pm (closed Wed). Ras Al Khaimah.
Pet-friendly eateries
There are a number of spots to eat in Ras Al Khaimah that welcome humans and their fluffy friends. Japanese restaurant Ruzo offers pet-friendly outdoor seating area at Flamingo Beach. The Club House located within Al Hamra, also welcomes guests to bring along their dogs, as do its neighbouring dining venues Marina Muse, Tucano Coffee and Bread & Barrel. Where to start?
Various locations and times. Ras Al Khaimah.
Mountain hiking
Wadi Shah and Wadi Shawka are ideal spots to hike with dogs offering so many sights – and new smells – to discover. After a change? Head to the trails on the UAE’s highest peak, Jebel Jais, where you and your dog can hike the rocky terrain while taking in the stunning scenery.
Various locations. Ras Al Khaimah.
Pet-friendly accommodation
Beach
Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Beach Resort has recently launched dog-friendly rooms, featuring direct access to a 500m-long private beach. And there is a “Bone Appetit” room service menu, featuring grilled boneless chicken with white rice, beef and veggie stew, beef burger with potato brioche bun, and chicken sausages with mashed potatoes.
BM Beach Resort has reserved a block of 48 chalets for dogs and their owners as well as an outdoor and beach area. Dogs also get a large selection of in-room toys with communal outdoor toys also available to play with in the courtyard.
The newly opened Banan Beach Resort has dedicated a selection of its tents and lofts to welcome furry friends to enjoy its carefree vibe and beachfront setting.
For a self-catering accommodation, AMWAJ by Al Hamra has a dedicated kitchenette to allow guests to whip up their pooch’s favourite meal to fuel up for a day of exploring.
Various locations and prices. Ras Al Khaimah.
Mountain
Bear Grylls Explorers Camp, the world’s first branded Bear Grylls accommodation, offers 16 recycled and redesigned cabins nestled within the mountain. It’s an ideal basecamp for adventurers and their furry friends.
Jebel Jais, www.beargryllscamp.ae.
Desert
RAK Glamping covers ten acres of desert dunes with stunning views of the Hajar Mountains, and welcoming dogs of all sizes to join their humans and enjoy its traditional Arabic Bedouin Tents. The team will tailor the glampsite for dogs with a fenced perimeter, water bowls, tennis balls, special swimming pool, and even doggy ice cream. If you forgot some of Fido’s favourite things, worry not because there’s on-site pet store in case you need to stock up on supplies. It also offers a pet-sitting services for guests who want to go off exploring without their four-legged friend in tow.
www.rakglamping.com.
Pet friendly festivals
The Ras Al Khaimah Fine Arts Festival is introducing a new weekend programme for pet-lovers running from Friday February 18 to Sunday February 20. There will be a range of fun activities including workshops, pet adoption and pet yoga, combined with the opportunity to enjoy the art and entertainment provided by the festival.
That’s not all. Ras Al Khaiman will be kicking off its first pet-friendly festival, Paws by the Beach on Marjan Island, on Saturday February 26 and Sunday February 27. The festival is meant to be an educational platform to raise awareness about animal welfare and educate pet owners about their animal’s well-being. Furthermore, there will be fun competitions and entertainment for dogs, cats, and pet owners throughout the two-day festival.
