Spend the Long Weekend in Ras Al Khaimah

With a long weekend on the horizon, 28–30 August is the perfect excuse to escape to Ras Al Khaimah. From beachfront resorts and destination dining to creative workshops and relaxing daycations, the emirate offers plenty of ways to turn three days into a proper summer break without travelling far.

Stay: Make a Weekend of It

For an easy island escape, Hampton by Hilton Marjan Island is a great choice for families and groups looking for a relaxed beachfront stay. With direct access to the beach, pools and plenty of dining options nearby, it puts you right in the heart of Al Marjan Island.

Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island is another strong family-friendly option, combining beach time with plenty to do within the resort. For those travelling with pets, its current Stay, Play & Paws offer is available through September, with pets staying complimentary when booking selected chalets.

For something a little more secluded, The Cove Rotana Resort offers a resort-style escape surrounded by landscaped grounds and sea views. Its summer staycation includes a flexible 24-hour stay, accommodation for two adults and up to two children, a choice of half-board or all-inclusive dining, savings on dining and spa treatments and selected room upgrades.

Other options worth considering include DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island for a family-focused beachfront stay, Rove Al Marjan Island for a more casual and contemporary break, and Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah when the weekend calls for something more luxurious. Several summer stay and leisure experiences are running across RAK throughout the August weekend.

Eat: Turn the Weekend into a Foodie Escape

Start Friday evening at Sanchaya at DoubleTree Resort & Spa Marjan Island, where the Tipsy Tempura Friday Night Brunch brings together flavours from across Asia, artisan cocktails and live entertainment. The adults-only brunch runs every Friday from 7 PM to 10 PM and is priced at AED 299 per person.

On Saturday, head toBasilico at The Cove Rotana Resort for its Coastal Brunch. Running from 1 PM to 4 PM, the Mediterranean-inspired brunch features live food stations, seafood, pasta, a carving station and desserts, with live entertainment and complimentary beach and pool access. Packages start from AED 249 per person.

Alternatively, Ula at Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island offers its Saturday Boho Brunch for a more laid-back beachfront afternoon, while Kaheela at The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert is participating in the current Flavours of Ras Al Khaimah programme for those looking for a more destination-led dining experience. Both feature on RAK's August events programme.

Do: Slow Down, Get Creative or Spend the Day by the Water

Not every long weekend needs a packed itinerary. For something different, book a session at Creative Hands Pottery Studio. Its August programme includes hand-building, wheel throwing and children's pottery workshops, making it a great indoor option for couples, families or groups. Hand-building sessions are AED 240, while stoneware wheel throwing is AED 280, with several sessions available throughout the day by appointment.

If your ideal holiday involves doing very little,Sofitel Al Hamra Beach Resort has a Breakfast & Beach Day Pass running through September, combining breakfast with access to the resort for an easy day by the water.

Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah is another option for a relaxed day out, with its summer Vitamin Sea & Sun Daycation giving RAK residents access to the private beach, pools, resort activities and dining credit through 31 August.

For something simpler, spend the late afternoon around Al Marjan Island, take a walk along the waterfront and stay for sunset, or head to the beach once the temperature begins to drop.

Why Ras Al Khaimah?

What makes Ras Al Khaimah ideal for a three-day break is the variety. You can check into a beachfront resort, try a different dining experience every evening, spend an afternoon making pottery or simply switch off beside the pool. With many summer offers still running through the end of August, 28–30 August is a particularly good weekend to experience RAK at a slower pace and make the holiday feel a little longer.