Ras Al Khaimah

United Arab Emirates

Ras Al Khaimah is the United Arab Emirates' quiet beach-and-mountain resort emirate and, thanks to its official Ras Al-K9 program, the most dog-welcoming corner of the country, with long natural beaches and the Al Marjan Island corniche meeting Jebel Jais, the UAE's highest peak, behind it, quieter and cheaper than Dubai 45 to 75 minutes south under the same November-to-March winter sun. Top spots for pets include the Ras Al-K9 listed Flamingo and Al Hamra beaches with leashed dogs, the leashed lower trails and Viewing Deck Park of Jebel Jais, the hilltop Dhayah Fort and the abandoned pearling village of Al Jazirah Al Hamra, especially around the Al Hamra Village and Al Marjan Island resort strip with the pet-friendly hotels, cafes and listed beaches, Flamingo Beach near the Ruzo restaurant, and the Hajar Mountains and Jebel Jais inland for wadi walks and mountain drives.