🐾
Ras Al Khaimah is built around the car. There is no metro or tram in the emirate, public buses do not take pets, and the resorts, beaches, mountains and wadis are spread out, so a private car or rental is the realistic way to travel with a dog. Most travellers arrive by flying into Dubai (DXB), about 45 to 75 minutes south, and driving up; the small RAK International airport (RKT) handles few routes and is not a practical pet-import gateway. Within RAK, taxis take pets only at the driver`s discretion and usually with a carrier.
| Mode | Policy | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Car & airport transfer from Dubai (DXB) | A private car or rental is the standard way to get around RAK. The drive from Dubai airport (DXB) up the E311 highway is about 85 to 90 km, roughly 45 minutes in light traffic and up to 75 minutes otherwise. Most rental companies accept dogs if carried in a crate or secured with a harness; agree it in advance. Dedicated pet-transport firms for the airport run are Dubai-based, so book a pet-friendly transfer ahead if you are not driving yourself. | 💡 Never leave a dog in a parked car, even briefly; interior temperatures in the UAE become lethal within minutes for most of the year. |
| Taxis (RAKTA / Hala via Careem) | RAK taxis can be hailed or booked through the Careem app (Hala RAKTA) or Sayr by RAKTA. Pets travel at the driver`s discretion, and you should bring a carrier or crate; a driver can refuse a loose dog. There is no written RAK pet rule, this is the standard UAE taxi norm. Careem operates in RAK; standard Uber ride-hailing does not, so use Careem or local cabs. | 💡 Have a carrier and message the driver in advance through the app that you are travelling with a dog; it avoids being turned away kerbside. |
| Public buses (RAKTA) | RAK`s public buses, including the inter-emirate links to Dubai and Sharjah, do not allow pets (assistance animals aside). There is no metro or tram in the emirate. For travel with a dog, plan around a car or taxi instead of the bus network. | 💡 Because the bus is not an option, factor a rental or pre-booked transfer into your budget from the moment you land. |
RAK taxi booking via the Careem app (Hala RAKTA service) or Sayr by RAKTA; taxi hotline 800 1700. RAK tourism information: visitrasalkhaimah.com. Most visitors fly into Dubai International (DXB) and drive ~85 km up the E311. The small RAK International airport (RKT) has limited routes. There is no metro, tram or train in the emirate.
Our top-rated pet-friendly hotels, handpicked and verified.
Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Beach Resort
★★★★★ · 8.5/10
€110/night
Al Hamra Residence
★★★★ · 8.3/10
€100/night
Banan Beach
★★★★ · 8.2/10
€90/night
Looking for a place to stay elsewhere? These destinations near Ras Al Khaimah also welcome your dog.