Already a firm favourite amongst travellers and their four-legged friends, the team at Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) introduces Ras Al-K9, a pet-friendly program running across 25 hotels, restaurants, pet friendly-festivals, outdoor parks and beaches in the Emirate.

Ras Al Khaimah is the perfect getaway for exploring the great outdoorswith dogs. From spectacular wadi walks and mountain hikes on Jebel Jais to chilled out beachside café lunches, desert adventures and overnight stays, there is plenty of experiences on offer across its stunning landscapes – the sea, desert and spectacular mountains – especially this season with milder temperatures.

Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, commented: “Ras Al Khaimah’s natural typography alongside its spirit of genuine hospitality appeals to both travelers and their four-legged friends.We understand how hard it can be to leave a beloved pet at home while on holiday so we made it as easy as possible for guests to bring theirpawsome familymembers with them. Ras Al-K9 is a community initiative, tapping into the Emirate’s affinity for dogs and providing hassle free options to explore, engage and stay in Ras Al Khaimah. Teaming up with Ras Al Khaimah Animal Welfare Center, hotel partners and others committed to animal welfare, we aim to create an inclusive and supportive community for both visitors and their canine companions.”

Set tails wagging with beachside&inland frolics:

The Emirate is famed for itspristinewhite sandy beaches, most of which are open to dogs and theirhoomans and offer up the ideal spot to spend the day snoozing under a beach umbrella, catching a frisbee or splashing around in the water. Firm favourites include Al Jazeera and Flamingo beaches, where pooches can explore, frolic and play.

Inland, explorethe largest open-air dog park in the UAE, located at the Ras Al Khaimah Animal Welfare Center. With over 7000 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, as well as a café area where dog owners can socialise while their dogs are playing. Other pet-friendly venues for those looking to grab a bite to eat, include delicious Japanese Cuisine atRuzo, which offers pet friendly outdoor seating area at Flamingo Beach. The Club Houselocated within Al Hamra, also welcomes guests to bring along their dogs, as do its neighbouring dining venues Marina Muse,Tucano Coffeeand Bread& Barrel.

If staying overnight, there are an array of choices including the luxe offerings of Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Beach Resort with their recently launched dog-friendly rooms, featuring direct access to a 500m-long private back beach area and a special ‘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 potato.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 availableto play with inthe courtyard. The newly opened Banan Beach Resorthas also 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 Hamrahas a dedicated kitchenette to allow guests to whip up their pooch’s favourite meal to fuel up for a day of exploring.

Mountain and wadi walkies:

For the more active visitors,Bear Grylls Explorers Camp, the world’s first brandedBear Grylls accommodation, offers 16 recycled and redesigned cabins nestled within the mountain, providing the perfect basecamp for adventurers and their canine companions to explore.Camp 1770,the highest camp in the UAE, also provides a stunning pet-friendly base from which to explore the majestic Hajar mountains with your canine companion.

Wadi Shah and Wadi Shawka are ideal spots to hike with dogs offering up thrilling sights, sounds and smells for them to discover. Those looking for a more challenging experience can head to the trails on the UAE’s highest peak, Jebel Jais, where owner and dog can hike the rocky terrain while taking in the stunning scenery.The Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority Team have a series of expert led videos on its social media channels advising hikers and avid walkers how best to prepare for an excursion as well as offering interesting insights into the various routes and tips on safety from leading experts, such as Hussain Darwish, Founder of HK9 (www.hk9.ae), an outdoor activity provider that focuses on hiking experiences with a man’s four legged best friend.

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