You’re driving about an hour and fifteen minutes north of the glitz of Dubai, the skyline starts to thin out, and suddenly you hit Marjan Island. This is where the landscape changes. It's quieter. More rugged. And sitting right on the edge of the Arabian Gulf is this massive, pyramid-shaped fortress of a resort called Rixos Bab Al Bahr Ras Al Khaimah United Arab Emirates.
Most people come here for one reason: the "Ultra All-Inclusive" tag.
In a region where a single poolside cocktail can easily set you back $25, the idea of an endless buffet and an open bar is a siren song. But let's be real for a second. "All-inclusive" can sometimes be code for mediocre food and watered-down drinks. I’ve spent enough time in high-end UAE resorts to know that the gap between marketing and reality is often wider than the Persian Gulf.
Rixos Bab Al Bahr is a beast. It has 650 rooms. That is a lot of humans in one place. If you hate crowds, you might want to stop reading right now. But if you want to know how this place actually functions—and if the food is actually edible—let’s get into the weeds.
The Architecture of a Pyramid
The first thing you notice is the shape. It’s not just one building; it’s three pyramid-style structures that look like something out of a futuristic Egyptian movie. It's iconic. Honestly, it’s also a bit of a maze. You will get lost trying to find the Mojito Bar on your first night. It’s almost a rite of passage.
The rooms are surprisingly decent, though some of the older wings are starting to show their age if you look closely at the grouting in the bathrooms. If you’re booking, try to aim for the Premium rooms or the suites in the higher blocks. The view of the sunset over the Gulf from a sea-view balcony isn't just a brochure cliché—it’s genuinely stunning. You see the water turn this weird, deep orange color that you don’t really get in the middle of Dubai’s hazy skyline.
The "Ultra" Part of All-Inclusive
What does "Ultra" even mean? At Rixos Bab Al Bahr Ras Al Khaimah United Arab Emirates, it basically means you can put your wallet in the room safe and forget it exists. Unlike some resorts where "all-inclusive" excludes the good restaurants, here you get access to a bunch of a la carte spots.
You’ve got Lalezar (Turkish), L’Olivo (Italian), Meat Point (Grill), and Aja (Asian).
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Here is the pro tip: Book your dinners the second you check in. The reservation system is a digital hunger games. If you wait until 7:00 PM to decide you want steak, you’re going to end up at the Seven Heights buffet. Now, the buffet is massive. It’s impressive. But after three days, even the most diverse buffet starts to feel like a chore. The a la carte restaurants are where the value is. The Turkish breakfast at Lalezar is probably the best meal in the entire resort. It’s authentic, heavy on the olives and cheeses, and the tea flows like water.
The Drinking Situation
Let's talk about the bar. At many "all-inclusive" spots in the Middle East, they serve "house" spirits that taste like paint thinner. Rixos is better than that. They use recognizable brands. You can get a proper gin and tonic or a cold Heineken without feeling like you're being cheated. The Sea & See bar is the place to be for sundowners.
There’s a specific energy here. It’s loud. It’s social.
Families vs. The Quest for Quiet
If you are a solo traveler looking for a silent retreat, Rixos Bab Al Bahr Ras Al Khaimah United Arab Emirates might be your nightmare. This is a family paradise. The Rixy Kids Club is a massive operation. They have a cinema, a playground, and enough activities to keep a toddler busy for a week.
But Rixos was smart. They knew they needed to give the adults a break.
The Infinity Pool is the designated "Adults Only" zone. It is a literal godsend. You can sit there with a book and not get splashed by a cannonballing eight-year-old. The vibe shifts significantly here. It's calmer. More refined. If you’re traveling as a couple, you will spend 90% of your time in this specific square footage of the resort.
Entertainment: Is it Cringey?
Usually, resort entertainment is painful. Think 1990s cruise ship vibes. Rixos tries harder. They bring in professional dancers, acrobats, and DJs from Europe. The evening shows at the Entertainment Square are actually high-production. During the winter months, when the weather in Ras Al Khaimah is a perfect 25°C, the outdoor parties feel like a mini-festival.
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The Ras Al Khaimah Factor
Why stay here instead of the Palm Jumeirah in Dubai?
- Price. You get significantly more for your money here.
- Nature. RAK is more rugged. You’re closer to the Jebel Jais mountains.
- Space. Marjan Island feels less claustrophobic than the crowded beaches of JBR.
Ras Al Khaimah is pushing hard to become the adventure capital of the Middle East. If you get bored of the "Ultra All-Inclusive" life (unlikely, but possible), you’re only a 45-minute drive from the world’s longest zipline at Jebel Jais. It’s a weird contrast—one day you’re sipping a margarita in a pyramid, the next you’re flying over a mountain canyon at 150km/h.
What Most People Get Wrong
A common complaint you’ll see on TripAdvisor is about the check-in wait times. This is a legitimate issue. Because the resort is so popular with locals for weekend staycations, Thursday and Friday afternoons can be chaotic.
Don't arrive at 3:00 PM on a Friday and expect to be in your room in five minutes. It’s not going to happen.
Instead, arrive early. Even if your room isn't ready, they’ll give you your wristband. This is the golden ticket. You can go straight to the lunch buffet or the pool bar and start your holiday while the staff handles the luggage. It’s the only way to do it without losing your mind in a lobby full of suitcases.
The Spa: Don't Skip It
The Anjana Spa is one of the largest in the Emirate. The Turkish Hammam is the centerpiece. Honestly, even if you aren't a "spa person," go for the Hammam. It’s part of the Rixos DNA (being a Turkish brand). It’s a sensory experience that actually feels like you’ve left the commercialized resort and stepped into something traditional.
Is the Service Up to Par?
Service in a 650-room all-inclusive resort is a logistical challenge. It is not "butler-level" service. The staff is working incredibly hard, but when the resort is at 100% capacity, you might wait ten minutes for a coffee at breakfast.
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Manage your expectations.
The staff at Rixos Bab Al Bahr Ras Al Khaimah United Arab Emirates is generally friendly and diverse, but they are high-volume operators. If you want someone to remember your name and your specific pillow preference, go to the Waldorf Astoria down the road. If you want a fun, high-energy environment where the drinks are cold and the food is plentiful, you’re in the right place.
The Environmental Reality
Building a massive man-made island (Marjan Island) comes with environmental questions. The UAE is trying to pivot toward sustainability, but a resort this size uses a lot of energy. Rixos has implemented some water-saving measures and is moving away from single-use plastics in certain areas, but it’s still a massive operation. The beach itself is man-made, but the water is clear and surprisingly full of small fish. It’s great for a paddle, but don’t expect a coral reef for snorkeling.
Actionable Takeaways for Your Trip
If you’re planning to book, keep these specific points in mind to get the most out of your stay:
- Download the Rixos App immediately. You can use it to see the daily activity schedule and, more importantly, check restaurant menus.
- Book a la carte early. As mentioned, do this on day one. Prioritize Lalezar for the Turkish experience and Meat Point for a decent steak.
- The "Toasties" Secret. There is a small snack bar that does toasted sandwiches near the pool area. When you're sick of heavy buffet food, a simple cheese toastie is a lifesaver.
- Weekend vs. Weekday. If you have the flexibility, stay Sunday through Wednesday. The price drops, the crowds thin out, and you’ll actually get a sunbed without having to wake up at 7:00 AM to claim it with a towel.
- Airport Transfers. Don't just take a random taxi from DXB. It’ll cost you a fortune. Arrange a transfer through the hotel or use a pre-booked service like Careem for a fixed rate.
Rixos Bab Al Bahr is a specific kind of holiday. It’s about excess, convenience, and sun. It’s not a quiet retreat, and it’s not a deep cultural immersion. It is a place where you go to turn your brain off, eat well, and enjoy the heat of the UAE without worrying about the bill at the end. For families and groups of friends, it’s arguably the best value proposition in the Emirates.
If you go in expecting a quiet, boutique experience, you’ll be disappointed. But if you go in ready for the "Ultra" life, with a plan for your dinner reservations and a spot staked out at the adult pool, it’s one of the most fun stays you can have in Ras Al Khaimah.