Brunch culture used to be Dubai and Abu Dhabi's game, but Ras Al Khaimah's resorts have caught up, and the northern emirate now runs a full roster of Saturday and Sunday feasts. Whether you want a beach party that lasts until dark or a quiet family table by the water, there's a RAK brunch that fits — often at prices undercutting the big-city hotel scene.

Saturday is the big day. BDP Beach on Hayat Island runs Brunch au Soleil poolside from midday to 4pm, pairing a French-inspired spread with unlimited drinks across four packages — Dhs240 for soft drinks up to Dhs640 with Champagne. Over at Anantara Mina Al Arab, Brunchella at The Beach House brings Mediterranean sharing plates, free-flowing drinks and a live DJ, with terrace or air-conditioned seating from Dhs275 to Dhs650.

The InterContinental's Levant & Nar takes a slower tack: eastern Mediterranean mezze and fresh tabbouleh set to live acoustic music, with packages from Dhs175 (soft) to Dhs375 (Champagne) and kids aged three to 12 paying Dhs85. It's also one of the few with a built-in afterparty if the afternoon rolls on. Families get a dedicated option at Mövenpick Al Marjan Island, where Boons serves an international buffet with a kids' buffet, outdoor play area, live band and pool and beach access included, from Dhs225.

For a full day out, ULA on Al Marjan Island flips the format entirely. Its Boho Brunch is an Ibiza-style beach party — one flat Dhs300 covers a sharing menu, unlimited wines and cocktails, and pool access until 10pm. Sunday belongs to Mekong at the Anantara, where brunch travels from the Tibetan Plateau to Southeast Asia in sharing-style dishes served over mangrove views, priced Dhs250 to Dhs375 with children's rates at Dhs125.

For travellers, this is a good reason to treat RAK as more than a day trip from Dubai. The emirate's resort brunches run noticeably cheaper than their Dubai equivalents — a decent house-package brunch here typically lands between Dhs275 and Dhs395 — and the beach settings feel genuinely relaxed rather than frantic. It works well for couples chasing a long pool afternoon, and equally for families, since several venues build in kids' menus and play areas. Booking ahead on weekends is wise, especially on Al Marjan Island where resorts fill up in cooler months.