About Ras Al Khaimah

Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) has a rich history. It was renowned for its prosperous port and exquisite pearls, which were the whitest and roundest in the world.

It is the fourth largest emirate and covers an area of 1684sq. km. which is equal to 3.16 per cent of the total area of the UAE.

Population

It is estimated to have a total population of 300,000.

According to Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority, the estimated population of UAE nationals as of 2010 in the emirate of RAK was:

Males: 49,181

Females: 48,348

Total: 97,529.

Location and geography

The emirate is located near the northernmost point of the United Arab Emirates and shares its boundaries with the emirates of Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah and Sharjah. It shares its international border with the Sultanate of Oman.

The city of Ras Al Khaimah is the capital of the emirate. A creek divides it into two parts: the western old town - Ras Al Khaimah and the eastern part - Al Nakheel. Other key towns are: Al Jazeerah Al Hamra, Digdagah, Khatt and Masafi. Masafi shares its boundaries with the emirate of Fujairah and is known for its mineral water.

Ras Al Khaimah maintains a distinguished natural location, stretching along the shore of Arabian Gulf, adjacent to the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

Economy

Apart from agriculture, Ras Al Khaimah has been witnessing an increased contribution from other sectors as well. The recent establishment of free zones and industrial areas which attracted many foreign investments have also impacted its economy.

Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone- RAKEZ offers customisable solutions to free zone and non-free zone businesses in over 50 industries.

Besides, with three cement-manufacturing companies, Ras Al Khaimah is currently the largest cement producer in the UAE.

Ras Al Khaimah is also home to the largest pharmaceutical manufacturer, Gulf Pharmaceutical Industries LLC, known as Julphar, in MENA.

Read more on Ras Al Khaimah economic opportunities

• Investment and Development Office - Government of Ras Al Khaimah
• Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ).

Tourist attractions

Today, Ras Al Khaimah is reinventing itself as a tourism hub. It is often described as the most scenic of all the emirates because of its diverse landscape consisting of sandy deserts, coastal strips with salt flats areas, mangroves and mountains. There are also sulphur springs near the mountain areas. The emirate is also home to a number of mammals such as foxes and jerboas as well as hundreds of bird species.

Its landmarks vary between old and new. Visit the National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah for a glimpse of the history of the emirate. 

The ruling family

The ruling family descends from Al Qawasim tribe which occupied a significant maritime power on the Arabian Coast. Currently, Ras Al Khaimah is ruled by H. H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi. He assumed his position on 27 October 2010 after the demise of his father.