• Ras Al Khaimah is one of the emirates of the UAE; it covers an area of 1,700km², which represents 2.2% of the country’s total area excluding the islands. Ras Al Khaimah is in the northern part of the Persian Gulf with a separate enclave in the heart of the Hajar Mountains to the southeast. Both parts of the emirates have borders with the Sultanate of Oman
• Bordering Sea: The Persian Gulf
• Languages: Arabic (official language), English, Urdu and Farsi
• Religion: Islam
• Primary industries: World’s largest producer of Cement, Ceramics and the first emirate in the region to form a Pharmaceuticals Company.

Climate

ClimateLike the rest of the Middle East the weather in Ras Al Khaimah is extremely hot and dry in the summer months from April to October with temperatures hovering around 40C (90F) during the day. During the so called winter months from November to March the day temperatures are approximately 26C (80F). RAK has a varied terrain composed of Mountains plains, a 40 km long coastline composed of white sandy beaches and of course the desert. The emirate is trying to exploit the fused terrain it possesses and make its mark on the global tourism scene.

Why Buy In RAK?

Why Buy In Ras Al Khaimah?

• Open and Free Economic System: The light industry sector has been one major beneficiary of these inward flows, with manufacturing companies now accounting for 13.5% of all registered establishments. Wholesale and retail trade continued to be the main component of the emirate’s GDP in 2007, contributing 14.5% of the total, reflecting a growing population and greater levels of disposable income. RAK’s natural resources, namely the large swathes of fertile land used for agriculture and significant mineral deposits used in the ceramics and cement industries, also make key contributions to GDP. The tourism industry, driven by a rising number of visitors, offers another chance for economic diversification, as does the real estate sector which is built on the strong demand fundamentals created by Ras Al Khaimah’s young and rapidly growing population. In the long term, land availability may become a future issue once major projects have been completed. But for now the emirate’s business-friendly policies should continue to attract investors at impressive rates. Since 2003 RAK has posted a CAGR of over 50% in operational surpluses and in 2007 GDP grew by 13% over the previous year.
• Growth and cost advantages: Ras Al Khaimah is emerging as a viable investment alternative with increasingly large numbers of firms choosing to locate their operations here rather than in already well-established but increasingly overcrowded parts of the UAE. The cost of living and doing business in Ras Al Khaimah are markedly lower than in Dubai, for example, with a distance of less than 100 kilometres between Ras Al Khaimah and Dubai the drive between the two can be covered in less than one hour. This enables companies to take advantage of being very close to Dubai but avoiding any negative impacts brought by the high costs.

  The government is committed in its approach for attracting foreign investments by creating an incentive based environment and a suitable climate for investment in Ras Al Khaimah.

  Ras Al Khaimah offers excellent investment opportunities in the ever-growing economic areas. It is estimated that the costs of setting up a factory in Ras Al Khaimah are about 20 per cent lower compared to other destinations in the UAE due to lower prices of land, better logistics, no taxes and low customs duties and reduced overheads or costs incurred in bureaucratic delays. Ras Al Khaimah allows investors to save time to complete a project from zero date to a fully operational factory in around 6 to 12 months. These factors, coupled with lower living costs, competitive freight costs and easy access to the rest of the UAE, have created an optimal environment for manufacturing industries to set up their UAE business operations in Ras Al Khaimah.

• Ras Al Khaimah processes a wide network of foreign trade. The emirate is rich with raw materials such as limestone, clay, quartz and other minerals. It is unique in the Gulf region as it has a high concentration of leading industrial units which process these natural resources and manufacture various types of cement, clinker, ceramics and other building materials.
• The Ras Al Khaimah government has adopted a tourism master plan that embraces a number of large-scale developments including luxury hotels, residential complexes, an offshore island and the redevelopment of the creek area. The tourism master plan also includes the promotion of Ras Al Khaimah’s heritage sites. It is estimated that by 2010, Ras Al Khaimah will have at least 25 hotels and will be visited by 2 million tourists annually.
• Attractiveness of investment opportunities in the real estate sector has prompted many foreign investors to invest in Ras Al Khaimah. The main attractions of the real estate market in Ras Al Khaimah include underdeveloped local market for residential and commercial properties and the lower costs of living in Ras Al Khaimah and a diversified landscape offering both nice beaches and mountainous areas for leisure activities.

Tourism

TourismThe varied and diverse terrain of Ras Al Khaimah with mountains, beaches, desert and plains as well as archaeological sites offers tourists a wide array of activities. Ras Al Khaimah, with its truly stunning landscapes, has plenty to offer for hiking enthusiasts- areas of great scenic beauty, yet uncrowded and unpolluted.

• The number of guest arrivals is estimated at approximately 215,000 annually including domestic and international visitors. The number of tourists visiting RAK has increased by 28%.
• Ras Al Khaimah will open nearly two dozen five-star hotels in the next five years helping to accommodate the 2.5 million tourists the emirate aims to attract by 2012. Occupancy of major hotels currently exceeds 85 per cent as tourists respond to RAK Tourism’s promotion of the emirate internationally.
• Furthermore, a series of ambitious projects has been announced with a view to transform the tourism industry in Ras Al Khaimah.
• Musandam Pearl Route: Discover the abandoned villages that travellers crossed on this rough and rocky trail. Roam around the barren fields that once carried entire communities, climb peaks above which sharp-eyed buzzards still glide, quietly stalking their prey below.
• Walk in the Clouds: Discover the tallest peak in Musandam.
• Lost Villages: Trek to the vastness of the Wadi Bih, away from other hikers and habitations. Climb a summit, explore the canyon, camp on the edge of the precipice and scramble down a route that will never see crowds.

The Hotel Industry

The Hotel IndustryRas Al Khaimah is a growing leisure destination. The emirate has 64 kilometres of beach along the clear blue Arabian Gulf. The distant Al Hajjar Mountains appearing on the horizon long before you reach City of RAK. It is one of the most wonderful sights in all of the UAE. As Ras Al Khaimah is developing itself as a tourism industry the number of hotels will drastically increase in the coming years.

• The very famous Hilton Hotel in Ras Al Khaimah is situated in a beautiful private bay on the Northern Peninsula of the sun-soaked Arabian Gulf. Where you can relax on the white sands of the hotel’s private beach or stretch out under the shade of an umbrella by one of the hotels 6 swimming pools. Work out in the fully equipped fitness centre, indulge in some pampering at the beauty salon or hold a conference in one of the hotel meeting rooms.
• The Cove Rotana Resort Ras Al Khaimah is a 5-star hotel occupying a prime waterfront location in Ras Al Khaimah. This brand new luxury hotel/resort offers a magnificent range of resort facilities with beautiful accommodation. The Cove Rotana Resort is only a 45-minute drive away from Dubai – on the recently built Emirates Road, and just a few minutes away from the Ras Al Khaimah Airport.
• The Al Hamra Palace Hotel is a 5 star deluxe property in Ras Al Khaimah and when complete, it will be the jewel of the Al Hamra Hotels Management Group portfolio. It has a beautiful landscaped golf course on one side and 1.5 km’s of private beach access on the other side. The Palace has 300 hotel rooms, all a luxurious 72 m2 in size, plus 166 hotel apartments. Some of the other features include Royal and Diplomatic Suites, Deluxe Spa, 7 uniquely themed restaurants and coffee shops, seminar and meeting rooms’ facilities for 400 people. It also comes with a Cigar Bar and Piano lounges will offer magnificent views of the coastline. In terms of luxury, Al Hamra Palace is equal to the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi and the clear arabesque style of the hotel is very much in keeping with the unique style of the Emirate.

Infrastructure

Infrastructure

• Recently, Ras Al Khaimah began an ambitious phase of development including investments in infrastructure improvement, telecommunication, energy, tourism, property, shopping, and efforts to attract industrial and commercial enterprises.
• Roads within the free zone and industrial area are under construction. With good support from the Federal Electricity and Water Authority (FEWA), The Emirate’s Telephone Company, Etisalat, shall lay its most modern triple play optical fiber cable network which will soon enable some lines to be used for triple play.
• RAKIA the development arm of the government pays special attention to implement eco-friendly infrastructure projects; the decision to execute the vacuum sewerage system is one of them. The vacuum sewerage network comprises a Sewage Treatment Plant based on a biological treatment process & vacuum stations that have already been installed & commissioned in the Free Zone. A similar facility shall shortly be extended to Industrial Zone.

Culture

CultureRas Al Khaimah is a multi ethnic city which is home to 250,000 people who belong to 128 different nationalities in a pulsating international environment.

Sports

Sports

• Golf: Ras Al Khaimah also offers a choice of golfing experiences with modern and sophisticated facilities provide a fantastic opportunity for visitors to spread their golfing wings a little further afield. Ras Al Khaimah may still be a young upstart as a golfing destination but is growing up fast.
• Club Al Hamra Golf Club: The Peter Harradine-designed Golf Club is a championship 18-hole course shaped around a large open salt water lagoon. This championship course is designed to ensure guests have the finest golfing experience in the Arabian Peninsula.
• Tower Links Golf: is a challenging 18 hole, par 72 golf course. The club possesses an outstanding range of facilities enabling golfers to improve their standard of play. The back nine holes and practice facilities are fully floodlit for night play.
• Ras Al Khaimah Shooting Club: This club welcomes interested parties that want to learn how to shoot, whether it’s shotguns or long rifles. The club boasts a 50 meters indoor and 200 meters outdoor rifle range.

Adventure Sports

• Ras Al Khaimah Rock Climbing: is an exciting sport which provides you with expert instruction, it’s the perfect introduction for the complete beginner. The views from the top will take your breath away. Hook into the challenging world of climbing and learn various ways to climb Rocky Mountains.
• Ras Al Khaimah Sailing: This luxurious schooner offers you the opportunity of experiencing the most amazing Sailing Adventure in the UAE. Experience an amazing view of the crystal blue waters and cool breeze brushing against your face. Get to discover the mysteries of the ocean as you enjoy the thrill of the games and enjoy a delightfully delicious cuisine with the company of your family and friends.

Quality Of Life

Quality Of LifeThe UAE is considered to be one of the most vibrant and safest places to visit on a holiday. Ras Al Khaimah is continually growing to be home to an exciting, diverse, multi-cultural blend of dynamic and professional people enjoying the unrivalled lifestyle.

Festivals And Events

Festivals And Events

Ras Al Khaimah Ramadan Festival

• Ras Al Khaimah will hope that the festival will promote Ras Al Khaimah internally and externally and bring tourism into the emirate.
• The festival focuses on Ramadan themed activities and displays targeted at families, as well as promotions and special discounts to mark the Holy Month of Ramadan.
• The special activities have been designed to enhance the lively and warm atmosphere at Al Hamra Mall, while providing the children, families and other mall visitors with entertaining, instructive and meaningful activities to celebrate the special occasion.
• Participating children and adults will also be encouraged to showcase their creativity and special expertise through special workshops on making colourful Ramadan lanterns and clay arts among others.
• Participants are encouraged to contribute a small amount to charity as a way of helping instill the true spirit of Ramadan among children; all proceeds will be donated to the UAE Red Crescent.
• Throughout Ramadan, Al Hamra Mall, with the support of sponsors such as Mug and Bean cafe, will also be welcoming mall visitors with traditional Arabic hospitality, and restaurants within the mall will serve special menus designed especially for the occasion.

Camel Racing

• Ras Al Khaimah’s camel racing takes place in the winters.
• It lasts for about six days. This year (2009), it is the 17th Annual camel race festival held in Ras Al Khaimah.
• Hundreds of people from all over the Emirates and Gulf countries turn up to witness or participate in this festival.
• It’s also counted as one of the main tourist attractions.
• Camel racing is not just a simple sport event in but has also become a tradition of Ras Al Khaimah.

Awafi Festival

• Is an annual festival held during from 11th janurary-2nd Feburary.
• The festival places a spot light on the culture and traditions of RAK. Folkloric exhibitions, art and handicraft displays, talents shows as well as other entertainment.
• Bull fighting, a football tournament, camel riding, dune climbing events and the yola traditional dance contest form some of the main attractions of this event.
• Motor Sports and motor racing events bring in the crowds from places far flung.

RAK Half Marathon Race

• This marathon race is held to raise money for charity.
• The RAK Half Marathon will be held on 12 February 2010.
• This is the world’s richest half marathon and the highest accredited road race in the Middle East.

Dining

DiningThere is a wide range of cuisines from around the world available in Ras Al Khaimah, from pub grub to fine dining experiences.

Must-Sees

Must-Sees

• Dhayah Fort: Dhayah Fort is the only hilltop fort still existing in United Arab Emirates. It offers a breathtaking and an overwhelming view either of palm gardens, the sea or the impressive mountains. The fort witnessed the last battle between the local and the British troops in 1819.
• Khatts Spring Oasis and Resort: Among the Tourist Attractions in Ras Al Khaimah, this is one of the most famous ones. The Khatts Springs Oasis and Resort, Ras Al Khaimah consists of a total of 3 springs that are filled with hot mineral water. The natural spring water is said to have sulphur that has relaxing and therapeutic properties in them. The Khatts hot springs is historically known for its spring water which contains healing, curative and medicinal values for any skin problems, rheumatic ailments as well as other ailments.
• National Museum of RAK: The National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah is located in the heart of old Ras Al Khaimah. It has a great collection of archaeological and ethnological artefacts. There are several galleries and rooms in the museum that contain many artefacts and weapons of the bygone era.
• Hajar Mountains in Ras Al Khaimah is one of the top-most scenic spots. The Hajar Mountains are mountain ranges that are located at the north-eastern side of Oman and eastern UAE. The Hajar Mountains slope directly in to the sea with their highest point located in the north of Ras Al Khaimah.
• Shimal: is the largest pre-Islamic site in the region of Ras Al Khaimah. It has in store many tombs and a settlement that dates back from 2000 to 3000 BC. Pottery, soft stone vessels, bronze or copper weapons and beads has been uncovered in Shimal, Ras Al Khaimah. Shimal comprises of a number of proto-historic settlement remains and a medieval fortress locally known as the “Palace of the queen of Sheba.
• Dhow cruises in Musandam: These cruises travel coastal villages and afford opportunities for swimming and snorkeling amongst the languid dolphin inhabited waters.
• Date Farm: A trip to a date farm should also be a part of a tourist itinerary to see how the fruits of the region are cultivated and processed for export.
• Desert Safari: Like its neighboring Emirates, RAK offers a trip to the sand dunes in a four wheel drive. A drive in the dunes can be extremely exciting and can be combined with a visit to a Camel Farm. The desert safari gives one a chance to observe the lives of the Bedouin people.