Ras Al Khaimah is the northernmost of the seven Emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates. It is known for its rich history, with human habitation dating back 7,000 years, and its unique topography that comprises mountains, deserts and coastal plains.

From its 68km of pristine beaches and wildlife-abundant mangroves, one can traverse rolling terracotta deserts and arrive at stunning elevations and impressive wadis (valleys that fill with water in winter) in the space of an afternoon.

The Emirate is home to the highest point in the country, Jebel Jais, that peaks at 1,934 meters amid the splendor of the Al Hajar Mountains, which form the breathtaking backdrop to the city of Ras Al Khaimah.

Ras Al Khaimah is an authentic Arabian experience, with welcoming local hosts and multiple sites of historical significance. These include Dhayah Fort and the traditional pearl fishing village of Al Jazeera Al Hamra. Other sites include the National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah, which at one time housed the ruling Qawasim tribe, now led by His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah.  

Ras Al Khaimah’s geographic location as a crossroad between East and West points not only to the vast trade links of the past, but also to the opportunities of the future. The Emirate has a growing population, currently at about 0.4 million people, and is considered an extremely safe place to live, with an excellent quality of life and a straightforward approach to doing business. 

Ras Al Khaimah’s economy is diverse, with no single sector contributing more than 27% to its GDP. This is a result of a diversification strategy pursued by the late Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammed Al Qasimi and accelerated by His Highness Sheikh Saud. One strand of the strategy is to capitalize on Ras Al Khaimah’s natural resources and location through quarrying, ceramics and transportation, while enhancing its overall appeal to an array of business sectors, from manufacturing and pharmaceuticals to tourism and knowledge-based sectors.

Ras Al Khaimah’s beaches, mountains and deserts have furthered the Emirate’s development, with tourism now a major growth sector and numerous projects creating ever more residential, retail and hospitality opportunities. These include the majestic Al Marjan Island, a man-made archipelago of four islands that extend 4.5km into the Arabian Gulf and boasts 23km of waterfront.

Through His Highness’s vision, Ras Al Khaimah is developing into a strategically located and modern hub of business and leisure, while maintaining strong links to its distinct history, culture and traditions.