Spot UAE

The Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah has an impressive archaeological heritage and rich cultural history. This area has enticed settlers with its unique combination of the four different landscapes found in the United Arab Emirates: striking mountains, coastal beaches and mangroves, and the desert.

The interaction of these geographical factors coupled with Ras Al Khamiah’s strategic location at the mouth of the Arabian Gulf has shaped the very special heritage of the Emirate. Archaeological excavations reveal that an advanced trading civilizations have existed in this region since 5000 BC.

This rich history dating back to the Bronze Age makes Ras Al Khaimah one of the few places in the world that has continuously had settlers for over 7,000 years. Known through the ages as Julfar, Majan or Al Seer, Ras Al Khaimah has stood throughout antiquity as one of the most important trade centres and markets in the region.

Its position at the most trafficked maritime crossroads meant that the emirate was known to traders around the Gulf. Records show that inhabitants from RAK travelled as far afield as Bombay, China and Zanzibar as early as the 10th century.

Ras Al Khaimah’s location made it a valuable target for domination by a series of invading powers. Eighteen historic fortifications, castles and towers bear testament to a turbulent history that saw Ras Al Khaimah occupied or challenged by the Sasanians, Islamic clans of the Arabian Gulf, the Portuguese, Dutch and British Forces.

Ras Al Khaimah’s history comes into sharper focus with the arrival of the Qawasim, a clan so influential that they not only united a large part of the Northern Emirates, but also created one of the strongest fleets ever seen in this part of the region.

The arrival of the British influenced a political situation of the Arabian sheikdoms and introduced many changes. These changes finally led to a unification of the seven emirates in 1971/1972, this unification is what is now known as the United Arab Emirates.

History enthusiasts travelling to RAK will find a treasure trove of archaeological sites within easy reach, waiting to bring the past to life.

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

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.

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.

RAK Free Trade Zone Authority embodies more than 8,600 companies from over 100 countries, representing more than 50 industry sectors. RAK Investment Authority (RAKIA) is a fully equipped business and industrial region offering competitive free zone and non-free zone facilities in a dynamic environment.

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 and regulators on the websites of:

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

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.

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. Some of the popular ones are:

The National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah
Iceland Waterpark
World’s Longest Zipline