Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪
#849
25.77377, 55.938232
Nomad Score:
67%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Ras Al Khaimah is the northernmost emirate in the UAE, known for its stunning mountains, beautiful beaches, and rich cultural heritage. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 400,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speeds are around 100 Mbps with many providers like Etisalat and du offering reliable service. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is the United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED). 1 EUR ≈ 4.1 AED, 1 USD ≈ 3.67 AED. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Generally drinkable, but bottled water is widely preferred. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is supplied at 230V, 50Hz, with Type G sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Etisalat and du are the main providers, with prepaid SIM cards available starting at AED 50. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks like Emirates NBD and ADCB cater to expats, offering various services including online banking. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include apartments, villas, and serviced apartments. Airbnb and local real estate agencies are popular for short-term stays. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are widely accepted in shops, restaurants, and hotels. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental sites offer various options for short-term accommodations. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options are limited; budget hotels start from around AED 150 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | RAK Coworking offers a comfortable environment with fast internet, meeting rooms, and networking events. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Kcal Cafe is a popular work-friendly cafe with good coffee and healthy food options. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Events are often held through the Ras Al Khaimah Chamber of Commerce to promote local businesses and entrepreneurship. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The RAK Expat Meetup group hosts regular social events and networking opportunities. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Careem and Uber operate in Ras Al Khaimah, providing convenient rides. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals are available at Al Marjan Island for scenic rides. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Al Hamra Beach is one of the best beaches in the area, featuring beautiful sandy shores. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Arabia operates flights from Ras Al Khaimah International Airport. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Emirates and Etihad serve routes from nearby airports to international destinations. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Located near the E11 highway, providing easy access to Dubai and Abu Dhabi. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | RAK lacks a train station, but bus services connect to major cities. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Bus fares in RAK are affordable, with a single fare typically around AED 2-5. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses connect to Dubai and other emirates, with easy accessibility for day trips. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Ras Al Khaimah Hospital is the main healthcare facility, offering various medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | The Yoga Studio RAK provides classes and wellness programs for all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness 360 and Gold's Gym are popular fitness centers offering memberships. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats like Laundroid offer wash and fold services for convenience. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Zomato and Talabat are popular food delivery services with a variety of cuisines. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Al Harees is a traditional Emirati dish worth trying during your stay. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegan-friendly restaurants like Soul Sante offer a range of plant-based dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Al Falamanki serves delicious Arabic sweets and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local souks provide fresh produce and snacks at bargain prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Noon.com and Carrefour UAE are popular online shopping platforms. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Giggle and Carrefour offer grocery delivery services in Ras Al Khaimah. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Al Marjan Island has various bars and beach clubs catering to nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | RAK Brewing offers local craft beers and has a brewery tour. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Cellars at the Rixos Bab Al Bahr offers a good selection of wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | The Night Market at Al Marjan Island features several street food vendors. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurant options range from Italian at Fiamma to Asian at Thai Wok. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Dhayah Fort, an ancient hilltop fort with stunning views, is a must-visit. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The RAK Museum showcases the emirate's history and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Sheba's Palace is an archaeological site with historical significance. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Sheikh Zayed Mosque, a stunning example of Islamic architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | RAK Maritime Festival offers cultural performances and traditional activities each year. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Old Ras Al Khaimah is a charming area with historical architecture and local crafts. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Al Hamra Theater hosts various performances and cultural events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | RAK's Old Souq offers a traditional shopping experience for souvenirs and textiles. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music events often occur at beachfront venues and hotels. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street art is less prevalent, but local artists have spaces in various cafes. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes highlighting local cuisine can be found at culinary schools in the area. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The RAK Art Center hosts exhibitions by local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Visit the old fortresses and watchtowers that dot the landscape. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | RAK is known for its pottery and traditional practices that reflect UAE's culture. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Jebel Jais, the highest mountain in the UAE, offers hiking and adventure activities. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Wadi Shawka is a popular spot for hiking and nature walks. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Corniche in Ras Al Khaimah is perfect for walking, jogging, and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Al Jais Mountain offers breathtaking views and is ideal for photography. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Ras Al Khaimah Mangroves are great for birdwatching, attracting various migratory birds. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas at Al Marjan Island allow for bonfires and picnics. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL Express and Aramex provide reliable parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local stores like iFix offer various tech repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Many gyms include table tennis facilities, such as Fitness First. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | The British Council offers English language courses for expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | RAK Public Library is an excellent place for study and research. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Culture and Arts Authority hosts events and activities for the public. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | The Escape Lounge offers a space for gaming and socializing. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | There are no casinos in RAK, but many hotels offer gaming facilities. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. AED 9,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = AED 360,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. AED 6,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = AED 260,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. AED 8,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = AED 480,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. AED 5,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = AED 330,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. AED 7,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = AED 600,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. AED 5,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = AED 400,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 0%, as RAK offers tax-free zones. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 0%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | No personal income tax for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 0%. |
| 🧾 VAT | 5% standard VAT rate applied to most goods and services. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No, UAE does not impose CFC rules. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, properties are liable for a municipal tax of up to 5%. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 4% fee on property registration. |