About RAK
Ras Al Khaimah - literally translated as "The Top of the Tent", and formerly known as Julfar - is one of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates.
Positioned near the Straits of Hormuz, at the mouth of the Arabian Gulf, Ras Al Khaimah prospered for centuries at the crossroads of the trade routes linking Europe with India and China. Today, these traditions of cultural exchange, commerce and business are alive and well - personified by the warm hospitality shown to visitors and its captivating scenery, shimmering coastline resorts and desert spa retreats.
With miles of natural coastline about the majestic Hajar Mountain range Ras Al Khaimah is also home to a lush stretch of date palms and vegetation that lead into rolling sand dunes with an abundance of wildlife.
A variety of luxury hotel and resort options allow visitors to experience the true essence of Emirati culture and hospitality. From the desert hot springs of Khatt, the breath-taking landscape afforded on a mountain trek, or a selection of exclusive seaside resorts, Ras Al Khaimah offers a range of intriguing leisure opportunities.
In the early 18th century the Qawassim clan established itself in Ras Al Khaimah. On the 11th February 1972, Ras Al Khaimah, under the leadership of HH Sheikh Saqr bin Muhammad al-Qassimi, joined the United Arab Emirates.
Without the oil found in many of its neighbours, Ras Al Khaimah has instead had to concentrate on developing its industrial sector. It opened the UAE's first cement company in the early 1970s and is now the UAE's largest producer of cement. In the 1980s, the emirate formed RAK Ceramics, which has become the world's largest ceramics producer, and Gulf Pharmaceutical Industries - Julphar, the Gulf region's first pharmaceuticals company.
The Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone (RAK FTZ), established in 2000, has become one of the fastest-growing and most cost-effective free trade zones in the UAE and is home to over 4,000 companies. With a range of benefits from 100% tax exemption and foreign ownership to no restrictions on capital and profit repatriation, RAK FTZ is rapidly emerging as the preferred business hub in the Middle East region for investors from all industries.
The RAK Investment Authority (RAKIA), under the direction of H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qassimi, has been tasked with reinforcing the investment climate in the emirate and promoting its various economic sectors. With a mandate to establish Ras Al Khaimah as a regional hub for industrial manufacturing, trade and commerce, RAKIA has been instrumental in attracting over US$2.5 billion in industrial investments to the emirate.
The annual Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon, first held in 2007, has also called the attention of the world's sporting media to the region.
The newly constructed Emirates Road (Highway E311) traverses the emirates of Umm Al Quwain, Ajman (60 km) and Sharjah (71 km) to finally end up in Dubai (87 km). The new highway allows journeys from Ras Al Khaimah to Dubai in under 45 minutes.
