Before you embark on the adventure of a lifetime in Ras Al Khaimah, read the essential Ras Al Khaimah travel information below!
Nestled in the southeastern Arabian Peninsula, Ras Al Khaimah is one of the seven Emirates comprising the United Arab Emirates. Unlike other neighboring Emirates, oil was not discovered in Ras Al Khaimah, which has led to the development of a diversified economy built on tourism, service industries, and real estate. This unique economic approach has fostered a particularly welcoming atmosphere, bringing more than one million visitors to this charming Emirate in 2019 alone.
The emirate’s landscape is a testament to nature’s diversity, offering visitors an extraordinary range of scenery to explore. From pristine sandy coastlines and verdant mangrove forests to striking terracotta desert dunes and majestic mountains, Ras Al Khaimah presents a stunning natural tapestry. This varied terrain has made it a favorite weekend retreat for those seeking respite from Dubai’s urban intensity.
What sets Ras Al Khaimah apart is its commitment to combining world-class hospitality with authentic Arabic traditions. This emirate has developed an impressive array of attractions, from modern shopping malls to luxury resorts, all designed to provide visitors with a unique cultural experience while maintaining the highest standards of service.
The emirate enjoys a favorable climate that sets it apart from its neighbors. Benefiting from cooling sea breezes and relatively mild winters, temperatures range from a pleasant 18-25°C in January to 29-43°C in July. Visitors can count on 8-10 hours of daily sunshine throughout the year, making it an ideal destination in any season.
The growth of Ras Al Khaimah has been remarkable, with its population expanding from just 43,845 in 1975 to 450,000 today. The emirate has embraced multiculturalism, hosting a substantial expatriate community and fostering a more inclusive atmosphere. While both Arabic and English are commonly used, visitors should remember that they are in a Muslim society where respect for local customs and religious traditions is essential.
Visiting Ras Al Khaimah is straightforward, with many nationalities eligible for free visas upon arrival in the UAE. Travelers can either fly directly to Ras Al Khaimah International Airport (RKT) or land in Dubai and take a 45-minute drive to the emirate. The region operates on UAE Standard Time (GMT+4). While alcohol is available to expatriates and visitors, it’s important to note that narcotic drugs are strictly prohibited.
If you are a national citizen of a GCC country you do not require a visa to visit the UAE. You will simply need to produce your GCC country passport or ID Card upon arrival at the point of entry into the UAE.
Citizens of the following 68 countries can obtain a visa on arrival:
Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Honduras, Hong Kong (SAR of China), Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Islands, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Montenegro, Nauru, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, People’s Republic of China, Poland, Republic of Mauritius, Republic of El Salvador, Portugal, Romania, Russian, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, The Vatican, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States of America, Uruguay.
If you are NOT a citizen of one of the above-mentioned countries, you will require a visa and a sponsor for your visit. The sponsor normally applies for the visa on your behalf and it can be obtained through one of the following:
Website: RAK.ae
Number: 8005111
Please Note: Visa statuses are subject to change. Therefore, it is best to reach out to your local UAE Embassy or Consulate for confirmation.
Ras Al Khaimah abides by the rules and regulations of the United Arab Emirates customs and borders. Make sure you are familiar with the laws and regulations for details on prohibited and un-prohibited items across the borders.
Whichever your banking needs are, you can find ATMs, national and international bank branches, and currency exchange services around the emirate and inside the hotels, resorts, and shopping malls.
In case you need any medical assistance during your stay, there are a number of hospitals and medical centers available across Ras Al Khaimah.
Tel: 072074444
Website: rakhospital.com
Address: Al Qusaidat, Ras Al Khaimah
Tel: 072288544
Website: alzahrawihospital.com
Address: Al Nakheel, Ras Al Khaimah
Tel: 072074444
Website: sksh.ae
Address: Al Shohadaa Road, Ras Al Khaimah
Ras Al Khaimah is served by well-stocked pharmacies to meet all of your medical needs, with highly qualified pharmacists on hand to advise on any health issues. Many pharmacies are open 24/7 – your hotel or resort will have full information on the pharmacy locations.
Important emergency service numbers to keep handy:
Police: 07-999
Fire: 07-997
Ambulance: 07-998
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