Ras Al Khaimah is one of seven Emirates that form a part of the United Arab Emirates. The UAE is located to the south east of the Arabian Peninsula.

Unlike other Emirates, oil has not been discovered in Ras Al Khaimah, so a far more diversified economy has developed, with strong tourism, service industries and real estate sectors. This is reflected by warm and positive attitudes in the Emirate, which welcomed over a million visitors in 2019.

The growth of tourism in Ras Al Khaimah is based on different factors. The first of these is the diverse and spectacular natural landscape. Ras Al Khaimah offers visitors incredibly varied scenery to explore. Travel from a pristine sandy coastline and lush, green mangroves to terracotta desert sands and awe inspiring mountains. Many visitors escape from the hustle and bustle of Dubai for weekend retreats in the beautiful, unspoilt expanses of Ras Al Khaimah.

A second reason for the growth of tourism is a determination to delight visitors with a unique blend of world class hospitality and a traditional Arabic welcome. Across the Emirate, countless attractions, activities, malls, hotels and resorts have developed to enable visitors to enjoy the unique Ras Al Khaimah experience.

The climate is another great reason to visit Ras Al Khaimah. With a cool sea breeze and slightly less dry in the winter than its neighbors, temperatures in the Emirate vary from 18-25°C in January to 29-43°C in July, with eight to ten daily hours of sunshine all year round.

Ras Al Khaimah has grown enormously over the last four decades. In 1975, the population was just 43,845 but todays stands at 345,000. A large number of expatriates live in Ras Al Khaimah and the Emirate is more tolerant of other cultures than many of its neighbors. Arabic and English are both widely spoken and used in the media. However, it is important to remember that this is a Muslim society, so local culture and religion should be respected at all times. Alcohol is available to expatriates and visitors, but the use or possession of narcotic drugs are completely prohibited.

Arrivals from most developed countries receive a free visa upon landing in the UAE. Many visitors fly into Dubai before taking a 45 minute road transfer to Ras Al Khaimah. Others fly into Ras Al Khaimah International Airport (RKT), located just outside Ras Al Khaimah City.

The time zone in Ras Al Khaimah is UAE Standard Time, four hours ahead of GMT / UTC.

Visa / Passport

GCC: 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 will be granted a free of charge visa for a single visit upon arrival in the UAE.

If you are NOT a citizen of one of the above 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:

  • Hotels & Tourist Companies can apply, on your behalf, for a Tourist Visa (valid for 30 days); or a Service Visa (valid for 14 days); or a Visit Visa (valid for 30 days and can be extended for another 30 days twice).
  • Airlines & Airlines Handlers apply on behalf of their crew members for a 96-hour Transit Visa.
  • Other Organizations based in the UAE may only apply for Visit Visas and Service Visas.
  • Individuals (Relatives or Friends) already resident in the UAE may, subject to guidelines, also apply on your behalf for a Visit Visa.

General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Ras Al Khaimah

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.

Customs / Borders

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.

ATM's, Banks & Currency Exchange

Whichever your banking needs are, you can find ATMs, national and ineternational bank branches and currency exchange services around the emirate and inside the hotels, resorts and shopping malls.

Hospitals & Medical Care

In case you need any medical assistance during your stay, there are a number of hospitals and medical centers available across Ras Al Khaimah.

RAK Hospital

Tel: 072074444
Website: rakhospital.com
Address: Al Qusaidat, Ras Al Khaimah

Al Zahrawi Hospital

Tel: 072288544
Website: alzahrawihospital.com
Address: Al Nakheel, Ras Al Khaimah

Sheikh Khalifa Speciality

Tel: 072074444
Website: sksh.ae
Address: Al Shohadaa Road, Ras Al Khaimah

Saqr Hospital

Tel: 072223666

Website: okadoc.com
Address: Al Juwais, Ras Al Khaimah

Pharmacies

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.

Emergency Services

Important numbers to keep handy:

Police: 07-999

Fire: 07-997

Ambulance: 07-998

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