Lifestyle for Foreigners in RAK
Ras Al Khaimah has grown into an exciting, diverse, multicultural blend of dynamic and professional people who enjoy the unique quality of life the emirate has to offer. Its location, less than one hour from Dubai, ensures that inhabitants can enjoy a more quiet and peaceful lifestyle, while being within a short drive of international airports and megamalls.
Safety
Street crime is very rare in Ras Al Khaimah. Expatriates are nevertheless advised to follow normal precautions to ensure safety of themselves and their belongings, and to purchase appropriate insurance.
Public Transport
Apart from school buses organised by individual schools and transportation organised by employers for staff members, there are no public bus lines operating in Ras Al Khaimah. There are public buses that run between Ras Al Khaimah and Dubai, which leave from the taxi depot across from The Cove Rotana Resort once they are full. The most efficient public transport option is an air-conditioned taxi, which can be hailed on the street or booked by telephone.
Health
Medical facilities in RAK are of a high standard. Both public and private sector options are available. Currently there are five hospitals in RAK. The Health and Medical Services Department provides medical care for all UAE nationals, visitors and resident expatriates. Currently expatriates can go to any hospital as long as they have a valid health card.
Most medicines are readily available at pharmacies which can be found in Manar Mall and across the city of RAK. The opening hours are 9 am till early evening. Emergency 24-hour pharmacies are open in all hospitals.
Sights in Ras Al Khaimah Include
- The National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah: housed in the former palace of the ruling Al Qawasim family, it has exhibits on natural history, arts and crafts
- of the past centuries, and archaeology.
- Dhayah Fort: the only surviving hilltop fort in the UAE.
- Shamal and Sheeba´s Palace: tombs and ruins of a medieval palace.
- Al Falayah: the former summer residence of the ruling Al Qawasim family.
- Jazirat Al Hamra: an abandoned ‘ghost town’ showing the architecture of earlier decades.
- The Old City and Souq: an opportunity to see both traditional and modern shops as well as artisan’s workshops.
The emirate of Ras Al Khaimah has beaches and a coastline, fertile plains and green oases, as well as rugged mountains and dry wadis. It can thus offer a wide spectrum of leisure and recreational activities – from water sports and walks in the wadis and mountains to desert safaris and dune driving.
Parks such as Saqr Public offer green areas for picnics, as well as a wide selection of gaming and entertainment facilities for both children and adults. There are also large children’s play areas in Manar Mall and Safeer Mall.
Khatt Hot Water Springs Resort offers a large thermal pool and various spa facilities for relaxation and regeneration. The Cove Rotana Resort and Hilton Beach Resort & Spa both offer private beaches and temperature-controlled swimming.
Other leisure options in Ras Al Khaimah include date farms, an ostrich farm, Ahmed Bin Majid´s memorial, camel racing course and camel farms. Many other tourism and leisure facilities are currently at various stages of planning and construction. These include the WoW water park, a heritage village and Jebel Jais
Mountain Resort.
The Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Authority (RAK Tourism) has information on sights and other places to visit and can organise a tour.
Related Links
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