The emirate of Ras Al Khaimah is nestled against the Hajar mountain range in the northern emirates of the UAE. Known for its beautiful landscapes, dotted with lush date palms, RAK offers a quieter pace of life compared to the bustle of metropolitan cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Yet this serene emirate also ranked 4th out of 49 top global destinations in InterNations Expat City Ranking 2023 – higher than Dubai (11th) and Abu Dhabi (5th)! It also obtained first place for Job satisfaction and the second-best personal career options among expats living in Ras Al Khaimah. It also scores as the 2nd best city for working abroad. RAK scored big on the easiness scale: expatriates found it easy to settle down in the city, enjoy inexpensive housing, share a high quality of life, and have excellent prospects in their careers.
With this blog post, we focus more on life in RAK as an expat. What does one really do while leading life, working, and enjoying leisure time in this booming outpost up north? How does RAK compare with other major UAE cities through measures dominated by cost of living, economy, lifestyle, and more?
Rich Cultural Heritage
Ras Al Khaimah rises from generations as one of the oldest continuously inhabited areas in the Arabian Gulf, with a rich periphery of folklore. This local culture—bred from Bedouin ethos but conditioned by today’s world—makes for a very easily palatable environment for expatriates and locals alike living here.
- Festivals and Celebrations: The emirate celebrates a number of cultural festivals in a year, and the major ones are the traditional music and dance events emphasizing rich heritage. The major festivals include The RAK Fine Arts Festivals along with some of the traditional events such as the camel racing event.
- Cuisine: Again, local cuisine is a cultural thing that goes hand in hand with RAK. Here, the residents and visitors enjoy the variety of normal traditional dishes in the United Arab Emirates, such as ‘machboos’, ‘harees’, and many more from around the world. The dining scene, however, is spiced up with a range of high-end restaurants and local joints to satisfy any taste.
Lifestyle and Community
Mainly, life in Ras Al Khaimah is quieter and more relaxed than that in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, which makes Ras Al Khaimah quite a catch for those in search of a tender, milder pace of living without giving up the amenities of a modern lifestyle.
- Community: RAK has one of the most robust senses of community as well. The place has various social clubs, cultural centers, and community activities held within the emirate to help let its residents feel at home. The locals are very hospitable and friendly, making the place quite receptive to people who are new to the emirate.
- Living the expat life: A significant expat community organizes many clubs and organizations for different nationalities, helping new arrivals settle in and adapt much more easily.
Weather Patterns
Ras Al Khaimah has a desert climate, with a hot summer and a pleasantly cool winter.
- Summer (June to September): The temperature usually rises above 40°C, with high humidex values that make the heat feel much warmer than it really is. Nonetheless, the emirate is somewhat moderated by the fierce heat of its coastal location.
- Winter (December to February): This is the time when the weather is fine and temperatures fluctuate between 15°C to 25°C; hence, it is perfect for all outside activities. Now the natural attractions in the emirate could best be enjoyed, along with sports activities in open fields.
Cost of Living Comparison
When it comes to the cost of living, Ras Al Khaimah is significantly more affordable than Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Here’s a detailed comparison:
| Metric | Ras Al Khaimah vs Dubai | Ras Al Khaimah vs Abu Dhabi |
| Consumer Prices (without rent) | 18.6% lower | 15.6% higher |
| Consumer Prices (including rent) | 31.3% lower | 30.2% higher |
| Rent Prices | 47.1% lower | 58.3% higher |
| Restaurant Prices | 22.5% lower | 36.7% higher |
| Groceries Prices | 9.3% lower | 1.3% lower |
| Local Purchasing Power | 3.6% higher | 3.1% higher |
In general, the prices of living in Ras Al Khaimah are lower than those in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Talking about the price of rent only, it is very low compared to others, which gives a high attraction rate to this place because of the element of saving on housing costs. Restaurant and grocery prices are also unimaginably low.
Key Amenities
Ras al-Khaimah has a wide array of facilities that help meet the daily requirements of people living here and visiting:
- Healthcare: Equipped with many well-facilitated hospitals and clinics, the most important being the RAK Hospital and Saqr Hospital, it also has specialized clinics and wellness centers that offer a wide array of medical facilities.
- Education: There are many primary and secondary schools as well as other institutions that offer international curricula, such as RAK Academy and the International School of Choueifat. It is possible to get higher education at the American University of Ras Al Khaimah.
- Other Amenities: This ranges from golf courses, beaches, and facilities to parks. Some of the important ones are Al Marjan Island and RAK Tennis Complex. Those nature lovers can enjoy different hiking and adventure sports lazily undertaken at Ħatta Dam and Jebel Jais.
- Shopping: With its RAK Mall and the Al Nakheel Mall, the city boasts a blend of modern malls and traditional markets. Local souks are laden with all kinds of traditional products and fresh produce.
- Transportation: Efficient means of public transportation, whether quick and comfortable, with well-maintained roads, analyze its emirate by making any point international through RAK International Airport.
Location and Nearby Known Attractions
Ras Al Khaimah is at the center of all, with easy access to major attractions and neighboring places:
- Dubai, a one-hour drive: the vibrancy of Dubai, including shopping and dining options, would make an enjoyable trip itself. The city is within a mere one-hour drive, and Dubai’s signature attractions, the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, are all near.
- Abu Dhabi (1.5 hours drive): Visit the capital city’s cultural landmarks, including the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Several entertainment facilities are available in Abu Dhabi, providing great leisure activities.
- Hatta (within 1.5 hours by car): Enjoy the natural beauty of Hatta, famous for its mountains and adventure sports. Hatta Heritage Village gives you an insight into traditional Emirati life.
Some of the more unusual attractions in RAK would be the Jebel Jais mountain, which happens to be the highest point in the UAE, and the historic Dhayah Fort.
Real Estate Opportunities
For the prospective mover to Ras Al Khaimah, real estate can be a market that boasts some great areas of interest.
DAMAC Shoreline: A project very close to all its residents’ hearts, exactly fulfilling their fine-living dreams along the waterfront of the sparkling Arabian Gulf, DAMAC Shoreline is a project that provides plush residential apartments with modern amenities for comfortable living. The premium highlight of DAMAC Shoreline is that this masterpiece is located in one of the prime locations. combines features that offer not just the best views but also ease of living by providing the residents with a perfect choice of everything—one’s heart desires.
Conclusion
Ras Al Khaimah is an alluring place for those who want cultural richness, cost friendliness, and peace in their lifestyles. With a comparatively cheaper cost of living vis-à-vis Dubai and Abu Dhabi and ample amenities in terms of leisure and weather, RAK seems an ideal proposition for both families and individuals. Turning the City Shine With its luxury component, the DAMAC Shoreline project has added a tint to the housing market of the emirate, turning it into an even hotter destination. Whether you are drawn by the cultural charm of Ras Al Khaimah, its cost-effective lifestyle, or its beautiful natural splendors, there is a perfect blend in the way you can lead your life here.