Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) was the last Emirate to join the Federation known today as the United Arab Emirates. The Federation was initially to include Bahrain and Qatar, however in 1971 when the British government ended its role as protectorate, both ‘Sheikhdoms’ declared independence. RAK joined the other Emirates in 1972 to complete the UAE we see today.
The further north one travels in the UAE the slower the pace of life becomes. As the northernmost emirate (its name actually translates to ‘Top of the tent’ in English) RAK is somewhat of an anomaly with breathtaking mountains and cliffs, marshlands (no, the UAE is not just sand) and, if man-made attractions are more your thing, golf courses, its own airport, leading hotel brands, malls, and some very respectable residential developments.
Despite what the marketing materials may tell you, RAK is not a 40 minute drive from Dubai, however if your clients do not require you to be in Dubai or Abu Dhabi every day, then settling in RAK may be an appealing lifestyle option.
Here’s a short video promoting a car but showing Jebel Al Jais, part of the mountain range that runs south into Oman.