View source for Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah

{{Short description|Emirate and one of the constituents of the United Arab Emirates}}
{{About|the emirate|the city|Ras Al Khaimah}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2020}}

{{Infobox settlement
| name               = Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah
| native_name        = {{lang|ar|إِمَارَة رَأْس ٱلْخَيْمَة}}
| native_name_lang   = ar
| other_name         = Ra's al-Khaymah
| settlement_type    = [[Emirates of the United Arab Emirates|Emirate]]
| image_flag         = Flag of Ras al-Khaimah.svg
| image_shield       = Coat of arms of Ras al-Khaimah.svg
| image_map          = Ras al-Khaimah in United Arab Emirates.svg
| map_alt            = 
| map_caption        = Location of Ras Al Khaimah in the UAE
| coordinates        = {{Coord|25|47|N|55|57|E|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type   = [[List of sovereign states|Country]]
| subdivision_name   = {{flag|United Arab Emirates}}
| government_type    = [[Islamic state|Islamic]] [[absolute monarchy]] within a [[Federal monarchy|federation]]
| seat               = [[Ras Al Khaimah (city)|Ras Al Khaimah]]
| leader_title1      = Ruler
| leader_name1       = [[Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi]]
| area_magnitude     = 
| area_total_km2     = 2454.46
| area_total_sq_mi   = 960 <!-- Do not remove per [[WP:MOSNUM]] -->
| area_rank          = 4th
| population_total   = 400,000
| population_as_of   = 2023
| population_rank    = 5th
| demographics_type2 = GDP
| demographics2_footnotes = <ref name="TelluBase">{{cite web|url=https://tellusant.com/repo/tb/tellubase_factsheet_are.pdf|publisher=Tellusant|title=TelluBase—UAE Fact Sheet (Tellusant Public Service Series)|access-date = 2024-01-11}}</ref>
| demographics2_title1 = Total
| demographics2_info1 = US$ 14.3 billion (2023)
| demographics2_title2 = Per capita
| demographics2_info2 = US$ 30,700 (2023)
| leader_title2      = [[Al Qasimi|Crown Prince]]
| leader_name2       = [[Mohammed bin Saud Al Qasimi]]
| flag_link          = Flag of the United Arab Emirates#Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah
}}

'''Ras Al Khaimah'''{{efn|{{langx|ar|رأس الخيمة}}; {{IPA|ar|raʔs lˈxajma|IPA}}}} is the northernmost of the [[Emirates of the United Arab Emirates|seven emirates]] that make up the [[United Arab Emirates]]. The city of [[Ras Al Khaimah]], abbreviated to '''RAK''' or RAK City,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.lonelyplanet.com/united-arab-emirates/the-northern-emirates/ras-al-khaimah|title=Ras Al Khaimah|website=Lonely Planet}}</ref> is the capital of the emirate and home to most of the emirate's residents. It is linked to the Islamic trading port of [[Julfar]],<ref name="TheNational 10-2015">{{cite news|url=https://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/the-long-read-has-a-lost-arab-capital-been-found-on-the-oman-uae-border-1.4941|title=The long read: has a lost Arab capital been found on the Oman-UAE border?|last=Leech|first=Nick|date=2015-10-22|access-date=2019-01-20|publisher=[[The National (Abu Dhabi)|The National]]}}</ref><ref name="Morton2016">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-oxfDQAAQBAJ&q=julfar|title=Keepers of the Golden Shore: A History of the United Arab Emirates|last1=Morton|first1=Michael Quentin|date=15 April 2016|publisher=[[Reaktion Books]]|isbn=978-1-7802-3580-6|edition=1st|location=London|access-date=8 November 2016}}</ref> its predecessor settlement. Its name in English means "headland of the tent".<ref name=":1">{{Cite book|last=Hawley|first=Donald|url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/152680|title=The Trucial States|date=1970|publisher=Allen & Unwin|isbn=0-04-953005-4|location=London|pages=88|oclc=152680}}</ref> The emirate borders [[Oman]]'s [[enclave and exclave|exclave]] of [[Musandam Governorate|Musandam]], and occupies part of the [[Musandam Peninsula|same peninsula]].<ref name="Morton2016"/><ref name="Lancaster&Lancaster2011">{{cite book |last1=Lancaster |first1=Fidelity |last2=Lancaster |first2=William |title=Honour is in Contentment: Life Before Oil in Ras Al-Khaimah (UAE) and Some Neighbouring Regions |publisher=[[Walter de Gruyter]] |pages=3–598 |isbn=978-3-1102-2339-2 |location=[[Berlin]], [[New York City|New York]] |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Le0Ryxzh7cQC&q=ru%27us+al-jibal+musandam+western+hajar |year=2011}}</ref> It covers an area of {{convert|2,486|km2|sqmi|abbr=on}} and has {{convert|64|km|mile|abbr=on}} of beach coastline. As of 2023, the emirate had a population of about 400,000.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Facts About Ras Al Khaimah |url=https://www.rakmediaoffice.ae/en/about-ras-al-khaimah/facts-about-ras-al-khaimah/ |access-date=2024-08-19 |website=Home Page |language=en-US}}</ref>

The city of Ras Al Khaimah has two main areas — the Old Town and Nakheel — on either side of a creek that is home to mangroves and is framed by the [[Ru'us al-Jibal|North]]-[[Western Hajar Mountains]].<ref name="Lancaster&Lancaster2011"/> The emirate also consists of several villages and new gated residential developments, such as Al Hamra Village and Mina Al Arab. The emirate is served by [[Ras Al Khaimah International Airport]]. Its geography consists of a northern part (where Ras Al Khaimah City and most towns are situated) and a large southerly inland exclave with an area of 866.50 km² and a population of 14.533 as of 2017 (near the Dubai exclave of [[Hatta, United Arab Emirates|Hatta]]), and a few [[Greater and Lesser Tunbs|small islands]] in the [[Persian Gulf]]. Ras Al Khaimah has the most fertile soil in the country, due to a larger share of rainfall and underground water streams from the [[Hajar Mountains]], which overlook the city on the landward side.

==History==
[[File:Umm Al Nar type tomb, Shimal.jpg|thumb|A tomb from the [[Umm Al Nar culture|Umm Al Nar Culture]] in Ras Al Khaimah.]]
{{main|History of Ras Al Khaimah}}
Ras Al Khaimah has been the site of continuous human habitation for 7,000 years, one of the few places in the country and the world where this is the case,<ref>{{Cite web|title=RAK Tourism Development Authority|url=https://en.rasalkhaimah.ae/ras-al-khaimah/history-of-ras-al-khaimah}}</ref> and there are many historical and archaeological sites throughout the emirate - local sources cite 1,000<ref>{{Cite news|last=|first=|date=29 October 2014|title=RAK drives home its heritage credentials|work=The National|url=http://www.thenational.ae/uae/heritage/rak-drives-home-its-heritage-credentials|access-date=30 March 2015}}</ref> - dating from different time periods, including remnants of the [[Umm an-Nar Culture|Umm Al Nar Culture]] (3rd millennium BC).<ref>{{cite web|date=2013-02-11|title=New archaeological site found in Ras Al Khaimah|url=http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/uae/tourism/new-archaeological-site-found-in-ras-al-khaimah-1.1144557|publisher=GulfNews.com|accessdate=2013-09-15}}</ref> The area of [[Shimal]] contains both [[Umm Al Nar culture|Umm Al Nar]] and [[Wadi Suq culture|Wadi Suq]] burials and a number of notable finds, including one grave that contained no fewer than 18 fine bronze arrowheads.

Wadi Suq era graves found at [[Seih Al Harf]] in the Emirate in October 2012 briefly held up the construction of the northern spur of the arterial [[E 611 road (United Arab Emirates)|E611]] road.<ref>{{cite web|date=2013-04-05|title=Ancient graves unearthed in RAK|url=http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/uae/tourism/ancient-graves-unearthed-in-rak-1.1167035|publisher=GulfNews.com|accessdate=2013-09-15}}</ref>

Ras Al Khaimah is often linked with the medieval port and city of [[Julfar]],<ref name="TheNational 10-20152">{{cite news|last=Leech|first=Nick|date=2015-10-22|title=The long read: has a lost Arab capital been found on the Oman-UAE border?|publisher=[[The National (Abu Dhabi)|The National]]|url=https://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/the-long-read-has-a-lost-arab-capital-been-found-on-the-oman-uae-border-1.4941|access-date=2019-01-20}}</ref><ref name="Morton20162">{{cite book|last1=Morton|first1=Michael Quentin|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-oxfDQAAQBAJ&q=julfar|title=Keepers of the Golden Shore: A History of the United Arab Emirates|date=15 April 2016|publisher=[[Reaktion Books]]|isbn=978-1-7802-3580-6|edition=1st|location=London|pages=|access-date=8 November 2016}}</ref> but was in fact an independent settlement that eventually grew to encapsulate the area formerly occupied by Julfar.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Barbosa|first=Daurte|title=The Book of Duarte Barbosa|publisher=Haklyut Press|year=1918|isbn=|location=|pages=74}}</ref>

Archaeological evidence has demonstrated that Julfar shifted location over time as harbour channels silted up. Excavations of a sizable tell, which revealed remnants of a [[Sassanid Empire|Sassanid era]] fortification, indicate that early Julfar was located in the north of the present city of Ras Al Khaimah, not far from other sites of historical and archaeological interest such as the Pre-Islamic fort, 'Sheba's Palace' ([[Shimal|Shimal Fort]]).

One of Ras Al Khaimah's most celebrated sons, [[Ahmad ibn Mājid|Ibn Majid]], was a hugely influential seaman, navigator and cartographer,<ref>{{Cite news|last=Zacharias|first=Anna|date=2012-11-24|title='Lion of the Sea' - 500 years ago may be the new face of tourism|newspaper=[[The National (Abu Dhabi)|The National]]|location=Abu Dhabi|url=https://www.thenational.ae/business/travel-and-tourism/lion-of-the-sea-500-years-ago-may-be-the-new-face-of-tourism-1.373711|url-status=live|access-date=2020-03-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180706104204/https://www.thenational.ae/business/travel-and-tourism/lion-of-the-sea-500-years-ago-may-be-the-new-face-of-tourism-1.373711|archive-date=2018-07-06|quote=Ahmed bin Majid was a navigator, poet and scholar of such respect that he is known among mariners as "the Lion of the Sea" more than five centuries after his death.|df=ymd-all}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Lunde|first=Paul|date=2005-08-01|title=The Navigator: Ahmad Ibn Majid|url=https://archive.aramcoworld.com/issue/200504/the.navigator.ahmad.ibn.majid.htm|url-status=live|magazine=Aramco World|location=Houston, Texas|volume=56|issue=4|pages=45–48|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222130714/https://archive.aramcoworld.com/issue/200504/the.navigator.ahmad.ibn.majid.htm|archive-date=2015-12-22|access-date=2020-03-21|df=ymd-all}}</ref> and there is evidence in his writing that the town he came from was at that time known as Ras Al Khaimah,<ref name=":1" /> that town having eclipsed Julfar as the principal port and settlement of the Shimal coast.

===Pirate coast===
[[File:Ras Al Khaimah by Charles Hamilton Smith.jpg|thumb|A painting depicting the [[Persian Gulf campaign of 1809|British Expeditionary Force]] off the coast of Ras Al Khaimah in 1809.]]
{{Main|Al Qasimi|Persian Gulf campaign of 1809}}

There is considerable debate locally regarding the 18th-century charge of maritime piracy, attracting the [[United Kingdom|British]] label 'The Pirate Coast' to the Eastern Gulf. The historian and Sultan of Sharjah, Sulṭān ibn Muḥammad al-Qāsimī, has written that the allegations of piracy were exaggerated by the [[East India Company]] to cut off the untaxed trade routes between the [[Middle East]] and [[Company rule in India]].<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2YTJmnISdOMC|title=The Myth of Arab Piracy in the Gulf|last1=Al-Qasimi|first1=Sultan Muhammed|last2=Shāriqah)|first2=Sulṭān ibn Muḥammad al-Qāsimī (Ruler of|date=1 January 1988|publisher=Routledge|isbn=9780415029735|via=Google Books}}</ref> However, in the early 18th century, the [[Al-Qasimi|Qawasim]] (singular Al Qasimi) established themselves in Ras Al Khaimah and [[Sharjah (emirate)|Sharjah]] on the [[Arab Peninsula|Arabian Peninsula]], growing to become a significant maritime force with holdings on both the Persian and Arabian coasts that frequently came into conflict with British flagged shipping.<ref name="Sulṭān ibn Muḥammad al-Qāsimī, Ruler of Shāriqah 1986">{{Cite book|author=Sulṭān ibn Muḥammad al-Qāsimī, Ruler of Shāriqah|title=The myth of Arab piracy in the Gulf|date=1986|publisher=Croom Helm|isbn=0709921063|location=London|oclc=12583612}}</ref>

It was the Al Qasimi links to Persia that drew them to the attention of Ahmed bin Said, the Ruler of Muscat, who had wrested control of the coast and interior of Oman back from the Persian forces who had taken it under Nadir Shah and Mirza Taki Khan, the governor of Shiraz. Ahmed bin Said threw 12,000 men under the command of Kandhala bin Saif Al Suwaidi in an attack on Ras Al Khaimah which was met at Buraimi by 14,000 men of the Al Qasimi and [[Na'im]]. They were defeated, leading the garrison at [[Khor Fakkan]], besieged by Ahmed bin Said, to surrender. He went on to take Khasab and then blockaded Ras Al Khaimah, [[Rams (Ras Al Khaimah)|Rams]], Jazirat Al Hamra, Fasht and [[Sharjah]]. This led to all but Ras Al Khaimah suing for peace in 1763. The Sheikhs of Ras Al Khaimah submitted in 1771, but in 1775 revolted and re-took the towns on the West and East coast, consolidating their gains under the weak rule of Sultan bin Ahmed bin Saeed.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Arabian Gulf Intelligence|publisher=Oleander Press|year=1985|isbn=9781909349964|location=Cambridge|pages=6–8}}</ref> This longstanding war between the Al Qasimi and Muscat pitted them naturally against Muscat's ally – Britain.<ref name="Sulṭān ibn Muḥammad al-Qāsimī, Ruler of Shāriqah 1986"/>

In the aftermath of a series of attacks in 1808 off the coast of [[Sindh]] involving 50 Qasimi raiders and following the 1809 monsoon season, the British authorities in India decided to make a significant show of force against the Al Qasimi, in an effort not only to destroy their larger bases and as many ships as could be found, but also to counteract French encouragement of them from their embassies in Persia and Oman.<ref>{{cite book|title=The Naval History of Great Britain, Volume 5, 1808&ndash;1811|last=James|first=William|publisher=Conway Maritime Press|year=2002|isbn=0-85177-909-3|page=204|author-link=William James (naval historian)|orig-year=1827}}</ref> The British mounted the Persian Gulf campaign of 1809, in which the Al Qasimi fleet was largely destroyed. The British operation continued to [[Bandar Lengeh|Lingeh]] on the Persian coast which was, like the [[Greater and Lesser Tunbs]] islands, administered by the Al Qasimi.<ref name="Sulṭān ibn Muḥammad al-Qāsimī, Ruler of Shāriqah 1986"/><ref>{{Cite book|last=Lorimer|first=John|title=Gazetteer of the Persian Gulf|publisher=British Government, Bombay|year=1915|pages=653–674}}</ref>

By the morning of 14 November, the military expedition was over and the British forces returned to their ships, having suffered light casualties of five killed and 34 wounded. Arab losses are unknown, but were probably significant, while the damage done to the Al Qasimi fleets was severe: a significant portion of their vessels had been destroyed.<ref>{{cite book|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jWUBAAAAQAAJ&q=john+wainwright+ras+al&pg=PA87|title=Royal Naval Biography|last=Marshall|first=John|publisher=Longman, Rees, Orme, Brown & Green|year=1823|pages=88–90|chapter=Samuel Leslie Esq.}}</ref>

====1819 campaign====
[[File:صورة 005.jpg|thumb|Ras Al Khaimah under siege by a British expeditionary force during the [[Persian Gulf campaign of 1819]] in December 1819]]
{{Main|Persian Gulf campaign of 1819}}

With the 1809 campaign concluded without significant treaty concessions, an 1815 arrangement was made between the British and the Al Qasimi.<ref name="qdl1">{{cite web|url=http://www.qdl.qa/en/archive/81055/vdc_100023575944.0x0000c5|title=Gazetteer of the Persian Gulf. Vol I. Historical. Part IA & IB. J G Lorimer. 1915' [653] (796/1782)|publisher=qdl.qa|access-date=13 January 2014}} ''This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the [[public domain]].''</ref> By 1819, it was clear the arrangement had broken down and so in November of that year, the British embarked on a second expedition against the Al Qasimi, led by Major-General [[William Grant (British Army officer)|William Keir Grant]], voyaging to Ras Al Khaimah with a force of 3,000 soldiers. The British extended an offer to [[Said bin Sultan, Sultan of Muscat and Oman|Said bin Sultan of Muscat]] in which he would be made the ruler of the Pirate Coast if he agreed to assist the British in their expedition. Obligingly, he sent a force of 600 men and two ships.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.qdl.qa/en/archive/81055/vdc_100023575945.0x000003|title=Gazetteer of the Persian Gulf. Vol I. Historical. Part IA & IB. J G Lorimer. 1915' [659] (802/1782)|date=30 September 2014|publisher=qdl.qa|access-date=4 August 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=In Defiance of The Elements: A Personal View of Qatar|last=Moorehead|first=John|publisher=Quartet Books|year=1977|isbn=9780704321496|page=23}}</ref>

The force gathered off the coast of Ras Al Khaimah on 25 and 26 November and, on 2 and 3 December, troops were landed south of the town and set up batteries of guns and mortars and, on 5 December, the town was bombarded from both land and sea. Continued bombardment took place over the following four days until, on the 9th, fortress and town of Ras Al Khaimah were stormed and found to be practically deserted. On the fall of Ras Al Khaimah, three cruisers were sent to blockade Rams to the North and this, too was found to be deserted and its inhabitants retired to the 'impregnable' hill-top [[Dhayah Fort|fort of Dhayah]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite book|title=Gazetteer of the Persian Gulf|last=Lorimer|first=John|publisher=British Government, Bombay|year=1915|pages=666–670}}</ref>

The British landed a force at Rams on 18 December, which fought its way inland through date plantations to Dhayah Fort on the 19th. There, 398 men and another 400 women and children held out, without sanitation, water or effective cover from the sun, for three days under heavy fire from mortars and 12-pound cannon.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Lorimer|first=John|title=Gazetteer of the Persian Gulf|publisher=British Government, Bombay|year=1915|pages=668}}</ref>

[[File:Dhayah_Fort_showing_hilltop_location.jpg|alt=|thumb|The hilltop fort of Dhayah]]
The two 24-pound cannon from [[HMS Liverpool (1814)|HMS Liverpool]] which had been used to bombard Ras Al Khaimah from the landward side were once again pressed into use and dragged across the plain from Rams, a journey of some four miles. Each of the guns weighed over 2 tonnes. After enduring two hours of sustained fire from the big guns, which breached the fort's walls, the last of the Al Qasimi surrendered at 10.30 on the morning of 22 December.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Gazetteer of the Persian Gulf|last=Lorimer|first=John|publisher=British Government, Bombay|year=1915|pages=668}}</ref>

====1820 treaty====
In January 1820, the British imposed the [[General Maritime Treaty of 1820]] signed by [[Sheikh Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi|Sheikh Sultan Bin Saqr Al Qasimi]] of Sharjah who was reinstated by the British in Ras Al Khaimah after the deposition of [[Hassan bin Rahma Al Qasimi|Hasan Bin Rahma Al Qasimi]].<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hxaKj3AjyfwC&q=1835%20maritime%20peace&pg=PA78 |title=The Gulf States: A Modern History - David Commins - ßĘČ Google |date=2012-03-15 |isbn=9781848852785 |access-date=2013-09-15|last1=Commins |first1=David }}</ref> The treaty stipulated the end of piracy and slavery, and laid the foundation for the [[British protectorate]] over the [[Trucial States]] that lasted until December 1971. In 1869, Ras Al Khaimah became fully independent from neighbouring [[Sharjah (emirate)|Sharjah]]. However, from September 1900 to 7 July 1921, it was re-incorporated into Sharjah; the last governor became its next independent ruler.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Said Zahlan|first=Rosemarie|title=The Origins of the United Arab Emirates : a Political and Social History of the Trucial States.|date=2016|publisher=Taylor and Francis|isbn=9781317244653|pages=51|oclc=945874284}}</ref>

===Joining the United Arab Emirates===
On 10 February 1972, Ras Al Khaimah, under the leadership of [[Saqr bin Mohammad Al Qasimi|Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammad al-Qasimi]], joined the United Arab Emirates after the Iranian [[seizure of Abu Musa and the Greater and Lesser Tunbs]].<ref>Kourosh Ahmadi, ''Islands and International Politics in the Persian Gulf: The Abu Musa and Tunbs in Strategic Context'' (Routledge, 2008) p96</ref>

===Modern history===
In 2020, Ras Al Khaimah's Antiquities and Museums Department formed a partnership with the [[University of South Alabama]] and [[Quinnipiac University]] to study 4,000-year-old human remains found in Shimal.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thenational.ae/uae/heritage/bronze-age-bones-from-rak-to-be-studied-for-first-time-1.991414|title=Bronze age bones from RAK to be studied for first time|website=The National newspaper|date=11 March 2020}}</ref>

The Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah will contain the first [[casino]] in the country when [[Wynn Al Marjan Island]] opens in 2027.<ref>[https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gaming/wynn-resorts-reveals-renderings-name-of-uae-resort-2768982/ Wynn Resorts reveals renderings, name of UAE resort]</ref>

==List of rulers==
Its rulers were:
* 1708–1731: Sheikh {{ill|Rahma Al Qasimi|ar|رحمة بن مطر القاسمي}}
* 1731–1747: Sheikh Matar bin Butti Al Qasimi
* 1747–1777: [[Rashid bin Matar Al Qasimi|Sheikh Rashid bin Matar Al Qasimi]]<ref>{{Cite book|title=Gazetteer of the Persian Gulf|last=Lorimer|first=John|publisher=British Government, Bombay|year=1915|pages=755}}</ref>
* 1777–1803: [[Saqr bin Rashid Al Qasimi|Sheikh Saqr bin Rashid Al Qasimi]]
* 1803–1809: [[Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi|Sheikh Sultan Bin Saqr Al Qasimi]] (1st time)<ref>{{Cite book|title=Gazetteer of the Persian Gulf|last=Lorimer|first=John|publisher=British Government, Bombay|year=1915|pages=641}}</ref>
* 1809–1814: Sheikh Hasan bin Ali Al Anezi
* 1814–1820: [[Hassan bin Rahma Al Qasimi|Sheikh Hassan bin Rahma Al Qasimi]]. In 1820 [[Persian Gulf campaign of 1819|removed as ruler of RAK]] by British, recognised as Sheikh of [[Khatt]] and Falna. Signed [[General Maritime Treaty of 1820]].
* 1820–1866: Sheikh Sultan Bin Saqr Al Qasimi (2nd time). In 1820 shifted capital to Sharjah.
* 1866&nbsp;– 1868: [[Khalid bin Sultan Al Qasimi (ruler)|Sheikh Khalid bin Sultan Al Qasimi]] (died 1868). Ruler of RAK.
* 14 April 1868&nbsp;– 1869: [[Salim bin Sultan Al Qasimi|Sheikh Salim bin Sultan Al Qasimi]] (18??–1919). Ruler of Sharjah and RAK.
* 1869&nbsp;– August 1900: [[Humaid bin Abdullah Al Qasimi|Sheikh Humaid bin Abdullah Al Qasimi]] (died 1900). Ruler of RAK.
*1900&nbsp;– 1914: [[Saqr bin Khalid Al Qasimi|Sheikh Saqr bin Khalid Al Qasimi]]
*1914 –1921: [[Khalid bin Ahmad Al Qasimi|Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmad Al Qasimi]]
*10 July 1921&nbsp;– Feb 1948: [[Sultan bin Salim Al Qasimi|Sheikh Sultan bin Salim Al Qasimi]]
* 17 July 1948&nbsp;– 27 October 2010: [[Saqr bin Mohammed Al Qasimi|Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammed Al Qasimi]] (1918–2010)
* 27 October 2010&nbsp;– current: [[Saud bin Saqr al Qasimi|Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi]]<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/uae/government/saud-is-ras-al-khaimah-ruler-as-uae-mourns-shaikh-saqr-1.702398|title=Saud is Ras Al Khaimah ruler as UAE mourns Shaikh Saqr|publisher=[[Gulf News]]|date=2010-10-27}}</ref>
* The appointed heir presumptive is currently [[Mohammed bin Saud Al Qasimi]], son of the current Ruler of the Emirate.

==Demographics==
{{Historical populations
| percentages = pagr
| 1975 |43845
| 1980 |73918
| 1985 |96578
| 1995 |143334
| 2005 |210063
| 2015 |345000
}}
{{category see also|Populated places in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah}}

In 1975, the total population of Ras Al Khaimah was 43,845 of which 29,613 were nationals and 14,232 were foreigners. This figure increased to 73,918 (39,148 locals; 34,770 foreigners) in 1980, 96,578 in 1985, 143,334 in 1995, and 210,063 in 2005. The total population, as of 2015, was estimated to be about 345,000 people, both Emiratis and expatriates.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rak.ae/wps/portal/rak/about/ras-al-khaimah/facts|title=RAK Government facts}}</ref>

==Towns and settlements==
[[File:Masafi Fort (1).jpg|thumb|Masafi Fort in [[Masafi]]]]
Important towns, settlements and areas include:
* [[Ras Al Khaimah (city)|Ras Al Khaimah City]]&nbsp;– The emirate's largest city and capital
* [[Al Jazirah Al Hamra]]&nbsp;– an old coastal town that is home to the Al Hamra Village development and an industrial zone
* [[Ar-Rams|Rams]]&nbsp;– a coastal town; in the past, a typical fishing and pearl-diving community
*[[Khor Khwair]]&nbsp;– an industrial zone, with the largest bulk-handling port in the Middle East<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rakports.ae/saqr-port.php|title=RAK Ports|access-date=1 August 2020|archive-date=18 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191218121419/http://www.rakports.ae/saqr-port.php|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.arabianbusiness.com/industries/transport/382883-ras-al-khaimah-signs-deal-to-develop-saqr-port|title=Ras Al Khaimah signs deal to develop Saqr Port|website=ArabianBusiness.com|access-date=1 August 2020}}</ref> and numerous companies such as a cement factory
* [[Diqdaqah]]&nbsp;– a village known for agriculture activities
* [[Khatt]]&nbsp;– a village surrounded by mountains, famous for its thermal springs and palm gardens
* [[Masafi]]&nbsp;– a town in the south, on the border with [[Fujairah]]; well known for being a major supplier of bottled drinking water
* [[Huwaylat]]&nbsp;– a central village in the south
* [[Sha'am]]; a village in Northern Ras Al Khaimah.
{{-}}

== Landmarks ==
[[File:A view from the road up Jebel Jais, Ras Al Khaimah.jpg|thumb|[[Jebel Jais]] is the highest mountain peak in the United Arab Emirates.]]
[[File:Wadi shawka.jpg|thumb|[[Wadi Shawka]]]]
[[File:The National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah.jpg|thumb|The National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah]]

Notable landmarks in Ras Al Khaimah include:

* The National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah: housed in the former palace of the ruling [[Al Qasimi]] family, with exhibits on natural history, arts and crafts of previous centuries, and archaeology
*[[Dhayah Fort]]: the highest hilltop fort in the UAE and the last outpost of resistance to the British in 1819<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/uae/heritage-culture/historic-witness-to-rak-s-defence-1.144297|title=Historic witness to RAK's defence|date=2008-11-20|publisher=GulfNews.com|access-date=2013-09-15}}</ref>
* Sheba's Palace: ruins of a medieval palace
*[[Al Falayah Fort]]: the former summer residence of the ruling Al Qasimi family
*[[Al Jazirah Al Hamra]]: an abandoned "ghost town" showing the preserved architecture of a 20th-century pearling port<ref>Hawker, Ronald W. 'Tribe, house style, and the town layout of Jazirat al-Hamra, Ras al-Khaimah, UAE' in Proceedings of the Seminar for Arabian Studies, 2006</ref>
* The Old City and Souq: both traditional and modern shops as well as artisans' workshops
*[[Bu Shaqq tower]]

===Dunes and landforms ===
*[[Jabal Jais]], on the city's outskirts, is the highest peak in the UAE, at 1,934m, and is home to the world's longest zipline.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://visitjebeljais.com/|title=Jebel Jais, Ras Al Khaimah|first=Faisal|last=Riaz|website=Jebel Jais, Ras Al Khaimah|access-date=1 August 2020}}</ref>

==Climate==
Ras Al Khaimah's [[desert climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification]] ''BWh'') is hot and arid with very hot summers and mild winters. The average temperature is {{convert|12|to|25|°C|°F}} in January and {{convert|29|to|43|°C|°F}} in July. However, temperatures often reach 45&nbsp;°C in the summer; the highest recorded temperature is {{convert|48.8|°C|°F}}. The humidity is usually high in the summer months. Rains and thunderstorms occur rarely, and only in winter. Snow has been reported in December 2004, January 2009 and February 2017<ref>{{Cite web|title = Watch: Snowfall in UAE, temperature hits -2.2 degree |url = http://www.khaleejtimes.com/temperature-hits--1-degree-celsius-in-uae|website = Khaleej Times|access-date = 2017-02-05}}</ref> in the high mountains of Ras Al Khaimah. Temperatures as low as {{convert|-5|C|F|abbr=on}} have been measured at the peak of Jebel Jais, the highest mountain in the UAE.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Heavy snowfall on Ras Al Khaimah's Jebel Jais mountain cluster|url = http://gulfnews.com/news/uae/general/heavy-snowfall-on-ras-al-khaimah-s-jebel-jais-mountain-cluster-1.46663|website = gulfnews.com|access-date = 2015-08-16}}</ref>

{{Weather box
|location=Ras al-Khaimah Airport
|metric first=yes
|single line=yes
|Jan record high C = 32.0
|Feb record high C = 33.4
|Mar record high C = 42.2
|Apr record high C = 42.8
|May record high C = 46.6
|Jun record high C = 48.8
|Jul record high C = 47.8
|Aug record high C = 47.2
|Sep record high C = 46.1
|Oct record high C = 41.6
|Nov record high C = 37.9
|Dec record high C = 32.3
|Jan high C = 24.8
|Feb high C = 25.9
|Mar high C = 29.5
|Apr high C = 35.2
|May high C = 39.3
|Jun high C = 42.1
|Jul high C = 42.7
|Aug high C = 41.9
|Sep high C = 40.1
|Oct high C = 36.7
|Nov high C = 31.4
|Dec high C = 26.8
|Jan mean C = 18.3
|Feb mean C = 19.4
|Mar mean C = 22.3
|Apr mean C = 26.8
|May mean C = 31.2
|Jun mean C = 33.6
|Jul mean C = 35.5
|Aug mean C = 35.0
|Sep mean C = 32.2
|Oct mean C = 28.4
|Nov mean C = 23.5
|Dec mean C = 20.3
|Jan low C = 11.8
|Feb low C = 12.9
|Mar low C = 15.5
|Apr low C = 18.9
|May low C = 22.6
|Jun low C = 25.6
|Jul low C = 28.5
|Aug low C = 28.6
|Sep low C = 24.7
|Oct low C = 20.7
|Nov low C = 16.6
|Dec low C = 13.5
|Jan record low C = 4.3
|Feb record low C = 4.6
|Mar record low C = 7.6
|Apr record low C = 11.0
|May record low C = 15.0
|Jun record low C = 17.8
|Jul record low C = 22.5
|Aug record low C = 22.4
|Sep record low C = 18.3
|Oct record low C = 11.8
|Nov record low C = 7.3
|Dec record low C = 5.2
|Jan precipitation mm = 12.8
|Feb precipitation mm = 35.7
|Mar precipitation mm = 35.0
|Apr precipitation mm = 12.5
|May precipitation mm = 2.8
|Jun precipitation mm = 0.5
|Jul precipitation mm = 0.6
|Aug precipitation mm = 0.3
|Sep precipitation mm = 1.3
|Oct precipitation mm = 6.4
|Nov precipitation mm = 8.0
|Dec precipitation mm = 17.4
|unit precipitation days = 0.2 mm
|Jan precipitation days = 1.7
|Feb precipitation days = 3.3
|Mar precipitation days = 4.7
|Apr precipitation days = 0.9
|May precipitation days = 0.2
|Jun precipitation days = 0.1
|Jul precipitation days = 0.1
|Aug precipitation days = 0.2
|Sep precipitation days = 0.1
|Oct precipitation days = 0.1
|Nov precipitation days = 0.7
|Dec precipitation days = 2.3
|Jan humidity = 69
|Feb humidity = 66
|Mar humidity = 62
|Apr humidity = 53
|May humidity = 46
|Jun humidity = 49
|Jul humidity = 50
|Aug humidity = 53
|Sep humidity = 57
|Oct humidity = 59
|Nov humidity = 62
|Dec humidity = 69
|Jan sun = 238.7
|Feb sun = 218.4
|Mar sun = 238.7
|Apr sun = 285.0
|May sun = 344.1
|Jun sun = 327.0
|Jul sun = 303.0
|Aug sun = 310.0
|Sep sun = 300.0
|Oct sun = 303.8
|Nov sun = 279.0
|Dec sun = 235.6
|source 1 = NOAA<ref name= NOAA>{{cite web
  |url = ftp://ftp.atdd.noaa.gov/pub/GCOS/WMO-Normals/RA-II/UE/41184.TXT
  |title = Ras Al Khaimah Climate Normals
  |publisher = [[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration]]
  |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170525062259/ftp://ftp.atdd.noaa.gov/pub/GCOS/WMO-Normals/RA-II/UE/41184.TXT
  |archive-date = 2017-05-25
  |url-status = dead
  |access-date = December 19, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://ogimet.com/cgi-bin/gsynres?ind=41184&ano=2021&mes=1&day=11&hora=18&min=0&ndays=30 |title=41184: Ras Al Khaimah International Airport (United Arab Emirates) |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=11 January 2021 |website=ogimet.com |publisher=OGIMET|access-date=11 January 2021 }}</ref>
}}

==Economy==

===Main economic sectors===
As one of the emirates that has never discovered oil, Ras Al Khaimah has focused on diversifying its economy and has had real success with its thriving industrial sector. It has one of the most diverse economies in the [[Gulf Cooperation Council]] region, with no one area exceeding more than 20% of total GDP.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.rakinvest.ae/en/introductiontorak/economicoverview.aspx|title=Introduction to RAK - Economic Overview|website=Investment and Development Office|access-date=19 November 2018|archive-date=19 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181119132713/http://www.rakinvest.ae/en/introductiontorak/economicoverview.aspx|url-status=dead}}</ref> The main economic sectors are the following:

* Real Estate – numerous residential areas, offices, commercial buildings have been built in Ras Al Khaimah and several major developments are ongoing. Major multi-purpose developments include Al Hamra Village and Mina Al Arab.{{Citation needed|date=January 2021}} Al Marjan Island is one of its most visited spots which also is now home to numerous luxurious and high-end real estate projects headed by top developers of the country.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://bnw.ae/en|title=BNW Developments| website=bnw.ae}}</ref> With high capital appreciation and a favorable business environment, the appeal for real estate projects is getting increasingly highlighted. They are drawing significant attention from foreign investors, and steadily helping Ras Al Khaimah rise as a real estate powerhouse.
* Tourism – Ras Al Khaimah is a fast-growing tourist destination, with a focus on sun and sand vacations and also adventure tourism due to its mountains, which feature the longest zipline in the world, Jebel Jais Flight, and Jais Adventure Peak, a collection of adventure attractions such as Jais Sky Tour, Jebel Jais Viewing Deck Park and Jais Adventure Centre, which opened in February 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thenational.ae/uae/rak-ruler-hails-tourism-boom-as-he-opens-jebel-jais-adventure-peak-1.977278|title=RAK Ruler hails tourism boom as he opens Jebel Jais adventure peak|website=The National newspaper|date=10 February 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://en.raktda.com/news-and-media/press-releases/2018/11/8/construction-commences-on-ras-al-khaimah-s-latest-adventure-products-at-the-toroverde-adventure-park-a3895|title=Construction Commences on Ras Al Khaimah's Latest Adventure Products at the Toroverde Adventure Park|website=RAK TDA|access-date=4 February 2019|archive-date=4 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190204122405/https://en.raktda.com/news-and-media/press-releases/2018/11/8/construction-commences-on-ras-al-khaimah-s-latest-adventure-products-at-the-toroverde-adventure-park-a3895|url-status=dead}}</ref> It is home to five-star hotels and beach resorts including the Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah, the Ritz-Carlton Al Wadi and Beach resorts, the Cove Rotana and several Hilton hotels. In addition, it has a number of 4 and 3-star accommodation. In the pipeline is an Anantara resort, an InterContinental, a Marriott, [[Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts|Movenpick]], a Rove hotel, an Avani resort and many more.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.arabianbusiness.com/new-rak-resort-revealed-668715.html|title=New RAK resort revealed|website=Arabian Business}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.arabianbusiness.com/travel-hospitality/407456-ras-al-khaimah-chases-3m-tourists-annually-by-2025|title=Ras Al Khaimah sets new target of 3m tourists annually by 2025|website=Arabian Business}}</ref> 2018 saw Ras Al Khaimah host the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference, the first time it had been hosted outside Dubai, and the event returned in 2019 to the newly built Al Hamra International Exhibition & Conference Centre.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hospitalitynet.org/news/4092844.html|title=AHIC 2019 kicks off with 'Day of Disruption' in Ras Al Khaimah|website=Hospitality Net}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.hoteliermiddleeast.com/34369-ahic-returns-to-ras-al-khaimah-for-the-15th-edition-in-2019/|title=AHIC returns to Ras Al Khaimah for the 15th edition in 2019|website=Hotelier Middle East}}</ref>
* Building materials – Ras Al Khaimah opened the UAE's first cement company in the early 1970s and is now the UAE's largest producer of cement. In the 1980s, the emirate formed [[RAK Ceramics|Ras Al Khaimah Ceramics]], which has become one of the world's largest ceramics producers. It is also home to Stevin Rock and RAK Rock, sister rock quarrying companies that collectively are among the largest quarrying companies in the world, providing 80 million tons of limestone to the construction sector annually.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.linkedin.com/company/stevinrockllc/about/|title=About Stevin Rock|website=LinkedIn}}</ref>
* Manufacturing and High-Tech Industry – In the 1980s, the emirate formed [[Julphar]], the [[Persian Gulf]] region's first pharmaceuticals company. Julphar is now one of the Middle East and Africa's largest pharmaceutical manufacturers, producing more than a million boxes of medicine each day.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.julphar.net/en/about-us/what-we-do|title=What We Do|website=Julphar }}</ref> Ras Al Khaimah also became the first place in the Persian Gulf region to produce vehicles from a global manufacturer when Ashok Leyland started production in 2010. The Indian company now produces 12,400 vehicles a year from its base in the emirate.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://gulfnews.com/business/ashok-leyland-lifts-capacity-at-rak-bus-plant-1.1683801|title=Ashok Leyland lifts capacity at RAK bus plant|website=Gulf News}}</ref> Falcon Technologies International (FTI)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://falconrak.com/|title=FTI}}</ref> represents the high-tech industry and produces optical storage media (CDR, DVDR, BDR). In 2012, Innovative Composite Engineering was established in the Industrial Free-zone to manufacture high-end composite products (aerospace, construction parts).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://composites.ae/index.php/about-us |title=About Us |publisher=Composites.ae |access-date=2013-09-15}}</ref>
* Service sector – growing sector with [[RAKBANK]], the UAE's No.1 small business bank,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/videos/2019-01-31/rakbank-ceo-on-fy-earnings-sme-lending-consolidation-video|title=RAKBANK CEO on FY earnings, SME lending, consolidation|website=Bloomberg}}</ref> and RAK Insurance companies. In February 2020, RAKBANK posted profits of AED1,095.3 million for 2019, up 19.4% on the previous year, with total assets of AED57.1 billion.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://gulfnews.com/business/banking/rakbank-2019-net-profit-at-dh109b-1.69505014|title=RAKBank 2019 net profit at Dh1.09b|website=Gulf News}}</ref>  RAK Economic Zone, the emirate's free zone and business set-up specialists, is home to more than 15,000 businesses from 100 countries operating in 50 sectors.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://rakez.com/About/Rakez|title=About Us|website=RAKEZ}}</ref>
* Agriculture and Fisheries – in the past, these were the main economic sectors of Ras Al Khaimah. Nowadays they are still significant, providing foodstuffs not only for the emirate but for the whole UAE.{{Citation needed|date=January 2021}}

===Taxation and companies law===
Taxation is legislated for by the UAE Federal Authorities and implemented across the seven Emirates of the UAE by the Federal Tax Authorities. In general, no income or wealth taxes are payable by individuals nor is corporation tax charged. In addition, there are no exchange controls or withholding taxes. However, a sales tax at 5% (VAT) was imposed in 2018 and import taxes apply in certain circumstances.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/finance-and-investment/taxation/valueaddedtaxvat|title=Value Added Tax (VAT)|website=UAE Government}}</ref>

Whilst a local partner or sponsor is typically required to do business, companies may be owned 100% by foreign investors in one of the many Free Trade Zones in Ras Al Khaimah which include Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone, RAK Maritime City Free Trade Zone, RAK International Corporate Centre.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://rakez.com/Faq|title=RAKEZ FAQs|website=Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone}}</ref> These zones provide trade and access to the Middle East, and wider markets in a variety of sectors including manufacturing and industry, education, consultancy and professional services, technology and aviation. Employment visas are available for these companies and, when approved, this type of company can own property. International, or "offshore" free zone companies are also available to be used for numerous business purposes, ranging from owning overseas financial and real estate assets, inheritance planning, setting up holding companies and special purpose vehicles and ship registration.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rakicc.com/about-us/|title=About RAKICC|website=RAK International Corporate Centre}}</ref>

==Culture==
{{main|Culture of the United Arab Emirates}}
{{multiple image
   | direction = vertical
   | footer    = Sheikh Zayed Mosque and St Mary's Orthodox Church
   | image1    = H. H. Sheikh Zayed Masjed By Eng. Fadi Fayyadh Al Toubeh - panoramio.jpg
   | width1    = 150
   | alt1      =
   | caption1  = 
   | image2    = St Mary's Indian Orthodox Church Ras al khaimah UAE.jpg
   | width2    = 150
   | alt2      = 
   | caption2  = 
}}
The UAE culture mainly revolves around the religion of Islam and traditional Arab culture. The influence of Islamic and Arab culture on its architecture, music, attire, cuisine and lifestyle are very prominent as well. Five times every day, Muslims are called to prayer from the [[minaret]]s of mosques which are scattered around the country. Since 2006, the weekend has been Friday-Saturday, as a compromise between Friday's holiness to Muslims and the Western weekend of Saturday-Sunday.<ref>{{cite web|author=Jonathan Sheikh-Miller |url=http://www.ameinfo.com/95027.html |title=UAE Weekend Switchover |publisher=AMEinfo |access-date=22 March 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110212191741/http://www.ameinfo.com/95027.html |archive-date=12 February 2011 }}</ref> A great majority of the population are non national citizens, coming from India, Pakistan, and a wide range of nations.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Life in RAK – IDO |url=https://ido.ae/life-in-rak/#:~:text=The%20Emirate%20is%20home%20to,to%20different%20preferences%20and%20lifestyles. |access-date=2024-12-20 |website=ido.ae}}</ref>

===Events===
[[File:RAK Half Marathon 2011.jpg|thumb|alt=RAK Half Marathon.|''Participants of RAK Half Marathon 2011''.]]

The annual [[Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon]], first held in 2007, resulted in a [[List of world records in athletics|world record]] from [[Samuel Wanjiru]] in 2007 and the second fastest run of all time from [[Patrick Makau Musyoki]] in 2009.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Fairlie|first=Greg|title=Fast times in store as a field of 10 sub-60 men announced for Ras al-Khaimah Half Marathon|url=https://worldathletics.org/news/news/fast-times-in-store-as-a-field-of-10-sub-60-m|date=2010-02-11|access-date=2023-02-06|website=www.worldathletics.org}}</ref> Kenya's 19-year-old Stephen Kiprop won the 2019 edition of the half marathon in a course record-equaling 58 minutes and 42 seconds, the fastest time ever recorded by a teenager.<ref>{{cite news |title=Athletics: Kenyan teenager Kiprop wins RAK half marathon |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-athletics-marathon/athletics-kenyan-teenager-kiprop-wins-rak-half-marathon-idUSKCN1PX197 |work=Reuters |date=8 February 2019 |language=en}}</ref>

In the 2020 iteration, Ethiopia's Ababel Yeshaneh broke the women's half marathon world record by 20 seconds with a time of 1:04:31, eclipsing the previous record of 1:04:51 set by Kenyan Joyciline Jepkosgei in Valencia in 2017.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thenational.ae/sport/other-sport/yeshaneh-ababel-smashes-half-marathon-world-record-in-ras-al-khaimah-1.982666|title=Yeshaneh Ababel smashes half marathon world record in Ras Al Khaimah|website=The National newspaper|date=22 February 2020}}</ref>

The [[UAE Awafi Festival]]&nbsp;is an annual cultural and heritage festival held in the Ras Al Khaimah desert. It is a three-week event, held in December or January, one attraction being a sand dune race. There is a heritage village with traditional food and dance, as well as shops for food and souvenirs.<ref>{{cite news |date=29 January 2010 |title=Awafi Festival Begins in RAK Today |url=http://www.khaleejtimes.com/darticlen.asp?xfile=data/theuae/2010/January/theuae_January845.xml&section=theuae |accessdate=6 September 2010 |newspaper=[[Khaleej Times]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |author=Staff Report |date=2016-12-19 |title=Visitors flock to Awafi Festival |url=https://gulfnews.com/news/uae/culture/visitors-flock-to-awafi-festival-1.1948650 |access-date=2018-08-10 |work=GulfNews}}</ref>

The [[Terry Fox Run]] RAK&nbsp;is a yearly charity run organized in Ras Al Khaimah to support cancer research in the UAE.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=252308532325&v=wall&ref=mf |title=Facebook |publisher=Facebook |access-date=2013-09-15}}</ref> The first event was organized in 2010.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fx7YSvT3aOE&list=UUcPnscK2bP9PrwltyAL5d8Q&index=5&feature=plcp| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140514110606/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fx7YSvT3aOE&list=UUcPnscK2bP9PrwltyAL5d8Q&index=5&feature=plcp| archive-date=2014-05-14 | url-status=dead|title=Short movie from 1st RAKTFR event| website=[[YouTube]] |access-date=1 August 2020}}</ref> Participation in this event has grown from hundreds to thousands since its inception, averaging about 5,000 participants in recent years.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shemili |first=Sawsan Al |date=2020-03-04 |title=Ras Al Khaimah Ruler Receives RAK Terry Fox Run Organizers |url=https://www.rakmediaoffice.ae/en/media-center/ras-al-khaimah-ruler-receives-rak-terry-fox-run-organizers/ |access-date=2024-12-20 |website=Home Page |language=en-US}}</ref>

Ras Al Khaimah Art<ref>{{Cite web |title=About Us |url=https://www.rakart.ae/about-us |access-date=2024-08-19 |website=www.rakart.ae |language=en-ae}}</ref> is an annual event that has taken place since 2013, organised by the Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.alqasimifoundation.com/en/home|title=The Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation|website=www.alqasimifoundation.com|access-date=23 June 2019|archive-date=15 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181015081557/http://www.alqasimifoundation.com/en/home|url-status=dead}}</ref> It started with just 26 artists but by 2018 that number had grown to 84. The not-for-profit festival takes place every February–March and since 2019 has taken place at the redeveloped [[Al Jazirah Al Hamra|Al Jazirah Al Hamra Heritage Village]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://rakfinearts.ae/index/en/mission-and-vision/|title=Mission and Vision|website=RAK Fine Arts Festival|access-date=20 November 2018|archive-date=20 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181120222458/http://rakfinearts.ae/index/en/mission-and-vision/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.graziame.com/culture/why-you-need-to-be-at-ras-al-khaimah-fine-arts-festival|title=Why You Need To Be at Ras Al Khaimah Fine Arts Festival|website=Grazia Middle East}}</ref>

Each year, a number of events are lined up in Ras Al Khaimah to mark the United Arab Emirates' [[National Day (United Arab Emirates)|National Day]], usually involving an air show by the ''Fursan Al Emarat'' aerobatics team and a free concert featuring some of the best singers in the Arab world.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://en.raktda.com/news-and-media/press-releases/2017/11/16/ras-al-khaimah-serves-up-wealth-of-national-day-family-celebrations-a3664|title=National Day celebrations|website=Visit Ras Al Khaimah|access-date=20 November 2018|archive-date=20 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181120180250/https://en.raktda.com/news-and-media/press-releases/2017/11/16/ras-al-khaimah-serves-up-wealth-of-national-day-family-celebrations-a3664|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In 2018, Ras Al Khaimah became the new host for the season-ending tournament on the Challenge Tour, the second tier of European Tour golf. The "Road to Ras Al Khaimah" ends with the Ras Al Khaimah Challenge Tour Grand Final played at Al Hamra Golf Course.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.europeantour.com/challengetour/news/newsid=360899.html|title=RAKTDA and Challenge Tour chiefs hail inaugural Ras Al Khaimah Challenge Tour Grand Final|website=European Tour}}</ref>

2022 marked the start of the Ras Al Khaimah Championship golf event, a top-tier European Tour event bringing the top players on the tour to Al Hamra Golf Club each February.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-01-23 |title=Five things to know: Ras Al Khaimah Championship - Articles - DP World Tour |url=https://www.europeantour.com/dpworld-tour/news/articles/detail/five-things-to-know-ras-al-khaimah-championship/ |access-date=2024-08-19 |website=www.europeantour.com |language=en-us}}</ref>

==Infrastructure==

===Transportation===
[[File:Ras Al Khaimah Airport - Airside Area with an A320 aircraft.jpg|thumb|[[Ras Al Khaimah International Airport]]]]
Within Ras Al Khaimah city, the main mode of public transport are metered taxis, with public buses operating on long-haul routes and catering mainly to smaller towns (e.g. Sha`am, Rams, and Al Jazirah Al Hamra). A local bus service operated by RAK Transport Authority provides infrequent connections between Nakheel, Al Hamra and the airport.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://rak.ae/en/web/rakportal/visitors-transport
|title=Transport : Taxi/Bus |publisher=Government of Ras Al Khaimah}}</ref> In November 2019, RAK Transport Authority launched its five-year strategy for 2020–2025, part of which involved making its entire fleet of cars eco-friendly. At the time, 60% of its fleet of 850 taxis were already hybrid.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.khaleejtimes.com/uae/ras-al-khaimah/taxis-in-ras-al-khaimah-to-be-eco-friendly-by-2024|title=Taxis in Ras Al Khaimah to be eco-friendly by 2024|website=Khaleej Times}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.raktransport.ae/news/59-of-the-taxi-fleet-in-rak-is-hybrid/|title=59% of the Taxi Fleet in RAK Is Hybrid|website=RAK Transport Authority|access-date=25 March 2020|archive-date=25 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200325091013/https://www.raktransport.ae/news/59-of-the-taxi-fleet-in-rak-is-hybrid/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Ras Al Khaimah is connected to the other emirates by taxis and buses which embark from the Bus station located at RAK Transport Authority Headquarters near the new Ras Al Khaimah Police Headquarters and opposite the Cove Rotana hotel.{{Citation needed|date=January 2021}}

The main highways linking Ras Al Khaimah with other emirates is [[E 311 road (United Arab Emirates)|Mohammed bin Zayed Road (E311)]] and [[E 611 road (United Arab Emirates)|Emirates Road (E611)]], both of which travel from Ras Al Khaimah through Umm Al Quwain, Ajman and Sharjah and onto Dubai and Abu Dhabi. These highways allow for journeys from Ras Al Khaimah to Dubai in under 45 minutes.{{Citation needed|date=January 2021}}

Dual carriageways connect major areas within the emirate, with one following the coast and another running inland towards the airport in the direction of Khatt, Masafi, Fujairah, Dhaid, and eventually Oman.{{Citation needed|date=January 2021}}

In July 2018, the first phase of the Ras Al Khaimah Ring Road opened, connecting the industrial areas of the mountainous north with the E311 to the south. The road has decreased the volume of industrial traffic through RAK City.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.arabianbusiness.com/transport/400636-ras-al-khaimah-opens-phase-1-of-111m-ring-road-project|title=Ras Al Khaimah opens phase 1 of $111m ring road project|website=Arabian Business}}</ref> In spring 2013 work on the {{convert|32|km|mi|adj=on}} RAK Ring Road was held up by a three-month rescue excavation after the discovery of megalithic tombs dating to the Wadi Suq period, from 2000 to 1600 BC.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/heritage/archaeologists-make-last-ditch-attempt-to-rescue-remains-of-pre-historic-tombs-in-rak |title=Archaeologists make last ditch attempt to rescue remains of pre-historic tombs in RAK &#124; The National |publisher=Thenational.ae |date=2013-04-13 |access-date=2013-09-15}}</ref>

Saqr Port, located in the industrial area of [[Khor Khwair]], is the emirate's main port, providing bulk and container services. It is the largest bulk-handling port in the Middle East.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://rakports.ae/about-us/|title=About Us|website=RAK Ports}}</ref> It has eight deep-water berths, each {{convert|200|m|ft|abbr=on}} long, is dredged to {{convert|12.2|m|ft|abbr=on}} and has two "[[Roll-on/roll-off|ro-ro]]" ramps plus specialised berths for handling bulk cement and aggregate. Other services include ship-handling, crew changes, and {{convert|40000|m2|sqft|abbr=on}} of covered storage, together with a vast open storage area. It is also the closest port in the UAE to [[Bandar Abbas]], [[Iran]], but there is no shipping from Saqr port to Bandar Abbas{{Clarify|reason=Then why mention it?|date=September 2012}}.

[[Ras Al Khaimah International Airport]] (RKT) offers cargo and passenger services to a variety of destinations covering the Middle East, North & East Africa, Central Asia, the Indian Subcontinent and Europe (to Luxembourg). It serves as a hub for low-cost carrier [[Air Arabia]] and, in May 2019, it was announced that direct flights operated by [[Pegasus Airlines|Pegasus]] Airlines would commence to [[Istanbul|Istanbul, Turkey]], from Ras Al Khaimah in October 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.transportandlogisticsme.com/smart-air-freight/2019/04/30/direct-flights-to-commence-between-istanbul-and-ras-al-khaimah|title=Direct Flights to Commence Between Istanbul and Ras Al Khaimah|website=Transport & Logistics Middle East}}</ref> In 2023, Qatar Airways started direct flights from Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, connecting the emirate to the airline's 160 global destinations via Doha.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-02 |title=Qatar Airways resumes Doha-Ras Al Khaimah flights |url=https://gulfnews.com/business/aviation/qatar-airways-resumes-doha-ras-al-khaimah-flights-1.1698912709110 |access-date=2024-08-19 |website=gulfnews.com |language=en}}</ref>

[[SpiceJet]], India's second largest carrier, announced in October, 2019 that RAK Airport would become its first overseas hub in a deal that brought with it direct flights from the Indian capital New Delhi to Ras Al Khaimah.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://gulfnews.com/business/aviation/spicejet-to-set-up-hub-in-ras-al-khaimah-1.67327496|title=SpiceJet to set up hub in Ras Al Khaimah|website=Gulf News}}</ref>

==See also==
{{portal|Geography|<!-- Eurasia -->|Asia|<!-- Western Asia -->|United Arab Emirates}}
* [[Bukha]], located to the north
* [[List of tourist attractions in the United Arab Emirates]]
* [[RAK Airways]]
* [[RAK Gateway]]
<!-- * [[Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ)]] -->
* [[Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone]]
* [[UAE Awafi Festival]]

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* {{Wikivoyage-inline|Ras Al Khaimah}}
* {{commons category-inline}}
* [http://www.rakinfo.ae/ Ras Al Khaimah English Information website]
* [http://www.rak.ae/ Ras Al Khaimah E-Government portal]

{{Rulers of Ras Al Khaimah}}

{{Geographic location
| Centre    = Ras al-Khaimah (North)
| North     = 
| Northeast = {{flagicon|Oman}}[[Musandam Governorate|Musandam]]
| East      = 
| Southeast = [[Emirate of Fujairah|Fujairah]]
| South     = [[Emirate of Sharjah|Sharjah]]
| Southwest = [[Emirate of Ajman|Ajman]]
| West      = 
| Northwest = ''[[Persian Gulf]]''
}}

{{Geographic location
| Centre    = Ras al-Khaimah (South)
| North     = [[Emirate of Fujairah|Fujairah]]
| Northeast = 
| East      = [[Emirate of Fujairah|Fujairah]]
| Southeast = {{flagicon|Oman}}[[Al Batinah Region]]
| South     = 
| Southwest = {{flagicon|Oman}}[[Al-Buraimi]]
| West      = [[Emirate of Sharjah|Sharjah]]
| Northwest = 
}}

{{Emirates of the United Arab Emirates}}
{{Ras al-Khaimah}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Ras Al Khaimah}}
[[Category:Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah| ]]
[[Category:States and territories established in 1869]]
[[Category:Populated coastal places in the United Arab Emirates]]
[[Category:1869 establishments in Asia]]
[[Category:Islamic monarchies]]