Introduction to Living in Ras Al Khaimah
Living in Ras Al Khaimah, Dubai or Abu Dhabi will be triggered by a number of factors, some external (mainly where office is located) and other internal.
Our recent publication comparing the offerings and expectations of living in Dubai vs Abu Dhabi have triggered very fast reactions from our loyal readers (thank you!). How is it like living in Ras Al Khaimah? Is it a valuable option to Dubai based expats?
This publication aims at addressing a third alternative to UAE expats in terms of potential attraction. Evidently UAE to be expats have 7 possibilities: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Sharjah, Um Al Quwaim and Ajman. Out of the three, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah perhaps rank in that order when expatriates are asked.
The recently announced opening of the first UAE and region’s casino in Ras Al Khaimah may have reaffirmed Ras Al Khaimah as the firm top 3 option when considering living (or investing) in the UAE.
Size and Population
In our recent publication about Dubai or Abu Dhabi we mentioned that Dubai was home to about 3.6 million residents, including expatriates and national Emiratis. Abu Dhabi, is turn, had approximately 2.9 million residents. Ras Al Khaimah has a population of about half a million residents up and down Road 11 that crosses the country and is named Sheikh Zayed Road.
The major bulk of expats concentrates in the south region: Al Hamra Village area, Mina and Al Marjan Island, the selected area to hold the future Casino in 2026.
Ras al Khaimah residents value the zero traffic, the sea and mountain proximity, its relaxed atmosphere paired with a liberal attitude.
Economy and Industries
Ras Al Khaimah is the proud host of RAKEZ, Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone, one of the first and leader free zone in the UAE. If you recall our publication about free zones and designated zones, RAKEZ is a designated zone of renowned prestige, being one of the first free zones in the UAE.
Ras Al Khaimah has more than tripled its population in less than 10 years and is expecting to continue to attract industries to cater the needs of its population, particularly in hospitality, entertainment, education and water and non-water sports.
Costs of Living in Ras Al Khaimah
If Dubai has 60,000 properties for sale, Abu Dhabi 25,000, Ras Al Khaimah has 2,500 as today’s dubizzle’s ads.
In terms of rentals, if Dubai has 40,000 properties for rent, Abu Dhabi 25,000, Ras Al Khaimah has 820.
The content of the ads will reveal a significantly lower pricing when compared to Dubai or Abu Dhabi paired with golfing, sea views and plenty of space. As a word of warning, prices seem to hike motivated with the Casino announcement and the escape from Dubai seeking a more relaxed and affordable lifestyle.
Transportation when considering Living in Ras Al Khaimah
Dubai boasts a modern and extensive transportation network, including the Dubai Metro, trams, buses, and taxis, making it easy to navigate the city. The infrastructure is well-developed, with world-class amenities.
Ras Al Khaimah, however, lacks the big city connectivity but offers very reasonably priced taxi and uber services. In one’s own vehicle you can expect zero (sic) traffic.
Education
Whereas in Dubai and Abu Dhabi there are hundreds of K12 schools, RAK offers less than 10 private schools yet covering American, English and international curriculum. RAK is also home to Ras Al Khaimah University with a known medical school.
The pricing of these centers is lower than education centers in Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
Tourism and Attractions
Ras al Khaimah is known for relaxing weekends, top first line beach resorts at affordable pricing together with the world longest zip line
When thinking to visit Ras al Khaimah a quick look in booking.com will reveal the offer of 26 hotels (vs the circa 600 of Dubai) and about 105 short-term accommodations (versus the circa 3,400 of Dubai!)
Conclusion
Pursuant to the above we could conclude that Ras Al Khaimah is expected to expand to relieve Dubai of its fast-paced rhythm and increasing cost of living. Dubai’s today’s handicaps paired with Ras Al Khaimah promising future surrounding the casino expansion may make Ras Al Khaimah a horse winner in the upcoming decade.
Whether or not is a right Emirate to live will depend on all of the above factors along with personal preferences and flexibility if one’s work is not in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah.
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We hope this publication will help you understand the options when considering a move to the UAE or within the UAE and remain available for any questions regarding this post of general application.
For more information published in English you can visit all our publications at this link as well as the videos in English of our Partner Maria Rubert.
*The information on this page is not intended to be legal advice. This article is intended to provide an initial introduction to the options when considering a move to the UAE or within the UAE .