Ras Al-Khaimah in Arabic literally "The Top of the Tent" RAK as it is commonly referred to is one of the emirates of the United Arab Emirates. It covers an area of 656 square miles (1700 sq.km).
The emirate is ruled by Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammad al-Qassimi. It is in the northern part of the UAE bordering Oman. The emirate has a population of about 250,000 inhabitants most of whom live in the city which has a population of 219,897 as of 2008. It is served by the Ras Al Khaimah International Airport in Al Jazirah Al Hamra.
The city has two main sections, Old Ras Al Khaimah and Nakheel, on either side of the creek which flows through Ras Al Khaimah.
The newly constructed 'Emirates Road (E311 Highway)' traverses the emirates of Umm Al Quwain, Ajman (60km) and Sharjah (71km) to finally end up in Dubai (87km). The new highway allows journeys from Ras Al Khaimah to Dubai in under 45 minutes.
There are plans to develop a $265 m commercial spaceport in Ras Al-Khaimah and establish a space tourism hub. |
