General Info Ras Al Khaimah

The Emirate of Ras Al-Khaimah is a principality in the northern part of the UAE. Virtually the entire territory of the Emirate constitutes beach coastline flowing into the waters of the Gulf. Ras Al-Khaimah as an administrative unit has a border with such Emirates as Fujairah, Sharjah and Dubai. In the south and in the north-eastern part the Emirate shares a border with the Sultanate of Oman.

The capital of the Emirate and the administrative center is the city of Ras Al-Khaimah. The population of the Emirate is about 300 000 people and the total area of the occupied territory is more than 1.5 thousand square kilometers.

Fertile soil, mild climate and availability of unlimited water resources have contributed to transformation of the Emirate into a blooming oasis, which extends from the coast to the mountain ranges. Significant water resources create all conditions for active development of agriculture and receiving rich harvests of vegetables and fruits. Grapefruits, lemons and figs constitute only a small part of cultivated crops in the Emirate.

The United Arab Emirates has adopted visa policy, which defines respective visa application process for foreign nationals. Simplified visa issuance procedure has been adopted here. Minimum number of documents are required for filing visa application form. It is enough to have only passport.

As of 2014 the Emirates have been introducing new visa processing system. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Emirates, the changes will affect residence permits, naturalization and marine transport. It is planned to launch a new type of visa for multiple visits to the country, including for participation in scientific meetings and seminars, education and health services, as well as for employment.

According to experts, such step is necessary change designed to meet current public demand. The ministry noted that the proposed alterations take into account various social and tourism aspects and are aimed at improving visa services.

The resort area of the Emirate of Ras Al-Khaimah is located in the northern part of the country. The Emirate consists of several islands, including Al Hamra, Tunub and Al-Jazeera. The capital of the Emirate is the city of Ras al-Khaimah; it is divided into two parts by the waters of the Gulf. The Old town is famous for its diverse cultural heritage and numerous architectural monuments.

A few words regarding history of the Emirate of Ras Al-Khaimah

First references with respect to the city in the historical chronicles date back to 695 AD. At that time there was a large regional shipping port Julfar here. People called these lands "Pirates Coast" since pirates were very active in this place.

Since ancient times Ras Al-Khaimah has developed close trade relationship and international trading ships to Africa and India departed from here. It is known that in 1820 the fort was destroyed during the battles of the local population and the British soldiers and later it was completely rebuilt. Ras Al-Khaimah joined the United Arab Emirates in 1972.

In terms of climate conditions for international tourism the Emirate of Ras Al-Khaimah has unlimited potential. Despite the fact that this Emirate occupies the northern part of the state, it is here where the nature is embodied in all of its wonderful forms. Here high mountain ranges are washed by sea waves and picturesque sand dunes smoothly transform into green valleys and flowering gardens.

It should be noted that this is one of the few Emirates, which may please foreign visitors and tourists by abundance of greenery. Special attention is given to white sandy beaches washed by warm waters of the Gulf. Its superb beaches, that meet all the requirements of comfort and security, have made the Emirate perspective and rapidly developing tourist destination.