Geography

Ras Al Khaimah is located in the north part of the United Arab Emirates. It has borders with Oman and with three other Emirates which are Umm Al Quwain, Sharjah, and Fujairah.

In land area, Ras Al Khaimah is the fourth largest Emirate covering an area of 2,486 square km, which is about 2.97 percent of the total UAE land area.

With its varied landscapes, Ras Al Khaimah is an interesting and attractive area to visit. The waters of the Arabian Gulf and 64 km of sandy coastline form a natural border in the West. The Eastern part has a spectacular mountain range called the Ru’us Al Jibal, which is part of the Hajar Mountains, starting in the Musandam Peninsula and running as far south as Sur in Oman. Formed more than 70 million years ago, the mountain range incorporates Jebel Jais, which at 1,934m is not only the highest peak in Ras Al Khaimah but in the entire UAE.

The Emirate is also famous for its palm gardens and fertile grounds, which have provided food and shelter in the region for many centuries. The red sands of the desert cover the rest of the Emirate.

Traditional villages such as Julfar and Jazirat Al Hamra can still be found – the emirate is divided into two parts by a natural creek connecting the souks and old town with the modern city.

Al Hamra and Al Marjan Island in the south of the emirate are mixed developments of residential and tourist facilities.