Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah إِمَارَة رَأْس ٱلْخَيْمَة Ra's al-Khaymah, Ras Al-Khaimah or RAK
Emirate
Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah
Clockwise from top: Mangroves seen from Al Qawasim corniche flagpole, Ras Al Khaimah creek, Rotana resort in Ras Al Khaimah, Ras Al Khaimah fort museum, Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Ras Al Khaimah
Flag Coat of arms
Location of Ras Al Khaimah in the UAE
Country	United Arab Emirates
Emirate	Ras Al Khaimah
Government
• Type	Absolute monarchy
Area
• Total	2,486 km2 (960 sq mi)
Area rank	4th
Population  (2018)
• Total	416,600
• Rank	5th

Ras Al Khaimah is one of the seven emirates that form the UAE. It is sometimes called Ras al Khaimah or Ras al-Khaimah. The main city, also called Ras Al Khaimah, is often shortened to RAK City. This city is the capital and where most people in the emirate live. Long ago, it was known as the important trading port of Julfar.

The name "Ras Al Khaimah" means "top of the tent" in English. This emirate shares a border with Oman's exclave of Musandam. It is part of the same peninsula. Ras Al Khaimah covers an area of about 2,486 square kilometers (960 square miles). It also has 64 kilometers (40 miles) of beautiful coastline.

In 2015, about 345,000 people lived here. Around 31% of these people were citizens of the UAE.

Exploring Ras Al Khaimah City

RAK City has two main parts: the Old Town and Nakheel. These areas are on opposite sides of a creek. This creek is home to green mangrove trees. Tall mountains called the North-Western Hajar Mountains frame the area.

Villages and New Communities

The emirate also includes many smaller villages. There are also new, planned neighborhoods like Al Hamra Village and Mina Al Arab. These places offer modern homes and facilities.

Travel and Transport

Ras Al Khaimah International Airport serves the emirate. This airport connects Ras Al Khaimah to other places.

Unique Geography and Nature

Ras Al Khaimah has two main parts. The northern part holds RAK City and most towns. There is also a large southern area that is separate from the main part. This southern area is near Hatta in Dubai. A few small islands in the Persian Gulf also belong to Ras Al Khaimah.

The soil in Ras Al Khaimah is very fertile. This is because it gets more rain than other areas. It also has underground water from the Hajar Mountains. This makes it a good place for farming.

Images for kids

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  A tomb from the Umm al-Nar culture in Ras Al Khaimah.

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  A painting showing the British Expeditionary Force near Ras Al Khaimah in 1809.

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  Ras Al Khaimah under attack by a British force in December 1819 during the Persian Gulf campaign of 1819.

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  The hilltop fort of Dhayah.

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  Masafi Fort in Masafi.

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  Jebel Jais is the highest mountain peak in the United Arab Emirates.

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  Wadi Shawka.

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  The National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah.

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  Participants of RAK Half Marathon 2011.

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  Ras Al Khaimah International Airport.

See also

In Spanish: Emirato de Ras al Jaima para niños