Ras Al Khaimah facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Ras Al Khaimah رَأْس ٱلْخَيْمَة
City
Ras Al Khaimah
Clockwise from top: Mangroves are 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
Ras Al Khaimah Location in United Arab Emirates Show map of United Arab Emirates Ras Al Khaimah Location in Persian Gulf Show map of Persian Gulf
Country	United Arab Emirates
Emirate	Ras Al Khaimah
Government
• Type	Municipality
Area
• Total	373 km2 (144 sq mi)
Elevation	40 m (130 ft)
Population  (2023)
• Total	400,000
• Density	1,070/km2 (2,800/sq mi)
GDP
• Metro	US$ 14.3 billion (2023)
• Per capita	US$ 30,700 (2023)
Time zone	UTC+4 (UAE Standard Time)
Website	RAK.ae

Ras Al Khaimah (which means "the headland of the tent" in Arabic), often called RAK, is a big city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is the capital of the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. In 2023, about 400,000 people lived there. This makes it the sixth-largest city in the UAE.

The city is split into two parts by a creek, which is like a small river. The old town is on the west side, and a newer area called Al Nakheel is on the east. Long ago, this area was known as Julfar.

History of Ras Al Khaimah

Ancient Times

People have lived in the area of Ras Al Khaimah for about 7,000 years! This makes it one of the oldest places where people have continuously lived. The northern part of the city was once home to an important port and settlement called Julfar.

Archaeologists have found old buildings and forts from the Sassanid Empire era. These findings show that Julfar moved over time as the harbor filled with sand. Close by, you can still find other historical sites like the ancient 'Sheba's Palace' (Shimal Fort).

A famous person from Ras Al Khaimah was Ahmad ibn Mājid. He was a very important sailor, navigator, and mapmaker. His writings show that the town he came from was already known as Ras Al Khaimah back then. It had become more important than Julfar as the main port.

18th and 19th Centuries

In the early 1700s, a group called the Qawasim settled in Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah. They became a strong sea power, controlling areas on both the Persian and Arabian coasts. They often had disagreements with British ships.

Ras Al Khaimah during the Persian Gulf campaign of 1809 in November 1809

In 1809, after some attacks on ships, the British launched a military campaign against Ras Al Khaimah. They largely destroyed the Al Qasimi fleet. The British then went to Lingeh on the Persian coast, which was also controlled by the Al Qasimi.

The British operation ended quickly, with few casualties for them. The Al Qasimi fleets, however, suffered heavy losses. After this, a deal was made in 1815, but it didn't last.

So, in 1819, the British launched a second expedition. They attacked Ras Al Khaimah again. On December 9th, the British stormed the fort and town, finding it mostly empty. The people had moved to a strong hilltop fort called Dhayah Fort.

The hilltop fort of Dhayah

The British brought heavy cannons to Dhayah Fort. After three days of fighting, the Al Qasimi surrendered on December 22nd.

In January 1820, the British made a new agreement called the General Maritime Treaty of 1820. This treaty ended piracy and slavery. It also set up a British protectorate over the area, which lasted until 1971.

Modern History

Ras Al Khaimah was the last of the Trucial States to join the newly formed United Arab Emirates. This happened on February 10, 1972. It joined under the leadership of Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammad Al Qasimi.

Geography

Ras Al Khaimah has interesting geography, including mountains like Jabal Ghumaylah.

Climate

Ras Al Khaimah has a hot desert climate. Summers are very hot and humid, while winters are mild and pleasant. Rain is rare, mostly falling in the cooler months.

Population

In 2021, the city had about 115,949 people. It is the biggest city in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. It is also the sixth most populated city in the UAE.

City Districts

Ras Al Khaimah is made up of many different areas, or districts. Some of these include:

• Al Arqoub
• Al Dhait North
• Al Dhait South
• Al Ghubb
• Al Hamraniyah
• Al Hudaibah
• Al Juwais
• Al Kharran
• Al Maarid
• Al Mamourah
• Al Nadiyah
• Al Nakheel
• Al Qurm
• Al Qusaidat
• Al Rams
• Al Saween
• Al Sharisha
• Al Tharfah
• Al Uraibi
• Khuzam
• Dafan Al Khor
• Dahan
• Digdaga
• Julfar
• Madinat Khalifa bin Zayed
• Old Town
• Sidroh
• Suhailah

Education

Ras Al Khaimah has many schools for children. Besides government schools, there are also private schools like Ras Al Khaimah Academy and Wellspring School. For older students, there are universities and colleges. These include the Higher Colleges of Technology, Ras Al Khaimah Medical and Health Sciences University, and the American University of Ras Al Khaimah.

Transportation

Getting Around by Land

The Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority helps people travel around the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. They provide buses and other transport services.

Getting Around by Air

If you want to fly to or from Ras Al Khaimah, you would use the Ras Al Khaimah International Airport.

Economy

The city of Ras Al Khaimah is home to the Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ). This zone helps businesses and investors connect with markets around the world. RAKEZ has an online system called Portal 360 for its clients. It supports all kinds of businesses, from people working for themselves (freelancers) to small and medium-sized companies. RAKEZ is divided into six special areas:

• Al Ghail Industrial Zone
• Al Hamra Industrial Zone
• RAKEZ Academic Zone
• Al Hulaila Industrial Zone
• Al Nakheel Business Zone
• Al Hamra Business Zone

Ceramics Industry

Ras Al Khaimah is where RAK Ceramics is based. This company is a huge global maker of ceramics. Every year, they produce millions of square meters of tiles and millions of pieces of bathroom fixtures. They employ 12,000 people and make about $1 billion in sales each year.

Medicine Industry

Gulf Pharmaceutical Industries, also known as Julphar, is a company that makes medicines. Its main office is in Ras Al Khaimah. Julphar employs 5,000 people and sells its products to 50 countries. They make different kinds of medicines. Since 2012, they have also been making ingredients for insulin, which is used to treat diabetes.

Sports

Ras Al Khaimah has two football teams: Emirates Club and Ras Al Khaimah Club. Both teams have played in the top football league in the UAE, the UAE Pro League.

Notable People

Many interesting people come from Ras Al Khaimah, including:

• Dhaher Al-Aryani (born 1972), a skilled trap shooter.
• Manal Al Ghadani (born 1977), a writer and teacher.
• Abdullah Al-Nauri (1959–2021), a novelist who wrote stories.
• Saqr bin Mohammed Al Qasimi (1918–2010), who was the ruler of the Emirate for a long time.
• Khalid bin Saqr Al Qasimi (born 1940), a former crown prince.
• Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi (born 1956), the current ruler of the Emirate.
• Mohammed bin Saud Al Qasimi (born 1987), the current crown prince.
• Khamis Esmaeel (born 1989), a football player.
• Saif Ghobash (1932–1977), a diplomat and engineer.
• Saqr Ghobash (born 1952), a diplomat and politician.
• Priyaa Lal (born 1993), a British actress.
• Ahmad ibn Mājid (1432–c. 1500), a famous navigator and explorer.
• Abdullah Malallah (born 1983), a football player.
• Al Hassan Saleh (born 1991), a football player.

See also

In Spanish: Ras al-Khaimah (ciudad) para niños