Investment Property in Ras Al-Khaimah
Think investment property in the UAE and you used to think Dubai, but now it’s their neighbouring Emirate Ras Al-Khaimah that looks set to join the world-class property boom.
A visionary Ras Al-Khaimah government has made a commitment to its growing tourism market, investing funds into building a superior and greener Emirate. Luxury ‘palm-like’ man-made islands, five star hotels, world-class marinas and luxury residential property are all set to put Ras Al-Khaimah on the map.
Property in Ras Al-Khaimah benefits from its beautiful natural surroundings, including the longest stretch of coastline in the Emirates, sparkling turquoise waters and picturesque mountains. And it’s all only 45 minute drive from Dubai International Airport.
Attracting full-time residents who want to work in the city and live by a beach, Ras Al-Khaimah also appeals to tourists and holiday makers seeking the idyllic five star experience the UAE is renowned for, all of which supports the perfect property rental market for investors
Ras Al-Khaimah property market
Ras Al-Khaimah offers the best of both worlds to the property investor. In close proximity to commercial centres and with the UAE’slongest coastline boasting untouched white sandy beaches, Ras Al-Khaimah is attractive for both holiday-makers and investors.
Taking a leaf out of Dubai's book, Ras Al-Khaimah has developed a flourishing free trade zone, several business parks and has numerous world class tourist attractions in the pipeline. No doubt benefiting from the experience Dubai, Ras Al-Khaimah has taken a very practical approach to property investment. For example, the Emirate already has procedures in place to sell Freehold title ownership. With bold ambitions for tourism and development, this steady emerging Emirate is the ideal investment opportunity.
Lower property prices in Ras Al-Khaimah
A key factor driving the Ras Al-Khaimah market is the lack of available land in neighbouring Dubai, forcing some local and overseas property investors to look farther a field to other Emirates. Ras Al-Khaimah is the answer; with lower property prices, a greater availability of land and only 45 minute drive from the hustle and bustle of downtown Dubai and Dubai International Airport, Ras Al-Kahimah ticks all the boxes.
Capital and rental returns in Ras Al-Khaimah
Not only does Ras Al-Khaimah offer great value property, it also has great potential for strong capital gains and rental returns. Attracting a balanced mix of property buyers; those looking to permanently relocate, those wanting holiday-homes and those looking to commute to the city, Ras Al-Khaimah offers investors a stable rental market where yields can be reliably predicted and maintained. Comparables are being made to Dubai 6 years ago, with focus on property returns experienced on Palm Jumeriah, Dubai.
Future planning for Ras Al-Khaimah
The less is more approach is something Ras Al-Khaimah is intent on achieving and maintaining. Some of the UAE's most breathtaking natural beauty exists on Ras Al-Khaimah's coastline, so every effort has been made to ensure all planning is ecologically sound.
MAIN DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS AT RAS AL KHAIMA
AL MARJAN ISLAND
RAK FINANCIAL CITY
AL DANA ISLAND
FOR MORE DETAILS REGARDING RAS AL KHAIMAH INVESTMENT OPPORUNITIES CONTACT US
...We have the ability to assist you in successfully acquiring that ideal property...
Why Invest in Ras Al-Khaimah?
As well as attracting some £14 billion of domestic and foreign investment since 2000, Ras Al-Khaimah has a long list of attractive investment qualities including;
• Tax free
• 100% freehold
• 20% capital appreciation in ‘06 and ‘07
• Only 45 minute drive from Dubai International Airport
• Only Emirate other than Dubai to permit foreign ownership
• Year-round rental offering fantastic buy-to-let opportunities
• Natural beauty – stunning beaches and mountain backdrop
• Growing tourist destination -the new holiday destination of the Middle East
Life for Foreigners in Ras Al Khaimah
Ras Al Khaimah is continually growing to be home to an exciting, diverse, multi-cultural blend of dynamic and professional people enjoying the unrivalled quality
of life Ras Al Khaimah has to offer. Its location, less than one hour from Dubai, ensures that inhabitants can enjoy a more quiet and peaceful location while being
able to reach Dubai easily and in a short time to take advantage of services and leisure options available there.
SafetyStreet crime is very rare in Ras Al Khaimah and most visits to and stays in the emirate are trouble free. Expatriates are nevertheless advised to follow normal
precautions to ensure safety and to purchases appropriate insurance.
Public Transport
Apart from school buses organised by individual schools and transportation organised by employers for staff members, there are no public bus lines operating in
Ras Al Khaimah. There are no public buses connecting Ras Al Khaimah with other emirates. The only public transport modes are air-conditioned taxis which can be
hailed on the street or booked by telephone.
Health
Medical facilities in RAK are of a high standard. Both public and private sector options are available. Currently there are 5 hospitals in RAK. The Health and Medical
Services Department provides medical care for all UAE nationals, visitors and resident expatriates. Currently expatriates can go to any hospital as long as they have
a valid health card. However, this may change in the future and all expatriates may be required to have private insurance coverage.
Most medicines are readily available at pharmacies which can be found in the Manar Mall and across the city of RAK. The opening hours are 9am till early evening.
Emergency 24-hour pharmacies are open in all hospitals.
Leisure Activities
Saqr Public Park and the smaller Khuzam Park offer green areas for picnics as well as a wide selection of gaming and entertainment facilities for both children and
adults. There is also large children’s playground in the Manar Mall.
Sights in Ras Al Khaimah Include
•
National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah: housed in the former palace of the ruling Al Qawasim family, it shows natural history and arts and crafts of the past centuries.• Dhayah Fort: the only surviving hilltop fort in the UAE.
• Shamal and Sheba´s Palace: tombs and ruins of a medieval palace attributed to the Queen of Sheba.
• Al Falayah: the former summer residence of the ruling Al Qawasim family.
• Al Jazeera Al Hamra: an abandoned village showing the architecture of 1950s.
•
The Old City and Souq: offer an opportunity to see both traditional and modern shops as well as artisan’s workshops.Khatt Hot Water Springs Resort, opened in 1982, offers a large swimming pool and various spa facilities for relaxation and regeneration. Other leisure options in
Ras Al Khaimah include date farms, an ostrich farm, Ahmed Bin Majid´s memorial, camel racing course and camel farms.
Many other tourism and leisure facilities are currently at various stages of planning and construction. These include the WoW theme park, a heritage village and
Jebel Jais Mountain Resort.
The emirate of Ras Al Khaimah has beaches and a coastline, fertile plains and green oases, as well as rugged mountains and dry wadis. It can thus offer a wide
spectrum of leisure and recreational activities – from water sports to walks in the wadis and mountains or desert safaris and dune driving.
The Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Authority (RAK Tourism) has information on sights and other places to visit and can organise a tour.
Sport Facilities
Tower Links Golf Club is a 18-hole, 72-par course, fully floodlit, and has a golf academy, driving range • and short-game facilities. It also has a clubhouse
restaurant and an Irish pub.
•
The Bowling Centre has 12 lanes, food court, internet cafe and recreational center.• Ras Al Khaimah Shooting Club has air-conditioned gun, pistol, rifle and archery ranges as well as a fast-fighting shooting range.
• Al Jazeera Aviation Club is the only micro light club for hobby flying in the entire Gulf Cooperation Countries region. It is authorised to train and issue
micro light pilot permits and has a fleet of modern micro light aircrafts, two landing strips, a hangar, and a clubhouse.
• Ras Al Khaimah Equestrian Club
• Ras Al Khaimah Water Ski club
• Emirates Maritime Sports and Diving Centre
• Carting club
Shopping
•
The Old City and Souq: an opportunity to see both traditional and modern shops.• Manar Mall: a modern Western shopping mall opened in 2005, it offers the Carrefour hypermarket, a large number of shops, pharmacies, bank outlets,
an exchange office, restaurants, a Starbuck´s cafe, a hairdresser, a large food court, children’s playground and a seven-screen multiplex cinema.
•
Lulu Supermarket: offers a variety of products, particularly food and accessories.• Spinney supermarket: an Australian chain, opened in Al Hamra Village complex in early 2008.
• Home Centre: offers a wide selection of furniture and furnishings.
• Al Safeer supermarket: offers food items and clothing, shoes, kitchenware and toys.
• Ras Al Khaimah also has several vegetable and fruit markets and a fish market.
Restaurants
There is a wide selection of both traditional and modern restaurants in Ras Al Khaimah. These are located both in the old city and in the modern Nakheel quarter.
The public can also use restaurants in hotel complexes in and outside the Ras Al Khaimah city, such as the Hilton Beach Club, Al Hamra Fort Hotel and Khatt Springs
Hotel. There are a restaurant and an Irish pub at the Tower Links golf club. McDonald’s and Kentucky Fried Chicken chains have outlets in Ras Al Khaimah.
How to Relocate to Ras Al Khaimah
Immigration Requirements for New Entities in the UAE
It is a mandatory requirement to register a new company’s name with the Immigration Department and the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs. Since most of the
companies recruit their employees from abroad it needs to register a file at the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs and Immigration Department once they have
received their trade licence. Without registering with both these departments an entity cannot employ its staff. Upon registering the company/entity shall be issued
a registration card from the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs called ‘Establishment/Labour Card’. The card issued by the Immigration Department is called
‘Establishment/Immigration Card’. All the visa applications submitted to both the departments should be accompanied with a copy of the above ‘Cards’.
Immigration Procedures
•
A contract with the new employer/sponsor has to be signed before the application for work/residency visa is submitted to the relevant authority.• Visa – see Visas and Residence Permits factsheet for detailed information on visas.
• A medical check and fingerprinting have to be undertaken within 30 days after the arrival to the UAE
Driving License
While tourists may drive in the UAE on their national or international driving licenses, all residents in the UAE must obtain a UAE driving license within 30 days of
the beginning of their stay in the UAE. To obtain a driving license in the UAE, one needs to be a resident of the United Arab Emirates. If the person is a resident
of Ras Al Khaimah but has a visa issued in another emirate, then the person needs to obtain a transfer form, allowing the person to obtain a driving license from
Ras Al Khaimah.
Individuals, who have driving licenses from any of the GCC countries or any of the countries mentioned below, can transfer to a RAK driver’s license without
having to take driving lessons or tests: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Iceland, Iran, Ireland,
Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, the United Kingdom,
and the United States.
Those who want to transfer their license must be at least 18 years old, have a valid driver’s license, have a residence visa in RAK, and fill in the driver’s license form
with one passport size photograph, original passport and one photocopy, original driver’s license and one photocopy, eye test report and AED 100. For other than
GCC licenses, it is also required to obtain a letter from the Embassy or Consulate, from which the driver’s license was issued, confirming that the driver’s license
is valid. If the driver’s license is not in English or Arabic, it is also required to have the license translated at the Consulate or Embassy. Individuals with an Indian
international driving license will be required to obtain a new license in order to drive in the UAE.
COMPLETE OFFICIAL INFORMATIONS ABOUT RAS AL KHAIMAH:
Ras Al-Khaimah eGovernment
Vision
Enable a modernized and efficient Ras Al-Khaimah Government to embrace and utilize the latest
developments in eGovernment technology for meeting the needs of citizens, residents, tourists,
businesses, and investors.
Mission
Implement high quality information and communication technology solutions within Ras Al-
Khaimah Government, enabling it to deliver effective, efficient and value-added services, and
making it accessible from any where and at any time.
Principle and Values
Reliability;
Professionalism
Integrity and trust;
Efficiency and effectiveness;
Commitment to service;
Partnership;
Performance accountability;
Long range planning;
Individual worth and diversity;
Innovation and continuous improvement;
Excellence; and
Collaboration and teamwork.
Slogan
“Towards achieving a seamless eGovernment, hurriedly, but surely!”
eGovernment
A young ambitious leader who has a strong passion for his country, H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr
AlQassimi, the Crown Price and Deputy Ruler of Ras Al-Khaimah, promises his emirate to
continue the development movement and achieve an e-society.
The e-society of his dreams employs the latest ICT mechanisms for the purpose of providing
online services and facilitating the lives of citizens and customers of the
government. Launching RAK eGovernment portal is one step toward that dream. This initiative
has earned a strategic value, being the second such initiative in UAE, as it showcases a strong
union and spirit of integration.
The most significant accomplishment of RAK eGovernment portal is the establishment of the first
Hypothetical Government Complex for all the emirates departments. The portal user finds a
detailed description of their locations along with a sufficient definition of each department and its
means of contact. The establishment of this complex aims to simplify procedures, getting on hand
information of all governmental departments and qualitatively improving the services that these
departments provide. The portal was launched on June 30, 2004 with simple, elegant design with
“two click” information seek feature that connects together Ras Al-Khaimah citizens, residents
and government departments.
The portal will soon offer e-services, deploying latest IT mechanisms to fulfill the broad vision of
H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr AlQassimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of the emirate : “the Esociety
of my dreams”.
The portal is bilingual (can be accessed via Arabic and English homepages) , with compatible
standard protocol and platform which ultimately will allow a considerable integration with the
Union (Federal) eGovernment portals– the eUAE portal.
RAK eGovernment portal is not a brochure or an advertising website, it is a joint that connects
together Ras Al-Khaimah citizens, residents and government departments and ultimately with the
universe. This connection has a tremendous impact on their daily integration. By opening a
communication channel between the government and its people, Sheikh Saud aspires to create a
sincere relationship in which suggestions and creative ideas presented by simple users which are,
the true impulse of this initiative.
The vision of promoting the ICT infrastructure in Ras Al-Khaimah was scheduled over a period of
ten years, but H.H shortened this period to two years. To dismantle the technical obstacles offsetting
our mission, H.H. entrusted a specialized central authority – (EGA) – with all the
government's technology aspects, including the establishment of the ICT infrastructure,
purchasing the required hardware and software and the employment of supervising and operating
technical staff. After attaining all technical and electronic installations, EGA directly headed
toward planning and scheduling for the enforcement of the eGovernment initiative. Adopting open
systems to implement the department's technical solutions throughout the past in RAK,
contributed greatly to the success of RAK Government mission. These systems employ advanced
programming solutions such as Oracle Database and Unix Systems, which are consistent and
open to expansion and development to fully run all implementations and operating tasks. A major
factor that affected ICT success was, and still is, the unlimited support of H.H Sheikh Saud, the
Crown Price and Deputy Ruler of Ras Al-Khaimah who opened all doors and eliminated all
routine procedures that would have delayed the work progress. H.H.'s exact words to us were, "If
it was me who stands in your way and hinders your mission, go past me and continue with your
journey until you complete your goal".
During the first stage, EGA relied on advanced technical systems and programmes to operate the
portal. These systems are based on highly efficient network connections. EGA also have a high
security programme that eliminates any sabotage endeavors, either by hackers or viruses. Both
operating and security programmes are linked to a developed Oracle environment and backend.
EGA also supplied the portal with programmes required for context control, data updates, device
performance monitor and visitors statistics surveillance. High-speed servant devices are used to
stabilize these programmes. They are connected to an immediate spare copying system and
equipped with standby energy resources. The central server room is provided with a modern firefighter
system and with high security arrangements. As it was mentioned earlier here, in
upcoming stages, EGA will establish a government information network (RAKGIN) to link all
departments together to improve their e-services.
EGA divide the operating stages into two categories; the first being the execution steps of the Einformation
and E-services portal project, which include:
1. Setting a strategy plan to execute the eGovernment project that details each department.
2. Launching the Ras Al-Khaimah eGovernment portal.
3. The participation of all Ras Al-Khaimah departments in the eGovernment portal.
4. Offering e-services before the December, 2005, and concentrating on' Quick Wins', quickreturn
services essential to individuals and the business sector.
5. Connecting government departments by an integrated information network.
6. Transferring all government services to the e-model.
7. Communicating and integrating with other e-governments in the country.
Central infrastructure of e-services will be provided, such as ePay and the portal members unified
identification system.
The second category of the operating stage – prior to the implementation of the Quickwins – is
the infrastructure setup required for delivering e-services to the users via number of channels
such as:
1. Cellular phones
2. Ground telephones
3. Government net
4. International net
5. Substations
Ras Al-Khaimah eGovernment project is 100% central. No institution is authorized to carry on the
project except the department H.H Sheikh Saud entrusted with this mission. H.H. heads the
eGovernment Board, followed by the Board's CEO, whose administration consists of four key
departments under the EGA: Development, Projects, e-services and the Financial Department.
Each department has full responsibilities related to its specialty to achieve integration in the
project's execution. Having touched the benefits of centralism, the departments accepted their
role, especially with the presence of a technical qualification and training center in the Authority.
This center has a great impact on the employees as a constant source of experience and practice.
Meanwhile, EGA have exceeded the limitations of training government staff, and are steering
towards wiping out ICT illiteracy in Ras Al-Khaimah. By offering over than 700 training seats for
different courses in basics and advanced computer topics, EGA have touched the increase in
people's interest and awareness of technology.
RAK.AE – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Out of RAK eGovernment's concern to spread awareness, EGA prepared few questions with their
answers to make aware the public's full comprehension of its role.
Is this portal a private project?
No. The portal was designed completely under the government's directions to serve the
community.
After the project's completion, what are its major features?
Our e-services are accessible via many channels and have no geographical limitations. For
example, people in Al-Jazeera Al Hammra and Sha'am can pay their bills anywhere. Our services
also operate during the holidays.
Are citizens charged for using e-services?
No. Extra fees are added in exchange of using our services electronically.
Are we charged to register online?
No. Registering online is free of charge.
How do you accept payments?
All payment passages are accepted: cash payment, eDirham, check, transfer or credit cards
If a customer makes his water and electricity payments via your portal, is it possible that he might
be disconnected from these services?
No. The portal's database is connected with the relevant government departments. All payments
are updated, transferred and posted immediately to the concerned department. Besides, the
customer receives a voucher that proves he made his payments.
How legitimate is this voucher?
It is credible and proves payment authenticity.
How many users can benefit from the same service at the same time?
An unlimited number of users can benefit from a service at the same time.
What is the portal's address?
www.rak.ae ; or simply rak.ae
Can government e-services be accessed from home?
Yes. E-services can be accessed either by using PC, cellular phones ,substations or ground
phones.
When will the portal's e-services be generalized and put into active use?
In the meantime, we are finalizing the required facilitations, and God willing, RAK E-services will
be enforced soon as we get the final word from H.H. Sheikh Saud.
Ras Al-Khaimah (RAK)
Vision
Make Ras Al-Khaimah one of the top destinations in the Middle East for business, investment,
and tourism.
Mission
To provide responsive, cost-effective, efficient and innovative Local Government services to the
citizens, residents, tourists, businesses, and investors.
The new RAK
Ras Al-Khaimah (RAK) is the fourth largest of the seven emirates that form the United Arab
Emirates (UAE). The others are Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah and Umm Ul Quwain
RAK has a heritage from as far back as 5000 BC. Archaeological finds speak of its strong trade
links with many ancient civilizations including Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley.
This Emirate has since come a long way from the times of its legendary mariner Ahmad Ibne
Maajid. A time when RAK’s distinct little dhows (wooden ships) sailed the world to trade.
Today, the world is seeking out the new RAK.
And it is ready. With its great natural advantages, a vibrant economy, all infrastructure in place, a
track record with some of the world’s best business success stories and a stable, visionary
Government firmly committed to free enterprise.
RAK at a Glance
Location : On the Arabian Gulf, between Latitudes 25 and 26 degrees North and Longitudes 55
and 60 Degrees East.
Land Area : 3000 Square Kilometers
Climate : Straddling the Tropic of Cancer, all of UAE is warm and sunny in winter, and hot and
humid during the summer months. Temperatures range from a recorded minimum of 8.1 degree
Centigrade to a maximum of 46.9 degree Centigrade. Average rainfall is 56 millimeters
Total Population : 195,000
Males : 115000
Females : 80,000
Crude birth rate : 17.4
Average annual population growth : 3.9%
Density of population : 65 per Sq Km
Official language : Arabic. Other widely spoken languages include English, Hindi, Urdu,
Malayalam, Farsi and Tagalog, among others. Arabic and English are the most used in business
and commerce.
Official religion: Islam. But other faiths are free to practice their religion privately
Currency : The UAE currency is Dirham (abbreviated as AED or Dh), each Dirham made up of
100 fils. The Dirham is fully convertible and is pegged to U.S. Dollar ($) approximately @
AED3.671 and Euro (€) approximately @ AED4.577.
History of Ras Al-Khaimah
Ras Al-Khaimah has a very unique archaeological heritage. The area had always enticed settlers
with a combined presence of all the four types of landscapes in the United Arab Emirates the
fertile plains, the mountain region, the coastal region and the desert environment.
The Ubaid Period (5000 - 3800 BC) is the oldest historic period known of RAK. Large shell
middens and surface collections near Jazirat al-Hamra give clear hints of human presence in that
period.
Burial cairns built on high mountain plateaus during the Hafit Period (3200 - 2600 BC) have been
discovered in Khatt, in the mountains. And also in Wadi al-Beih and Wadi al-Gawr areas.
The middle of the third millennium BC saw the rise of the Umm un-Naar culture (2600 - 2000 BC),
arguably the most important period in the development of a civilization in the UAE. Evidence
suggests that trade in copper with Mesopotamia and the Indus valley was common. The area
then used to be called the `Land of Majaan’.
Excavated tombs of this period in Asimah and elsewhere threw up locally produced pottery of
very high quality, besides pottery from south-eastern Iran, the Indus Valley, Mesopotamia and
also Bahrain, (then known as Dilmun): More indications of RAK’s presence in a vast international
trade network.
After the Umm un-Naar Period, well known for its circular tombs, the beginning of the second
millennium BC is marked in the UAE by a sudden change in settlement pattern, style of pottery
and tombs. About 150 large tombs of this period found in Shimal area of RAK is the largest
collection of prehistoric graves found in the Oman Peninsula.
The RAK of the second half of the second millennium BC, the late Bronze Age (1600-1250 BC)
comes through from archaeological sites in the Shimal area. Built at the foot of the rising
mountains, these showed traces of ‘areesh’ style housing, typical of the United Arab Emirates
until as recently as 50 years ago.
The Iron Age (1250-300 BC) here is best known from finds from the southern part of RAK. The
first surveys were carried out by Beatrice de Cardi in the Wadi al-Gawr and Wadi Muna’i area and
were later followed by excavations of British archaeologists
The later pre-Islamic times, the Hellenistic and Parthian Period (300 BC to 300 AD) are also
evidenced in the northern parts.
In the northern part of Ras Al-Khaimah, two important settlements in the shape of a huge mound
(Tell) have been found, pointing to occupation of the northern part of the Emirate during the Iron
Age.
The Sassanian occupation (300-632 AD) of Ras Al-Khaimah territory is now becoming
increasingly evident. Archaeologist, J. Hansman excavated a small site on the island of Hulaylah
that was occupied during the Sassanian Period. A British team unearthed a Sassanian fortress,
built to control the fertile plains around the northern part of the Emirate.
Julphar
Apparently, after the Sassanians abandoned their fortress, settlers re-used the older structures
and lived there for the next 700 years. While mud-brick buildings were found in Kush, the island
of Hulaylah was probably settled with ‘arish’ style buildings, leaving less visible but important
remains.
Both sites are only a few kilometers apart and can probably be identified with the area of ancient
Julphar, an important town known from Islamic geographers like Al-Muqdasi in the 10th century
and Al-Idrisi in the 12th century.
Finds of Chinese porcelain at both sites, as well as Abbasid pottery imported from Iraq and
elsewhere show that the people of Julphar were heavily involved in trade. Of particular interest
was the recovery of seeds from the settlements and probably the oldest coffee bean in the world
was found in a 12th-century living area at Kush. This predates by a couple of centuries the period
that historical sources usually mention the use and trade of coffee to have begun.
By the middle of the 14th century Kush and Jazirat al-Hulayla were abandoned and the people
settled on a sandbar, at that time in front of the coast. This settlement too took the name Julphar,
and is still called that.
It has been proved that Julphar was a large settlement between the 14th and the 17th centuries.
The city was built of mud brick houses and remains of a mosque and a fortress stand there.
