About RAK – The city of Ras Al Khaimah, the capital of the Emirate – The RAK Halfmarathon – February 19th, 2010

Ras Al Khaimah is one of the seven Emirates that form the United Arab Emirates.  Ras Al Khaimah is nestled between the Hajjar Mountains on the east and the Arabian Gulf on the west and shares mountainous borders with the Sultanate of Oman.

The Ruler since 1948 has been H.H. Sheikh Saqr Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi and his son H.H. Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi was appointed Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler in June 2003.

The city of Ras Al Khaimah, the capital of the Emirate is divided into two parts by a creek.  The western part, known as 'old Ras Al Khaimah' comprises government departments, educational institutions, shopping malls and hotels as well as residential areas and new construction projects.  The eastern part, known as 'Al Nakheel' comprises the site of the Emiri Court, some governmental departments, markets, Ras Al Khaimah Exhibition Center, hospitals and residential areas housing the majority of the city's population.  The two parts of the city are linked by a bridge and a network of modern roads.

Editor's Note: Despite the modern day prominence of Dubai and its activities, it must be remembered that Dubai is only one of seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.).  Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) is another of these emirates and is most definitely NOT in Dubai.

The emirates that constitute the U.A.E. are: Abu Dhabi (Capital), Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah.

Ras Al Khaimah
Population: 263,217 (2008)
Area: 1,684 square kilometers / 650 square miles
Coastline: 40 kilometers
Climate: high temperatures and humidity in summer while the winter weather is moderate
Languages: Arabic and English
Religion: Islam
Local time: GMT + 4
Currency: UAE Dirham
Coordinates: 25°47'N 55°57'E

For more information on Ras Al Khaimah, please visit the official website of the RAK Tourism Authority.

RAK Halfmarathon