RAS AL KHAIMAH REPORT

Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) is one of the seven emirates that comprise the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It’s name means “Head of the Tent”. According to one local tradition, the name originated from the golden top of the tent of the leader of a Persian force, who encamped at Ras Al Khaimah, after landing on the Southern shore of the Gulf on his way to overthrow the Ya’ariba dynasty in Oman. Sailors passing by called this Ras el Keime, which in Arabic signifies the point of the tent.  Since the earliest days of Islam, Ras Al Khaimah was a major port on the Gulf serving the whole of the Oman Peninsular. RAK’s prominence and position were determined by the fertile soil and accessible creek at the foot of the Al Hajjar Mountains, from which the modern city of Ras Al Khaimah has emerged.  Through the years, Ras Al Khaimah has maintained its standing with many firsts to its credit. In 1955, the UAE’s first agricultural experiment station was established in Digdaga; 1968 saw the opening of the first limestone quarry behind Khor Khuwair. A year later, the first cattle farm was started at Digdaga; Port Saqr, constructed in 1977 is the first port inside the Gulf and the Ras Al Khaimah National Museum was the first natural history centre to open in the Northern Emirates in the 1980’s.  Since joining the UAE in 1972, the Emirate has seen great advances in the fields of education and health and in the development of its economy and infrastructure. Today RAK is focusing its future on economic development with the establishment of Free Trade and Industrial Zones plus exciting Residential and Tourism projects.  His Highness Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, has ruled the Emirate since 1948 with great foresight and wisdom and is considered to be the longest serving ruler in the world. His Highness Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, is the Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah. Facts on Ras Al Khaimah  Ras Al Khaimah is the most northern Emirate of the United Arab Emirates with a large enclave to the south extending from Masafi to the UAE’s southern border with Oman.  The city of Ras Al Khaimah nestles at the foot of the Al Hajjar Mountains and is divided by a natural creek into the old town on one side and the new business centre of Al Nakheel on the other.  The Emirate is fortunate to have perhaps the most scenic and most fertile land in the UAE and is strategically located south of the Strait of Hormuz, plus it is only 50 minutes by car north of Dubai.  Ruler: H.H. Sheikh Saqr Bin Mohamed Al Qassimi Crown Prince & Deputy Ruler: H.H. Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qassimi Approx Area: 2,900 square Kms. Population: 250,000 (estimated by Ministry of Planning 1997) Religion: Islam Language: Arabic, English is the main business language Climate: Sub tropical with infrequent and irregular rainfall Time: GMT +4 hours Currency: United Arab Emirates Dirhams (AED) US $1 = 3.67 AED Date of Joining Union: Ras Al Khaimah joined UAE Union on 10 February 1972 Religious and National Holidays Eid Al Firt: is a Muslim religious holiday and lasts for three days beginning Ramadan ends. UAE National Day: fixed on December 2nd . Eid Al Adha: part of the Hajj celebrations which lasts for four days late December (the actual date is influenced by sightings of the new moon). New Year’s Day: Fixed on January 1st Al-Hijra Islamic New Year: 20th January Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice):  1 – 3th January Prophet Mohammed’s Birthday: 20th March (date can vary each year) Mouloud (Birth of the Prophet) March 31st , 2007 H.H. Sheikh Zayed Accession to the Throne: 6th August Leilat al- Meraj (ascension of the prophet)  10th August Ramadan Expected to start September 13th, 2007 (date can vary each year)