Ras Al Khaimah offers a laidback lifestyle and a quality of life that stands out in the region. Its appeal comes from a rare mix of natural beauty, modern infrastructure, affordability and a strong sense of community.

The emirate’s population has been rising steadily as more people discover this balance of lifestyle and opportunity. In 2024, Ras Al Khaimah was ranked the world’s No.1 city for expatriates “to get started abroad” in InterNations’ Expat Essentials Index, which praised its affordability, supportive services and welcoming atmosphere.

As the emirate grows, Marjan’s masterplanned communities – from the waterfront homes of Al Marjan Island to the emerging business and residential hub of RAK Central – are helping set a new benchmark for modern living in Ras Al Khaimah.

 
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Quality of Life

Ras Al Khaimah offers a quality of life that feels relaxed, open and genuinely welcoming. Daily life feels calmer: commutes are short, neighbourhoods are spacious, and the outdoors is always nearby. Beaches, mountains, mangroves and desert landscapes provide residents the rare ability to embrace nature on a daily basis.

Families value the sense of safety; professionals appreciate the work-life balance; and long-term residents say the emirate gives them something increasingly rare – more time. This combination of comfort, space and connection explains why Ras Al Khaimah continues to attract new residents every year. 

For employers, this quality of life is a real asset: it helps businesses attract and retain talent and encourages people to see Ras Al Khaimah as a place to build a future.

Cost of Living

One of Ras Al Khaimah’s most compelling advantages is its affordability. Compared with major UAE cities, housing costs are significantly lower – giving residents more space, more comfort and greater financial flexibility without compromising on quality.

Independent cost-of-living analyses show that day-to-day expenses – from rent and groceries to leisure and family activities – are consistently more affordable than in the region’s larger urban centres.

For families and professionals, this has a meaningful impact on everyday life. For employers, it means teams can enjoy a higher standard of living at a lower overall cost, helping attract and retain talent in a competitive market.

Cost of Living: RAK vs Dubai

34%

lower overall living costs

60–65%

lower property rental costs

Source: Numbeo Cost of Living Index 2025

 

Safety and Security

Ras Al Khaimah is widely regarded as one of the safest places to live in the region, with very low crime rates and a strong sense of personal security. Residents consistently report feeling safe in daily life – a major factor in choosing to settle long-term.

Safety & Security

83.8

Safety Index (very high)

16.2

Crime Index (very low)

#1

Among safest emirates for families and solo residents

Source: Numbeo Safety Index 2025

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Healthcare Facilities

Ras Al Khaimah offers reliable, high-quality healthcare with a growing network of private and public hospitals, clinics and specialist centres. The emirate is home to several well-known facilities, including RAK Hospital, which is internationally accredited, and Saif Bin Ghobash Hospital, along with a range of private clinics covering family medicine, paediatrics, dentistry, diagnostics and specialist care. As the population grows, new clinics and medical centres continue to open, ensuring high levels of access and convenience for residents.

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Education

Ras Al Khaimah boasts a comprehensive, world-class education system, with extensive options across early learning, primary, secondary and tertiary education. Families can choose from schools offering British, American, Indian and international curricula. The emirate has 100–110 schools and early learning institutions, including 30+ private schools, many designed to meet the needs of a growing international community.

Higher education also plays an important role. The American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK) is an internationally accredited institution that attracts local and international students, while specialised colleges offer courses in engineering, business, healthcare and tourism.

Education in RAK

100–110

schools and early learning institutions

30+

private schools offering international curricula

AURAK

internationally accredited university

New schools

planned to support population growth

Direct air routes

across Europe, India, Central Asia and the GCC

Saqr Port:

75M+ tonnes cargo handled annually

Sources: ISC Research, KHDA/UAEC, American University of Ras Al Khaimah

Picnic in the mountains Jebel Jais (2)

Expat Community

Home to more than 150 nationalities, Ras Al Khaimah is one of the UAE’s most multicultural destinations. Its strong expat reputation is reflected in global rankings – including being named the No.1 city worldwide for expats “to get started abroad” in 2024.

Expats appreciate Ras Al Khaimah’s laidback lifestyle, safe neighbourhoods and sense of community. Whether they are young professionals, families or long-term residents, people often describe the emirate as a place where it’s easy to settle, make connections and build a life.

For investors, employers and developers, this matters: a strong and growing expat population means continued demand for homes, schools, services, hospitality and lifestyle amenities.

Expat Experience

#1

destination for for expats “to get started abroad”

72%

of expats say it’s easy to find housing (Global average: 45%)

68%

report smooth bureaucracy and settling-in process

150+ nationalities

create strong multicultural community

Source: InterNations Expat Essentials Index 2024

Rove Al Marjan Island (7)

Lifestyle Attractions

Ras Al Khaimah’s lifestyle is defined by its blend of natural beauty and modern convenience. Residents enjoy easy access to 80km of coastline, sandy beaches, waterfront promenades and the dramatic landscapes of Jebel Jais – the UAE’s highest peak and one of the region’s leading outdoor attractions. From hiking and cycling to ziplining, stargazing and year-round events, Jebel Jais has become a signature part of life in the emirate.

Marjan’s developments further enhance the emirate’s lifestyle ecosystem:

  • Al Marjan Island and Marjan Beach both feature waterfront promenades, hotels and resorts, extensive recreation spaces and exciting leisure facilities.
  • RAK Central will introduce a modern urban district featuring public plazas, cultural and art installations, civic spaces, and extensive F&B and retail options.

Across the emirate, residents have access to a wide range of shopping and leisure options, including Al Hamra Mall, Manar Mall, beach clubs, adventure parks and cultural attractions — all contributing to a lifestyle that feels relaxed, active and well connected.

Lifestyle Amenities

80km

of coastline, including 43 km of natural beaches

Jebel Jais

the UAE’s highest peak and a leading outdoor destination

300+ days

of sunshine each year

Multiple major malls

including Al Hamra Mall and Manar Mall

Extensive waterfront promenades

across Al Marjan Island and Marjan Beach

Growing dining and leisure scene

across Marjan communities

Adventure attractions

including Jais Flight (world’s longest zipline)

Beaches, mountains, mangroves and desert all within short driving distance