Press enter to see results or esc to cancel.

6 Best Places To Live In Ras Al Khaimah For Expats

Mina Al Arab, Nakheel, Al Qusaidat, Al Hamra Village, Al Marjan Island and Al Mairid make our list of the best places for expats to live in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Discover the world's top health insurers.
Compare quotes with a click of the button.

Situated in the northern part of the UAE, Ras Al Khaimah is one of the Best Places to Live in the UAE. Ras Al Khaimah has a population of around 340,000 and a booming economy, which means plentiful job opportunities and career development prospects for career-minded expats.

On top of economic factors, Ras Al Khaimah introduces expats to a rich cultural landscape. Steeped in both ancient Bedouin roots and modern Islamic customs, the emirate welcomes foreigners to visit heritage sites and participate in local events. Expats can also try out the region’s cuisine.

The Best Places to Live in Ras Al Khaimah for Expats and Digital Nomads

Mina Al Arab, Nakheel, Al Qusaidat, Al Hamra Village, Al Marjan Island and Al Mairid are in our list of the best places for expats in Ras Al Khaimah. Like the wider UAE area, Ras Al Khaimah has political stability and low crime rates, providing expats families with a safe environment to live in.

The cost of living is comparatively affordable relative to other major cities in the UAE. Expats will find they can enjoy a high standard of living without facing steep living expenses.

The stunning natural environment boasts attractions like beaches, palm forests, rugged mountains and deserts. Exciting outdoor recreational activities are available year-round, allowing expats to enjoy hobbies including hiking, sailing and golf.

Mina Al Arab

Mina Al Arab, an up-and-coming waterfront community in Ras Al Khaimah, offers numerous advantages that make it a highly desirable place for expats to live. It provides a variety of modern housing choices directly overlooking the coastline, such as:

  • Condominiums
  • Townhouses
  • Elegant family villas

Its location near Ras Al Khaimah’s vibrant business district provides effortless access to offices and plentiful employment opportunities. Internationally acclaimed schools are also nearby, giving expat families access to high-quality education for their children.

With warm temperatures around the year and low humidity, the tropical climate of Ras Al Khaimah makes it a paradise for outdoor activities. Residents in Mina Al Arab can take advantage of the numerous recreational options, from water sports to leafy parks.

An assortment of cafes and eateries catering to diverse tastes ensure lively dining experiences. Shopping is easy-peasy with nearby shopping centers stocking items from global brands. Living expenses are affordable compared to other major cities in the UAE.

Connections within the community and with neighboring attractions like Jebel Jais Mountain are facilitated by various transportation modes. State-of-the-art healthcare services provide peace of mind.

Nakheel

Nakheel, a picturesque coastal community in Ras Al Khaimah, offers numerous benefits making it highly magnetic for expats. It offers a variety of stylish housing selections directly overlooking the sea, including:

  • Waterfront condominiums
  • Townhouses
  • Spacious villas boasting modern feature comforts

Close to Ras Al Khaimah’s thriving commercial hub, Nakheel gives convenient access to numerous businesses. Renowned international schools nearby offer quality education opportunities for children of expats.

The emirate’s tropical climate and around-the-year sunny weather allow expats to enjoy outdoor activities virtually whenever they feel like it.

A plethora of entertainment options from water sports to lush parks, together with diverse cafes and eateries, ensure colorful recreation. A trip to the shopping centers nearby will surely please the occasional shopaholic in you.

The cost of living in Nakheel is affordable relative to other major cities, and convenient transportation within the community as well as to neighboring attractions like Jebel Jais Mountain are further pluses.

Feeling unwell? Fret not, because comprehensive medical services are available in state-of-the-art medical centers in Nakheel.

Al Qusaidat

A small suburban community in Ras Al Khaimah, Al Qusaidat offers its own benefits to expats despite being somewhat less developed than other areas. It has reasonably priced housing such as villas and condominiums compared to other locations in the emirate.

Although local work opportunities may be limited, major employment centers in Ras Al Khaimah are easily accessible. School options may be more abundant elsewhere, but there are a few schools near Al Qusaidat, like Ras Al Khaimah Academy, that provide education for children.

With warm weather all year long with low humidity, there are plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. That said, Al Qusaidat does not have a lot of entertainment and shopping options. Luckily, residents can visit nearby developing zones for more choices, such as:

To explore the emirate’s rich cultural heritage, you must take trips to museums and attractions a little farther. On the other hand, affordable living is made possible through the comparatively lower prices.

Well-established transportation choices permit convenient commuting within the locality as well as neighboring tourist spots like Jebel Jais Mountain. Major hospitals can be found nearby, so access to quality healthcare will not present any problem.

Al Hamra Village

Al Hamra Village offers numerous benefits, making it a highly desirable place for expats to call home. State-of-the-art facilities within spacious, modern living spaces enable a high standard of living. The place offers a variety of housing options, including:

  • Luxury villas
  • Townhouses
  • Condominiums with panoramic views of the coastline and golf course

With numerous multinational corporations and businesses setting up shop, Al Hamra Village provides expats with plenty of career opportunities. A number of internationally recognized schools are also nearby, including:

The tropical climate of the emirate and year-round sunshine with low humidity are perfect for outdoor sports. What’s more, there is no shortage of dining and nightlife venues, and the adjacent Al Hamra Mall offers international brands and retailers for the occasional shopaholic in you.

Housing, transportation, education, medical and daily living expenses compare very favorably to other major Emirate hubs, enabling an affordable lifestyle, while easy access to local attractions like Jebel Jais Mountain and the racetrack adds to the overall appeal.

Al Marjan Island

Nestled along the unspoiled shores of the Arabian Gulf, Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah is quickly developing into one of the most coveted destinations for expats moving to the UAE.

This man-made archipelago offers an unmatched range of modern facilities and recreational activities against an unforgettable backdrop of sandy beaches and azure waters.

For expats, Al Marjan Island represents the ideal blend of tranquility, luxury, and convenience. The island is where you can find master-planned residential communities with comfortable villas, condominiums, townhouses, and waterfront properties that suit all budgets.

Property developers have made a point of providing housing options that offer not just panoramic views of the ocean, but also access to resort-style amenities including:

  • Swimming pools
  • Fitness centers
  • Retail malls
  • And more

For career-minded expats, the island provides extensive opportunities as Ras Al Khaimah undergoes rapid economic expansion. Key sectors that are seeing huge investments and providing plenty of jobs for expats include:

  • Hospitality
  • Real estate
  • Manufacturing
  • Technology

Having free trade zones close to Al Marjan Island makes it even easier to do business and find work. Families with children will like the fact that Al Marjan Island is close to reputable international schools providing curriculums recognized worldwide.

The pleasant climate, peaceful environment and low crime rates make it perfect for raising a family. What’s more, the island offers plenty of dining, shopping and leisure attractions for your enjoyment.

Al Mairid

Al Mairid, a residential community in Ras Al Khaimah, offers many benefits that expats look for. It provides a variety of housing options such as villas, townhouses and condominiums at relatively affordable prices.

Situated close to the thriving commercial business hub, Al Mairid boasts easy access to workplaces, while reputable international schools in the vicinity offer quality education. The tropical climate and year-long sunshine also make enjoying outdoor activities as easy as pie.

A concentration of recreational venues ranging from lush parks to cafes and eateries coupled with close proximity to shopping malls stocking global brands like Al Hamra Mall offer vibrant leisure activities.

Living expenses are competitive when compared to other major Emirate cities. Well-developed transportation linkages within the local area and to neighboring attractions such as Jebel Jais Mountain add to the fun of living there.

World-class healthcare at facilities give expats the peace of mind from knowing that they and their loved ones will be taken care of if they fall ill. Nearby clinics and hospitals include:

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the economy of Ras Al Khaimah like?

Ras Al Khaimah has gradually diversified its economy beyond oil, pursuing a more balanced and sustainable approach for continued growth and prosperity. It has expanded into sectors such as manufacturing and logistics in efforts to reduce dependence on the oil industry.

What are the main tourist attractions in Ras Al Khaimah?

Jebel Jais Mountain, the unspoiled Al Jazirah Al Hamra beach, the historic Dhayah Fort, the expansive Maritime City development, the diverse desert landscapes and historically significant sites are among the main draws for tourists in Ras Al Khaimah.

How do I get to Ras Al Khaimah from other emirates in the UAE?

Highways E611 and E84 offer direct road access between Ras Al Khaimah and its neighboring emirates. Public bus services also link the major population centers, offering an affordable option for those without a private car.

Conclusion

Now that you have a basic understanding of some highly regarded areas in Ras Al Khaimah for expats, we hope narrowing down your choice of where to live is slightly easier. Ultimately, personal preferences play the biggest role since no single community can objectively be crowned the best.

But your options aren’t limited merely to Ras Al Khaimah—the UAE has 7 amazing emirates, and each has its own character. For instance, Fujairah is famous for its breathtaking beaches, whereas Umm Al Quwain stands out with its Dreamland Aqua Park.

What’s undeniable is that obtaining medical insurance is of utmost importance for anyone living abroad long-term. Yet deciding on the right health plan from the numerous available in the UAE can be daunting, even if you know what the right questions are.

Whether it’s expat health insurance or international health insurance, it’s prudent to secure a plan that satisfies your and your family’s needs. Even if you are only a visitor in the UAE, you should secure travel insurance so you’ll have the financial support you need if something were to happen on your trip.

With 20+ years of experience in insurance, Pacific Prime is unparalleled in its ability to tailor a solution that meets your needs within your budget, and you can benefit from our advice and support at no extra cost as compared with going straight to an insurer.

So contact us for a quote or a FREE, no-obligation plan comparison today!

Content Creator at Pacific Prime
Martin is a writer and translator with over 10 years of experience. He writes articles and blog posts, creates infographics and videos, translates between Chinese and English, and more. Skilled at explaining complicated concepts in layman’s terms, Martin believes the gold standard of translation is attained when the translated text is not only accurate, but also reads like an original text. Martin holds a degree in Economics from the University of London, UK.

Since joining Pacific Prime, Martin has become even more aware of the gap between the true value of insurance products and most people’s appreciation of it, and developed a passion for demystifying and simplifying matters, so that more people get the protection they need at a cost they can easily afford.

In his free time, Martin attends concerts of various genres, and plays the violin with piano accompaniment he pre-recorded himself or played live by his niece.
Martin Lee