Your RAK Move at a Glance
Visas via RAKEZ
Most expats are sponsored by their employer or set up their own company in the RAKEZ Free Zone, which offers excellent freelance and business packages.
Massive Rent Savings
You get so much more for your money here. A luxury sea-view apartment in RAK can cost 50-60% less than a comparable one in Dubai.
Community Living
Life revolves around gated communities like Al Hamra Village and Mina Al Arab. They are walkable, safe, and full of amenities.
You Need a Car
Public transport is limited. Owning a car is essential for getting around, doing groceries, and visiting Dubai (about 1 hour away).
Work & Economy in RAK
Ras Al Khaimah offers a growing, business-friendly economy driven by manufacturing, tourism, logistics, and construction, with expanding opportunities for professionals seeking a balanced work–life environment.
The Cost of Living in RAK
Ras Al Khaimah offers expatriates a comfortable and well-balanced lifestyle within a growing, well-connected emirate known for its natural landscapes and relaxed pace of life.
Living costs in RAK are generally lower than in larger UAE cities, though monthly expenses can still vary depending on lifestyle, housing preferences, and family size.
Accommodation is typically the largest expense, especially in popular residential communities, followed by utilities, food, and transportation.
As with the rest of the UAE, the absence of personal income tax helps offset living costs, making Ras Al Khaimah an attractive option for professionals and families seeking value without compromising quality of life.
Below is a snapshot of Ras Al Khaimah’s cost of living from an expatriate perspective, with estimated figures to help you plan your move with confidence.
This is RAK’s superpower. You can enjoy a high-end lifestyle here for significantly less than in neighboring emirates. All costs in UAE Dirhams (AED).
Rent (1-bed in Al Hamra)
Usually paid in 1-4 cheques annually. You get beach access, pools, and gym included. Estimated monthly cost around 3,000 - 4,500 AED AED per person.
Phone & Internet
Du and Etisalat are the providers. Home internet packages usually include TV. Estimated monthly cost around 350 - 500 AED per person.
Utilities (FEWA & A/C)
In summer, A/C costs spike. In newer developments, "chiller" fees might be separate. Estimated monthly cost around 400 - 800 AED per person.
Car Rental / Lease
Essential. Petrol is cheap by global standards but renting a car is a standard monthly cost. Estimated monthly cost around 1,500 - 2,500 AED AED per person.
Groceries
Spinneys and Al Hamra Mall have imported goods. Carrefour and Lulu are cheaper options. Estimated monthly cost around 1,500 - 2,000 AED AED per person.
Renting: The Communities
Unlike other cities where you rent “an apartment,” in RAK you rent “a lifestyle.” Most expats live in self-contained resort villages.
The Process
The Cheque System
Rent is traditionally paid in post-dated cheques. 1 cheque (paying the full year upfront) gets the best price. 4 cheques is standard. Monthly payments are becoming slightly more common but cost more.
Agency Fees & Deposit
Expect to pay a 5% security deposit (refundable) and a 5% real estate agency fee (one-off) when you sign the contract.
FEWA Registration
You must register your tenancy contract (Ejari equivalent) to set up your water and electricity with FEWA (Federal Electricity and Water Authority).
Expat Tip!
Look at property on Bayut or PropertyFinder. Rents are negotiable! If you see a place for 45k, offer 40k. Landlords prefer occupied units over empty ones.
Where to Live: Best RAK Neighborhoods
In RAK, you don’t just pick a suburb, you pick a resort village. These are the main expat hubs.
| Neighbourhood | The Attractions |
|---|---|
| Al Hamra Village | A massive, self-contained community with a mall, golf course, marina, and beaches. You can drive golf carts around. Very social, family-friendly, and relaxed. |
| Mina Al Arab | Newer and greener. Features wetlands, mangroves, and "Maldives-style" overwater villas (Anantara). Quiet, upscale, and beautiful, with a growing number of cafes. |
| Al Marjan Island | A man-made archipelago hosting 5-star hotels and the upcoming Wynn resort. High-rise apartment living with spectacular sea views. Prices are rising quickly here. |
| RAK City / Nakheel | If you want to live like a local and save money. Julphar Towers offer great views. It's bustling, authentic, and close to markets, but less "resort-like" than the coast. |
Life in RAK: Getting Around & First Week
Relocating to Ras Al Khaimah requires careful planning, but once the major steps are complete, it’s time to settle in and enjoy the emirate’s relaxed pace and natural beauty. From organising essential paperwork to understanding daily routines and local services, the first week is about building confidence and finding your rhythm.
Here’s how to get your essentials in order, navigate RAK’s transport and lifestyle with ease, and start feeling at home in this welcoming emirate.
Getting Around the City
Let’s be honest: You need a car.
Driving: There is no metro or tram. Everything is spread out. Petrol is cheap, and parking is generally free (a luxury compared to Dubai!).
Taxis: Available (Al Hamra Taxi), but relying on them daily adds up. Careem (Uber equivalent) operates here but with fewer cars than Dubai.
Inter-Emirate Bus: The Al Hamra Bus connects RAK to Dubai (Union Metro Station). It takes about an hour and is very affordable (~25 AED).
Your First Week Checklist
1. SIM Card
Grab a Virgin Mobile or Du SIM at the airport. You can manage everything via their apps.
2. Medical Test
Your sponsor will book your blood test and chest X-ray. This is mandatory for your Emirates ID.
3. Open a Bank Account
RAKBANK is the local giant and excellent. ADCB and ENBD are also popular. You usually need your Emirates ID application form to open one.
4. Alcohol License?
Good news: You generally don’t need a license to buy alcohol in RAK for personal consumption. Stores like Al Hamra Cellar and The Cellar are open to non-Muslims.
Expat Tip:
Most expats lease a car monthly while waiting for their residency visa, then buy a used car. The drive to Dubai is easy (E311 or E611 highways), so many people do weekend trips.
Embracing the Culture: Life in Ras Al Khaimah
Ras Al Khaimah isn’t just a place to live — it is an experience deeply rooted in authentic Emirati heritage and framed by stunning natural landscapes. Known for its rich history and Bedouin roots, the Emirate offers a lifestyle defined by a relaxed pace, genuine warmth, and a close connection to nature.
Start by exploring the Kuwaiti Souq (Old Souq), historic sites like Dhayah Fort, and the bustling cafés along Corniche Al Qawasim, where local hospitality is most evident. The community here is close-knit and welcoming; attending local heritage festivals or visiting art events on Al Marjan Island provides excellent opportunities to build connections within the diverse resident community.
You’ll quickly notice the importance placed on courtesy, modesty, and family values in everyday interactions. Ras Al Khaimah is generally considered more traditional than its distinct neighbours, so small gestures — such as greeting others politely (As-salamu alaykum), dressing modestly in public spaces, and respecting local customs — go a long way in helping you settle in comfortably.
Ras Al Khaimah is unmatched when it comes to space to slow down and reconnect with nature. From the majestic peaks of Jebel Jais and the serenity of the mangroves to the pristine beaches of Al Rams and Al Hamra, the Emirate balances modern living with profound moments of calm and adventure.
As a growing cultural hub, Ras Al Khaimah brings together people from all over the world. Whether you’re experiencing the tranquil spirituality of Ramadan, exploring the mountain trails, or enjoying global cuisine by the waterfront, embracing this unique blend of history and modernity will help Ras Al Khaimah quickly feel like home.
The highest peak in the UAE. It’s usually 10 degrees cooler than the city. Home to the world’s longest zipline and incredible hiking trails.
RAK has a rich history of pearl diving and trade. Visit the Dhayah Fort and the National Museum to see a side of the UAE that isn’t just skyscrapers.
Desert camping is a weekend ritual in winter. RAK has amazing glamping spots like the Ritz-Carlton Al Wadi and Longbeach Campground.
In the resort areas (Al Hamra/Marjan), shorts and swimwear are standard. In RAK City and malls, it’s respectful to dress modestly (cover shoulders/knees), but it’s generally relaxed.
Because the expat community is smaller than Dubai’s, it’s tighter. People actually know their neighbors in Al Hamra and Mina Al Arab.
A unique local experience where you take a traditional boat into the mangroves to learn about the history of pearl farming in the region.
Journey to Ras Al Khaimah Begins Here
Moving to Ras Al Khaimah is more than a change of address — it’s the beginning of a refreshing lifestyle shaped by nature, community, and authentic Arabian charm. From settling into your new home to understanding local customs and the relaxed rhythm of daily life, each step brings you closer to feeling at ease in the “Nature Emirate” of the UAE. The key is allowing yourself time to adjust, explore the mountains and coastlines, and embrace the Emirate’s unique pace with confidence.
That’s where Crown Relocations can help. With decades of experience supporting expatriates and families relocating to the UAE, we make every stage of your move seamless — from international moving logistics and customs clearance to home search, school placement, and comprehensive settling-in support. Our goal is simple: to remove the complexity of relocation, so you can focus on enjoying life in Ras Al Khaimah.
So take a moment, look ahead to what’s next, and get ready to call Ras Al Khaimah home — we’ll take care of the rest.
No One Knows Better Than Us.
Get moving with our free moving quote form and let us take care of the rest!
