Ras Al Khaimah is the northern most emirate of the UAE. The Ruler since 1948 has been H.H. Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammed Al Qassimi.

Ras Al Khaimah's history extends into antiquity. Archeological excavations reveal that a settlement with an advanced civilization that carried on trade with the Indian sub-continent existed in this region. Later historical records cite that the town of Ras Al Khaimah , then known as Julfar,belonged to early Muslim Caliphs. In the 18th century, after the invasions of the Persians, Portugese and the Dutch, it finally became a part of the Al Qawasim State. It was also once the center of the naval strength of the southern Gulf states.

The traditional occupations of this emirate are mainly fishing, trading and agriculture which have been heavily modernized to meet the demands of the UAE's economy. Digdagga, a town close to the main city of Ras Al Khaimah, has a very big modern agricultural farm.Fruits, vegetables, milk, poultry are supplied to the other emirates from here. The sea around Ras Al Khaimah too abounds in tuna fish. The mountains have enabled the set up of stone quarries and a cement factory. Also the oilfield of Saleh, has boosted up the revenues of the emirate.

Mina Saqr, located next to the town of Ras Al Khaimah, is a deepwater port with heavily utilised bulk handling facilities where major amounts of transhipment takes place. It can handle vessels upto 260 metres long and 11.5 metres maximum draught and is ideal for low cost general cargo and container handling.

With its cultural inheritance and picturesque scenery - excellent beaches, spectacular mountains, and lush green farms - Ras Al Khaimah is the ideal tourist destination, offering two new hotels and a beach resort. Ras Al Khaimah town is served by three international standard hotels - the 84 room Ras Al Khaimah Hotel, set in four acres of landscaped grounds overlooking the Creek, the 140 room Bin Majid Beach Hotel; and the city centre Al Nakheel hotel. Each has a full array of amenities, including restaurants, lounges, entertainment, sports and leisure facilities.

Ras Al Khaimah is also the home of one of the UAE's finest museums, housed in the restored fort, ancestral home of the ruling family. Showcased are artefacts from the many archaeological sites in the Emirate and displays showing life in the past and outlining the emirates history. The object of the museum is to preserve the heritage of the emirates of Ras Al Khaimah in all its apects: Natural History, Archaeology and the traditional way of life of its people.