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ras al khaimah, the UAE

By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on Jul 10, 2023

Summary: Expats, digital nomads and retirees talk about what it is really like living in ras al khaimah, UAE. They offer advice about meeting people, cost of living, finding a home and more.

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William Russell
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William Russell

What do I need to know before moving to ras al khaimah?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to ras al khaimah, they said:

"Expats moving to Ras Al Khaimah, UAE should be aware that the official language is Arabic, although English is widely spoken. The local currency is the UAE Dirham, which is pegged to the US dollar. The cost of living can be high, especially for housing and schooling, but salaries are often tax-free which can offset these costs. The climate is hot and dry, with temperatures often exceeding 40 degrees Celsius in the summer. The dress code is conservative, particularly for women, who are expected to cover their shoulders and knees in public. The healthcare system in Ras Al Khaimah is of a high standard, with both public and private hospitals available. However, health insurance is mandatory for all residents. The UAE has strict laws and customs that expats should familiarize themselves with. For example, public displays of affection are frowned upon, and there are severe penalties for drug offenses. The education system is also different, with many expats choosing to send their children to private international schools. Driving is on the right-hand side of the road, and while public transportation is available, many expats choose to own a car for convenience. Finally, it's important to note that the weekend in the UAE is Friday and Saturday, with the working week running from Sunday to Thursday," wrote one member in ras al khaimah.

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About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

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