Why should you live in Ras Al Khaimah and work in Dubai
Ever wondered why an increasing number of people prefer to live in Ras Al Khaimah and work in Dubai? Offering residents a laid-back pace of life, a well-connected community and an unmatched approach to outdoor entertainment, the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) is more than just a weekend getaway. Even though the emirate doesn’t compare to the bigger emirates of Abu Dhabi and Dubai in terms of glitz and glamour, RAK is redefining luxury living without costing its residents an entire fortune.
Ras Al Khaimah – UAE’s Next Premiere Destination
Ras Al Khaimah – the northernmost emirate of the UAE has witnessed increased investments in real estate, infrastructure and leisure attractions. With its abundance of nature’s bounties and emerging man-made wonders has strived to establish itself as one of the UAE’s major tourist destinations.
The idea behind people who opt to live in RAK and work in Dubai has a lot to do with the city’s stable present and promising future. Ras Al Khaimah has secured its position as an emerging hub of hospitality, luxury and exclusive lifestyle in the UAE.
The new real estate developments in RAK, the burgeoning hospitality industry and the increasing number of people choosing to live in RAK and work in Dubai are a living testament to the emirate’s growing popularity.
Top Reasons Why People Prefer to Live in Ras Al Khaimah and Work in Dubai
Ras Al Khaimah is at least an hour’s drive away from Dubai. Add traffic on the highway and you’re looking at a driving distance of at least 90 minutes. Unlike Sharjah, which lies at a convenient 20-minute distance away from Dubai, RAK is relatively far enough to be a significant consideration for people living in Ras Al Khaimah and working in Dubai. But even so, many people still opt for it.
Why? Let’s look at all the reasons.
Affordable Luxury
You can easily get a sea-view apartment in Ras Al Khaimah for a starting annual rent of AED 17k. Try getting the same in Dubai or Sharjah for a similar price and you’ll probably burn midnight oil scouring through the listings to end up with nothing. Luxury in Ras Al Khaimah is affordable. You do not have to break the bank to live in that upscale rental property you love so much.
While couples and small families of three can explore 1BHK flats for rent in RAK, people looking for a bigger space can buy 2-bed flats in Ras Al Khaimah.
While Sharjah and Ajman are popular for affordable living, they lack the abundance of sea-front luxury properties that Ras Al Khaimah is known for. RAK has an extensive range of high-end properties, including spacious villas, beach-facing apartments and other luxury facilities.
All that paired with Ras Al Khaimah’s upscale vibe, makes it desirable for people to live in Ras Al Khaimah and work in Dubai.
Plus, you get these properties at half the price you’ll pay in Dubai – a 4-bed villa for sale in RAK can cost you as little as AED 450k! Whether you’re renting apartments or considering villas for sale in Ras Al Khaimah, there is an extensive variety of options to choose from. Some of the best places to live in RAK offer a mix of low-rise apartment buildings and luxury villas and community-style living.
Most expats living in RAK and working in Dubai settle down in areas like Al Hamra Village and Al Marjan Island. Both communities are high-end mega-developments and offer some of the most luxurious accommodations at impressively low prices.
Lower Cost of Living in Ras Al Khaimah
The second most important thing influencing people’s decision to live in Ras Al Khaimah and work in Dubai is the low cost of living. Ras Al Khaimah’s upscale ambience won its recognition as an attractive and affordable alternative to Dubai.
We’ve already discussed this in terms of housing and a similar pattern can also be observed in other areas. To consider the cost of living in Ras Al Khaimah, the majority of your costs will include rent, utility bills and basic necessities like food and clothing. Most of these things are reasonably priced in this emirate.
Quiet Community Life
Contrasting Dubai’s boisterous city life, RAK provides a quiet lifestyle and comfortable living amid the natural landscapes bordered by stunning beaches. There are no traffic jams – at least when compared to the ones you may face in Dubai. You don’t get to hear the revving of sports car engines too often.
The general pace of the emirate may be sluggish for someone who has previously lived in one of the bigger emirates. Still, you’ll find the contentment of city life when living in RAK and working in Dubai. Plus everything that you might possibly need is available a short drive away, regardless of where you choose to live in Ras Al Khaimah.
It’s Great for Families
Living in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE is especially popular among families. RAK is divided into small, tightly-knit communities that make family living easier. The emirate offers quality schools, public parks, play areas and beaches to keep the children active and engrossed. Besides that, families can enjoy plenty of things to do in Ras Al Khaimah.
Another important consideration for families is the availability of bigger homes for lower prices. A small family of four can rent villas in RAK for the same price they might pay for a studio apartment in Dubai.
Furnished villas for rent in RAK are available for a minimum annual rent of AED 36k. A 3-bed rental villa in Ras Al Khaimah costs you between 20k and 200k – still a great bang for your buck.
Great for Adventure Buffs
Ras Al Khaimah is known for its wealth of cultural and archaeological heritage. The emirate is endowed with a combination of different landscapes that include wetlands, plains, the desert, the beaches and the mountains.
This naturally diverse land is a sanctuary for adventure junkies living in Ras Al Khaimah and working in Dubai. Trek to the top of the Hajar Mountains, indulge in the activities at Jebel Jais, feel the adrenaline rush from the water sports or camp the night away in the desert. The list of things to do in Ras Al Khaimah goes on and on.
Commute between RAK to Dubai
Even with all these benefits, one cannot ignore the longer distance between Ras Al Khaimah and Dubai. On average, it takes about 90 minutes to commute from RAK to Dubai. The distance may not seem much if you’re travelling only on the weekends, but things are different when living in Ras Al Khaimah and working in Dubai and having to commute daily.
The daily commute can be tiresome for most. However, there is a good majority of people who make do with the arrangement quite comfortably. The setting is more suitable for people who work flexible hours. They can avoid traffic congestion by commuting during the non-rush hours.
Many people who prefer living in RAK and working in Dubai could also have the work-from-home option. This reduces travelling time, traffic congestion and fuel expenses that may become a hassle for them later.
Should You Live in Ras Al Khaimah and Work in Dubai?
If we keep everything aside and focus on the benefits of the arrangement, you have more to gain from it. Living in Ras Al Khaimah for expats is obviously less glamorous, but it’s an uber-attractive deal if you’re looking at it in terms of savings and standard of living.
With a lower cost of living, affordable luxury properties, plenty of outdoor activities, and a laidback lifestyle – RAK city is an ideal place to live for people who wish to escape the hustle bustle of big-city life.
Some of the best places to rent apartments in RAK offer premium properties at half that price compared to similar properties in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. These annual savings conveniently surpass your commuting expenses by a solid margin.
Ras Al Khaimah is also great for investing in real estate. There are freehold apartments for sale in Al Hamra Village, where you can buy a 2BHK flat for as low as AED 649k. Compare that with the prices of upscale apartments for sale in Dubai and Abu Dhabi – and you’ll know the difference.
FAQs about Living in RAK and Working in Dubai
Is rent cheaper in Ras Al Khaimah as compared to Dubai?
Yes, Ras Al Khaimah is affordable as compared to Dubai and Abu Dhabi the starting price to rent 2 bedroom apartment in Al Nakheel Ras Al Khaimah starts from AED 16k per year.
Are any residential communities or neighbourhoods specifically designed for people working in Dubai but living in Ras Al Khaimah?
Yes, several residential communities, such as Al Marjan and Al Hamra Village, are popular among those who prefer to live in Ras Al Khaimah and work in Dubai.
To wrap it up, it is all really a matter of choice. While some would consider the long-term benefits of living in Ras Al Khaimah while working in Dubai, others would prefer the convenience of a shorter commute.
Would you ever choose to work in Dubai while living in RAK? If yes, what would be your biggest motivator?
