Ras Al Khaimah is the northernmost of the seven emirates and also the most fertile. Its large agricultural areas are used for growing fruit and vegetables and raising livestock. The Emirate's main sources of income are tourism, trade and agriculture. Orange and date plantations are located in the fertile coastal areas, which are partially irrigated by springs from the nearby mountains.

Ras El Khaimah stretches some 70 km along the coast and juts out some 128 km into the Sultanate of Oman. Oman (Musandam peninsula) also forms the south-east border of the emirate.

The economic and cultural center of Ras Al Khaimah is the city of the same name. The Ras Al Khaimah Mall delights shoppers. Built by the Persians in 1750, the fort has been turned into a national museum. Findings from the time of early settlement (2.000 BC) and from the medieval port city of Julfar are on display here today. There are many beautiful hotels in Ras Al Khaimah.

The western part, the old town, houses the museum, fruit, vegetable and fish markets and the Abra Souk, also known as the Iranian Souk. The eastern part, Al-Nakheel, has various government institutions and commercial centers in addition to the Rulers Office (the Sheikh's official residence).