Life in Ras Al Khaimah may lack the polish and excitement of Abu Dhabi or Dubai, but its residents wouldn't trade the space and quiet for either of those cities. Despite the comfortable lifestyle, RAK residents say there is a shortage of public facilities such as libraries and parks. The increased number of people either working or living in RAK has in turn increased rent as well as traffic on main highways prompting calls for the municipality to improve infrastructure, in a way that does not compromise RAK's reputation for being peaceful. Flood defences are among the municipality's top priorities after heavy rainfall in January caused damage to RAK's streets and houses. Works have also been ongoing to upgrade and repair the old corniche.
Contents
1- RAK residents see a bright future for the emirate
2- Flood defences top RAK’s development agenda
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February 15: Sharjah clears road to progress
February 16: Keeping pace with change in Ajman
February 17: Lack of services holding UAQ back, residents say
February 19: Residents conflicted over changes in Fujairah
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RAK residents see a bright future for the emirate
RAS AL KHAIMAH // Life in the northernmost emirate can be a little rough around the edges, but while parts of Ras Al Khaimah may lack the shine and finish of Dubai or Abu Dhabi, residents say things are changing for the better.
Improvements to infrastructure such as roads, and drainage systems to prevent flooding after heavy rains, are the main concerns, but people are patient that problems will be fixed as the economy expands and more money from tourism and industry flows into the emirate.
“RAK doesn’t have as much income as the other emirates, but nonetheless it’s getting bigger and better every day,” said Nahil Saad, who has lived in the emirate for more than 20 years.
The 48-year-old Palestinian housewife said for her, the big draw of living in RAK was the quiet lifestyle, the sense of community, and lower cost of living compared with elsewhere in the UAE, although a shortage of public facilities, such as libraries and parks, was an issue.
“RAK needs more public areas for the kids; there are not a lot of options for us, aside from the malls, Corniche and the beach. I would love to have a big public library,” said Ms Saad.
“In our neighbourhood, we know and visit every neighbour. We share joys and sorrows with each other; it feels like a big extended family, unlike other emirates where the neighbours don’t know each other.”
Whereas Ms Saad has put down roots in RAK, Sarah Kennedy is a relative newcomer, having only recently moved from Dubai. The 35-year-old from the UK, who works in PR, said she did not regret making the trip down the E11 motorway.
“I moved out of Dubai willingly and I’m not sure why I’d ever want to go back.
“I have a house on one of the best golf courses in the country for much less than a studio in Jumeirah Lakes Towers.”
Despite being impressed with the Al Hamra community where she lives, Ms Kennedy said officials in the emirate needed to take action to finish the high number of abandoned building projects that are an eyesore.
“There are many stalled projects that need to be started again,” said Ms Kennedy. “Some parts of RAK look like a building site, although this is the same in any of the emirates.”
She said expanding RAK Airport for more regional flights would also be a boost.
Long-term residents such as Ms Saad have noticed the emirate struggling to cope with the increasing number of people either working or living in RAK.
Rents, while still low, have increased in recent years, as well as traffic jams on main motorways. This has prompted calls for the municipality to improve the infrastructure.
Egyptian Ali Ahmad said he felt RAK was the best place to raise his children. “When I was living in another emirate, my wife was afraid to let mine out of the apartment. It was too dangerous – too much traffic and a very crowded area.
“Here, you can see the children playing outside the house, enjoying their time with the neighbours’ boys. It’s perfect.”
The 38-year-old accountant said the public works department urgently needed to repair old roads, because some were in such poor condition they were potentially dangerous.
“I don’t want more towers in RAK, the skyline is clear and beautiful. There aren’t a lot of towers to obstruct the view. The mountain range is breathtaking and the quality of air is much cleaner than the other emirates,” said the father of two.
Yet some residents said development could not come fast enough. Saed Yousef was relocated to RAK a year ago by his company and said he missed life in Dubai.
“There aren’t a lot of activities happening during the week here,” said the engineer. “I’m dying to leave RAK and get relocated to Abu Dhabi or back to Dubai. On weekends, I drive to Dubai and hang out with my friends and have a good time. I love the busy city and the nightlife.”
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Flood defences top RAK’s development agenda
RAS AL KHAIMAH // Improving the emirate’s flood defences and roads has been the focus of the major infrastructure projects carried out in RAK in the past few years.
The emirate’s municipality and public works department rebuilt flood drains in the remote area of Al Boraq, south of RAK city, after the tunnels collapsed during the 2013 rainy season, said Ahmad Al Hamadi, the director of public works.
Major roads such as Sheikh Rashid bin Said Road and a 9km stretch near Al Qusaidat roundabout are being repaired and renovated, while the Shamal roundabout is expected to fully opened this month.
The Shamal project was started in 2011 and is estimated to have cost Dh142 million, and will include three new lanes for traffic in each direction, and four major intersections.
Work has also been ongoing to renovate and repair the old Corniche. The Dh100m project is expected to finish by the end of the year and will include the widening of the walking track, and the installation of fences and pipelines to drain away rain water without damaging the Corniche.
“This project will give the residents another venue for them to practice sports and enjoy their time on the beach,” said Mr Al Hamadi.
“Two phases have been completed. The third will be delivered in February, and the final phase will finish by year end.”
The department is also working on the renovation of corniches at Al Qwasim and Al Rams.
In October last year, the Shaam Park for women and children was opened. Located 40km from RAK city centre, 20 per cent of this 5,220-square metre park is green space, with a 1,512-metre walking track and playgrounds for children.
tzriqat@thenational.ae