Ras Al Khaimah is the largest city and capital of the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah in the UAE, with a population of 191,753 in 2025. It ranks as the sixth-most populous city in the UAE, following Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Al Ain, and Ajman. The city is divided by a creek into two main parts: the old town to the west and Al Nakheel to the east. Ras Al Khaimah is the successor to the ancient Islamic port and trading hub of Julfar.
The name Ras Al Khaimah translates to "Headland of the Tent," with "Khaimah" meaning "tent" and also referring to traditional palm frond houses, known as areesh, that were common in the region. Human habitation in Ras Al Khaimah spans 7,000 years, with archaeological finds from the Neolithic era. The area now known as Ras Al Khaimah was once home to Julfar, an important Islamic-era settlement and port.
Excavations of a large tell have uncovered remnants of a Sassanid-era fortification, indicating that early Julfar was located at the settlement of Kush, to the north of the present city. This site is close to other significant historical and archaeological landmarks, such as the Pre-Islamic Shimal Fort, also known as "Sheba's Palace".
