The founder of the Qasimi State is the forefather of His Highness Shaikh Saqr Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, who was able to make the achievements of the present a continuation of the glories of the past.

Location: Ras Al Khaimah lies on the extreme Eastern part of the Arab world, between latitudes 25o & 26o to the North and longitudes 55o & 60o to the East. Ras Al Khaimah borders the Emirates of Umm Al Quwain, Sharjah, Fujairah and has long borders with the Sultanate of Oman. The coastal strip is 40 miles long and the Emirate protrudes inland over 80 miles.

Area: The Emirate covers 1,700 sq. kms territorially, while the total area, including maritime waters, is 4,900 sq. kms. Ras Al Khaimah ranks fourth among the seven Emirates in terms of area. Topography: The topography of Ras Al Khaimah is varied. The West is a sandy coastal plain. In the North the mountains project to the sea. The East is a mountainous terrain. Between the coast and the mountains, is fertile and agricultural land. Ras Al Khaimah has several islands in Gulf waters.

Climate: The summer is hot and humid and the winter is mild, with occasional rainfall, especially on the mountainous and coastal areas.

Population : The present population of Ras Al Khaimah is estimated to be about 141,000. According to the last national census in 1985, the population of the Emirate stood at 116,000. Major towns are more densely populated than rural areas.

Principal Towns & Locations : Ras Al Khaimah city is the capital of the Emirate, and is practically divided into two parts by a substantial creek in which ships anchor. The Western part is known as Old Ras Al Khaimah and the Eastern part of the city, known as Al Nakheel is the site of the Emiri Palace and some local government departments. In this part we find Al Araibi, New Town, Al Hadaiba, Al Qusaidat, Al Mamorah and Al Ma'aireedh localities. The two parts of the city are linked by a modern bridge. Principal towns in the Emirate are Al Jazira Al Hamra, Al Rams and Khor Khuwair. Digdaga is agriculturally important and Southward is the Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, while Ain Khat at the bottom of the mountains, is the site of the famous mineral water springs.

Agriculture : Ras Al Khaimah is mainly an agricultural region in view of its fertile land. The Emirate's farms produce citrus fruit and a variety of vegetables and other fruits.

Archaeological Sites and Tourism : The present site of Ras Al Khaimah National Museum was originallya historical fortress which was used as residence for the ruling families. Construction of this monumental fortress goes back to the eighteenth century. Later the fortress was used as the headquarters of the police force, then as a central prison and afterwards in 1964 it was decided to convert it into a national museum. Another famous fortress, commonly known as Al Zeba Palace, is located on a mountain overlooking the graveyards. The fortress was used 400 years ago and was set up on the debris of a more ancient fortress that dates back to pre-Islamic eras. Other tourist sites include the monuments of Julphar city, Dhaya Fortress and Al Ghaf Valley.

Economy : Ras Al Khaimah is rich with natural resources, minerals, raw materials as well as fertile agricultural area. Thus Ras Al Khaimah is unique, in being the site for a variety of manufacturing units including white, ordinary and oil well cement, natural marble, ceramics, explosives as well as polished stones. Ras Al Khaimah is also famous as a base for industries of oil-related products such as pipes used by oil well drilling rigs.

Foreign Trade : Recent years have witnessed accelerating economic development in Ras Al Khaimah. This development is manifested in the expansion of the manufacturing sector and the growth in the exports of locally manufactured products. Ras Al Khaimah exports to about 27 countries including the GCC States, Arab countries and other countries. The Emirate's ceramics, pharmaceutical products and cement have successfully competed with similar products of foreign countries in terms of quality, specifications and price. The growth of Ras Al Khaimah's productive sector is a contribution to the direction of the economy towards comprehensive development.

Government: The Government is headed by His Highness the Ruler, and assisted by the Crown Prince who oversees administrative organs. In the absence of the Crown Prince, the Deputy Ruler, Shaikh Sultan Bin Saqr Al Qassimi, assists in general. Various local government departments have been established to execute numerous functions.