Relocating to Ras Al Khaimah for reduced traffic and expenses: The perspective of Dubai residents

In the heart of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a growing number of residents are discovering the charm of Ras Al Khaimah. Among them is Sinead Marais, a resident from Stellenbosch in South Africa, who moved to Ras Al Khaimah in May 2025.

Marais' move was motivated by a career opportunity offered to her husband, but she has found much more in this emirate. The affordability and quality of life in Ras Al Khaimah, compared to other emirates, have been a pleasant surprise.

"The cost of living here is more approachable," Marais says, "I find it to be significantly lower than in other emirates."

This affordability has extended to Marais' personal and business life. Benjamin Mossman, a British 'solopreneur', who also relocated from Dubai to Ras Al Khaimah in May 2025, established his business through RAKEZ (Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone), and has seen a drastic reduction in his overhead costs.

Ras Al Khaimah offers a unique combination of mountains and pristine beaches, providing Marais with easy access to both sea and mountains, which she describes as a defining feature of her daily life. Her favourite escapes include sunrise and sunset drives across the Jebel Jais mountains.

The emirate's community spirit is another aspect that Marais appreciates. She describes it as welcoming and supportive, and the local hospitality as warm and welcoming, with Emiratis being described as some of the most welcoming people Mossman has ever met.

Traffic congestion is virtually non-existent in Ras Al Khaimah, which has added to Marais' enjoyment of the slower, more connected pace of life. The emirate's restaurants, services, and activities are great, but not at an overwhelming scale compared to other emirates.

Residents of Ras Al Khaimah maintain easy access to Dubai's offerings, making it an ideal location for those who want to experience the best of both worlds. The upcoming Ras Al Khaimah project Wynn Al Marjan is expected to be completed within two years, adding to the emirate's appeal.

Entrepreneurs, wealthy individuals, tech entrepreneurs, investors, and digital nomads are drawn to Ras Al Khaimah and the wider UAE for its tax advantages, 100% foreign ownership, asset protection, political stability, safety, luxurious lifestyle, and business-friendly regulations with minimal bureaucracy.

The fitness culture in Ras Al Khaimah is notable, with plenty of independently owned gyms, diet food restaurants, and supplement shops. For Marais, the move to Ras Al Khaimah has brought a positive shift in her lifestyle, providing more clarity and space to be creative.

As more people discover the charms of Ras Al Khaimah, it's clear that this emirate is becoming a destination of choice for those seeking a slower, more connected pace of life, combined with affordability and a welcoming community.

Relocating to Ras Al Khaimah for reduced traffic and expenses: The perspective of Dubai residents