Latest news with #RasAlKhaimah
Khaleej Times
a day ago
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Want 21°C weather this summer? Why residents are escaping to Jebel Jais
What started as a simple weather check on his phone turned into a memorable getaway for Muhammad Sajid and his friends. As temperatures soared past 45°C in Dubai, Sajid came across a weather forecast showing a cool 21°C at Jebel Jais at night. Within hours, he packed his gear, called a few friends, and headed straight for the mountains. They arrived just before sunset, pitched tents, and set up their stove to boil water for tea. 'It felt like we were in another country,' said Sajid. 'There was a cool breeze, we could breathe fresh air, and it was the perfect break from the city.' 'We set up the grill at night and started a barbecue with some light music. It was the most pleasant weather at the mountain. It's a must-try for UAE residents,' said Sajid. While the weather in Dubai and Sharjah is over 45°C, UAE residents are finding relief just a short drive away at the country's highest peak, Jebel Jais, where temperatures now drop to 21°C at night and hover around 27°C during the day. With many skipping international travel this summer due to high airfares or personal reasons, a number of families and groups of friends are heading to the mountains of Ras Al Khaimah to camp overnight, enjoy barbecues, and simply cool off. Needed a break Rashid Abbas, a senior manager in Dubai, usually avoids summer trips. But when he and a few work colleagues saw a viral TikTok showing the cool weather in Jebel Jais, they decided to give it a try. They met after work, loaded the car with supplies, grilled corn, steaks, and and bottled water, and drove straight to the top. 'It was 44°C in Dubai. By the time we reached the topmost part, it was just 23°C,' said Rashid. They camped until dawn, shared jokes around a small fire, and even played card games. 'It felt like we were somewhere but not the UAE in July,' said Abbas. Why is Jebel Jais the new summer hotspot? Cooler temperatures: With highs of 27 degrees Celsius and lows of 21 degrees Celsius, it's a huge relief from the city heat. Easy to reach: just 1.5 to 2 hours from Dubai, Sharjah, or Abu Dhabi. Budget-friendly: No flight tickets or hotel bookings — just fuel, food, and good company. Safe & accessible: Well-maintained roads, public toilets, and plenty of open space make it ideal for families and friends. Tips if you're planning a visit Go late afternoon or at night to enjoy the best weather. Pack warm clothes for the night, as it gets chilly. Bring marinated food, a portable grill, water, and garbage bags. Don't leave trash. Put it in the designated dustbins.
Arabian Business
a day ago
- Business
- Arabian Business
Ras Al Khaimah sees 17.6 per cent surge in new business licences in H1 2025, led by industrial sector boom
Ras Al Khaimah' s economy continues to gain momentum in 2025, with the Department of Economic Development (DED) reporting a 17.6 per cent increase in new business licences issued during the first half of the year. A total of 1,219 licences were issued from January to June, up from 1,037 in the same period last year. The sharpest rise came from the industrial sector, which saw a remarkable 111 per cent increase in new licences, underscoring Ras Al Khaimah's growing appeal as a manufacturing and industrial hub. Ras Al Khaimah business licences Professional licences grew by 20 per cent, and commercial licences by 12.6 per cent. Amina Qahtan, Director of the Commercial Affairs Department at the Department of Economic Development, affirmed that the positive results reflect the emirate's dynamic and growing economic trajectory. She attributed this growth to the wise leadership's directives aimed at fostering a more flexible economy, supported by a range of incentives and facilitative measures that ease doing business and attract investors. Ras Al Khaimah economic highlights Wholesale and retail trade: 44.4 per cent of new licences Construction: 18 per cent Accommodation and food services: 13.2 per cent Manufacturing: 11.1 per cent Other services: 8.6 per cent The total registered capital for new businesses increased by 7.5 per cent in H1 2025. Notably, the capital of industrial licences surged by more than 7.6 times compared to the same period in 2024. Professional licences also saw a capital increase of 24.7 per cent. Al Jazirah Al Hamra led in attracting new capital, accounting for nearly one-third of all new investments. Al Dhait and Al Ghail followed, with 13 per cent and 8.5 per cent respectively. Geographically, Al Dhait area recorded the highest share of new licences, accounting for 8.7 percent of the total, followed by Al Nakheel with 8.4 percent, and both Al Qusaidat and Julphar with 7.7 percent. In terms of the ratio of new licences to active licences within each area, Khalifa bin Zayed City ranked first with 18.9 percent, followed by Dahan at 13.4 percent, and Al Ghail at 9.1 percent. These figures suggest a broadening distribution of economic activity across Ras Al Khaimah's districts, reflecting both grassroots growth and targeted investment strategies.
Khaleej Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Ras Al Khaimah sees 17.6% rise in new business licences in first half of 2025
Ras Al Khaimah has recorded a significant increase in new business activity this year. According to a recent report from the Department of Economic Development (DED) in Ras Al Khaimah, the emirate witnessed a 17.6 per cent growth in the number of new business licences issued during the first half of 2025. In total, 1,219 new licences were issued between January and June, compared to 1,037 licences during the same period in 2024. Industrial licences lead the growth The report highlighted that industrial licences saw the highest growth, jumping by approximately 111 per cent. This was followed by professional licences, which increased by 20 per cent, and commercial licences, which rose by 12.6 per cent. Wholesale and retail dominate In terms of sectors, the wholesale and retail trade sector accounted for the largest share of new licences, making up 44.4 per cent of the total. The construction sector came second with 18 per cent, followed by the accommodation and food services sector at 13.2 per cent, and the manufacturing sector at 11.1 per cent. Other service activities accounted for 8.6 per cent of the new licences. Capital investment sees steady growth The total registered capital of new businesses in the emirate also rose by 7.5 per cent in the first half of the year. The capital invested in industrial licences saw a major increase, growing by 7.6 times compared to the same period in 2024. The professional licenses' capital rose by 24.7 per cent. Among Ras Al Khaimah's areas, Al Dhait recorded the highest share of new licences, accounting for 8.7 per cent of the total, followed by Al Nakheel at 8.4 per cent, and both Al Qusaidat and Julphar, each at 7.7 per cent. When measuring the number of new licences compared to existing active licences, Khalifa bin Zayed City ranked first, with 18.9 per cent new licences. Dahan followed with 13.4 per cent, and Al Ghail came in third at 9.1 per cent. In terms of attracting new investments, Al Jazirah Al Hamra led the way, capturing nearly one-third of the total registered capital of new licences. Al Dhait followed with 13 per cent, while Al Ghail attracted 8.5 per cent of the new capital. Commenting on the report, Amina Qahtan, Director of the Commercial Affairs Department at Ras Al Khaimah DED, said the figures reflect a dynamic and growing economy in the emirate. 'This growth is the result of strategic directives from our leadership, aimed at creating a flexible and investor-friendly environment,' she said. 'We have introduced a wide range of incentives and streamlined procedures to attract more businesses to Ras Al Khaimah.'
Khaleej Times
2 days ago
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Fire breaks out at Ras Al Khaimah factory; authorities on site
Civil Defence units, in coordination with national teams, are actively responding to a fire that broke out at a factory in the Halila area of Ras Al Khaimah. The incident has prompted a swift and comprehensive field response, with the involvement of multiple relevant authorities. So far, no injuries or casualties have been reported. The Ras Al Khaimah Police General Command advised the public to avoid the area, use alternative routes, refrain from sharing unverified information, and rely solely on official sources for updates.
The National
3 days ago
- The National
Ras Al Khaimah shooting: Family call for justice over killing of three women
A Syrian man whose mother and two of his sisters were killed in a shooting in Ras Al Khaimah has recalled the horror of the night that has left his family shocked and distraught. The incident occurred shortly before midnight on May 5, when Maher Wafai, 40, who works in Sharjah, received a devastating call from a family member while returning home to Ras Al Khaimah. He was informed that his mother and three of his sisters had been attacked. Upon arriving at the scene, Mr Wafai found that his 66-year-old mother and three of his sisters, aged 36, 38 and 47, had been shot. His mother and 36-year-old sister died at the scene, while his 38-year-old sister and 47-year-old sister were taken to hospital with serious injuries. A terrified fourth sister, aged 30, remained in the family home. 'I still can't believe what happened,' Mr Wafai told The National. Deadly parking dispute 'My mother and four sisters were in the house when my neighbour arrived and became angry over [someone] blocking the road,' Mr Wafai added. 'He claimed my sister's car was blocking the narrow road to his house.' Mr Wafai said his 36-year-old sister went outside and had an argument with the man. 'She went to the car to give him more space, when he ran over her. He then stepped out with a gun and shot her. I don't know what happened and what he was thinking in that moment,' Mr Wafai added. When his 38-year-old sister then went out, Mr Wafai said the gunman shot her too. 'She stepped outside the house with her 11-year-old son, trying to call the police, when he shot her in the neck. She gave the phone to her son to get help from the police.' The attacker aimed his gun at the boy but Mr Wafai's sister, despite being already injured, blocked the bullet with the palm of her hand and the boy managed to run away. The family's nightmare then got even worse when Mr Wafai's mother went out to confront the gunman. 'Then my mother went outside yelling, and he shot her in the head,' said Mr Wafai. Ras Al Khaimah Police arrived within minutes and arrested the suspect, a 55-year-old Yemeni man. Authorities said the shooting was triggered by a dispute over a blocked road near the family's home. The case is currently under investigation by the Ras Al Khaimah Public Prosecution and is expected to be referred to the emirate's court soon. 'Horrific times' While Mr Wafai's 38-year-old sister did not die at the scene, her injuries were so bad that she died in hospital four days later. The 47-year-old sister has recovered from her injuries. The suspect is expected to face charges of premeditated murder over the death of the three women and a charge of attempted murder with regards to the 47-year-old woman. 'We leave the case in the hands of the law. We are calling for the death penalty for the suspect and we trust the UAE justice system,' Mr Wafai said. Mr Wafai, who has lived in the UAE with his family since he was 18, said they have now left the house and area. 'We went through horrific times. I buried my mother and sisters. We are still in shock and disbelief,' he said. 'The UAE is a safe country and always protects its citizens, residents and visitors. We know justice will be served.'
