Latest news with #RasAlKhaimah


Khaleej Times
4 hours ago
- General
- Khaleej Times
Eid Al Adha getaway: UAE expats say Jebel Jais' 10°C cooler air, views are 'perfect reset'
As the long Eid Al Adha weekend approaches, many UAE residents are looking for quick getaways to escape the summer heat. For those not planning international travel, Jebel Jais, the UAE's highest peak in Ras Al Khaimah, is proving to be a top pick among residents. About 10 degrees cooler than those in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the temperatures at Jebel Jais hover between 23°C and 30°C, the mountain offers a refreshing break from the city's heat. The cool breeze, winding roads, and peaceful views are drawing residents looking for a quiet and scenic escape. Unplanned trips Shadab Mannar, a digital marketing executive living in Al Nahda, visited Jebel Jais last weekend with a friend. 'We were just driving along Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road and decided to take a short trip last Sunday. We didn't really plan anything; we just felt like getting away,' he said. 'The city felt too hot and crowded, so we got in the car and ended up at Jebel Jais.' He added that the drive became more enjoyable as they climbed higher into the mountains. 'Honestly, the weather was so pleasant, especially as we went up. It didn't even feel like we were in Middle East summer. We stayed till after sunset, around 9.30 pm, just sitting there enjoying the calm. It was so peaceful and cool.' Shadab now plans to have a short trip with his cousins and friends during the Eid break. 'After that experience, we already decided to drive up again during the long weekend. It's just perfect,' he said. Similarly, Maria Fernandes, a PR executive in Dubai, also found herself at Jebel Jais earlier this week in an unplanned trip with her cousins visiting from Abu Dhabi. 'After lunch, we stepped out just to get some ice cream. One of our friends had to drive to Ras Al Khaimah for some work, so we tagged along,' she said. 'After his work, we were all thinking about what to do next, so we drove up the mountain.' Maria said the change in scenery and temperature was immediate. 'As soon as we hit the mountain road, the air felt cooler and lighter. We had brought sandwiches and tea in a flask, so we stopped at a viewpoint and had a little picnic.' 'It wasn't just the weather, it was the silence, the views, and the break we didn't know we needed. It felt like the perfect reset before starting the workweek again,' she said. 'Away from the malls' Zubair Ahmed, a father of three living in Abu Dhabi, is planning to take his family to Jebel Jais during the upcoming Eid break. 'We will be traveling to Dubai for lunch at my brother's place on Eid Al Adha and then head straight to Jebel Jais in the evening,' he said. 'We usually end up going to the mall or some indoor activity because of the heat. But this time, I wanted to do something different.' He added that several of his friends recently went to the mountain and had only good things to say. 'They told me it's much cooler there in the evenings. The kids are excited about the road trip, and I am just looking forward to spending some time outdoors with them, no screens, no noise, just fresh air and mountains.'


Zawya
a day ago
- Business
- Zawya
RAKEZ concludes series of strategic engagements across China to boost bilateral cooperation
Ras Al Khaimah: Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) successfully concluded a multi-city business mission across China, further solidifying its role in advancing UAE-China trade and investment relations. The delegation participated in several high-level B2B engagements, the prestigious 'UAE – China (Sichuan) Economic & Trade Cooperation Promotion Conference' event, hosted by the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Beijing, as well as the Invest UAE Roadshow in Guangzhou led by the UAE Ministry of Investment. The events brought together senior officials, business leaders, and investors to explore cooperation in energy, logistics, technology, healthcare, green energy, and more. Through its participation, RAKEZ deepened dialogue with stakeholders, showcased Ras Al Khaimah's business appeal, and strengthened economic ties with one of its most important international markets. Reflecting on the success of the visit, RAKEZ Group CEO Ramy Jallad commented: 'China is a market of great strategic importance to us. Our continuous engagement across several provinces is part of a broader mission to foster resilient, future-focused partnerships. As an enabler of the Belt and Road Initiative, RAKEZ stands as a trusted platform where Chinese enterprises can establish, innovate, and thrive on a global scale. We are here to support their journey every step of the way.' During the Invest UAE Roadshow in Guangzhou, RAKEZ CCO Anas Hijjawi participated in a panel discussion on 'The UAE as a Manufacturing Hub for Chinese Companies Expanding Internationally'. In his remarks, Hijjawi introduced RAKEZ's dual-track industrial strategy. He first highlighted the zone's strong foundation in traditional manufacturing sectors such as metal processing, building materials, chemicals, etc., which have long been key pillars of Ras Al Khaimah's industrial landscape. He then introduced the economic zone's evolving vision through infrastructural initiatives like Tech Flex—an approach designed to attract technology-driven companies by leveraging synergies with its established industrial base. This transition is already taking shape through major developments like THi's USD 300 million high-tech industrial park and the USD 360 million Zhong A Shandong Industrial Park, which are drawing businesses in advanced manufacturing, wood processing, and food production. Building on this momentum, RAKEZ continues to capture interest from the Chinese business community through its collaborative and flexible approach. Rather than applying a one-size-fits-all model, the economic zone co-develops infrastructure and services with its partners, aligning with each project's unique goals. This has helped foster long-term relationships with over 200 Chinese enterprises across sectors such as LED lighting, packaging, recycling, and engineering. Key players such as China State Construction, Metally Industries, Maxtron Show Lighting, Zaiwei Construction, and THi have chosen RAKEZ as a base for regional operations. These enterprises are supported through streamlined licensing, scalable warehousing and industrial space, and visa facilitation—designed to accelerate set-up and support long-term growth. RAKEZ's efforts align with the UAE's broader role as a key trade partner for China. As China's largest commercial partner in the Arab world, the UAE serves as a critical re-export hub, with around 60% of Chinese trade channelled through the country to more than 400 cities across the MENA region. The economic zone's collaborations with leading Chinese industrial entities and development zones—including the Tianjin Pilot Free Trade Zone, Liaocheng Economic and Technological Development Zone, Zhong A Shandong Industrial Park, and Foshan Commerce Bureau—underscore the depth of its engagement. These relationships are further strengthened through regular outreach and roadshows in key cities such as Shenzhen, Foshan, Dongguan, Guangzhou, Liaocheng, and Tianjin. RAKEZ remains focused on fostering growth in next-generation sectors such as electric mobility, agri-tech, circular economy solutions, and speciality chemicals. Its industrial ecosystem, backed by sector-focused infrastructure and pro-investor policies, is poised to support the ambitions of Chinese businesses seeking international expansion and long-term regional relevance. About Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ): RAKEZ is a powerhouse business and industrial hub established by the Government of Ras Al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates. It currently hosts over 30,000 companies coming from over 100+ countries and operating in more than 50 industries. RAKEZ offers entrepreneurs, startups, SMEs and manufacturers a wide-range of solutions, including free zone and non-free zone licences, customisable facilities, and first-class services provided in a one-stop shop. Furthermore, RAKEZ has specialised zones that are tailored to specific needs of investors: Al Nakheel and Al Hamra Business Zones for commercial and service companies; Al Ghail, Al Hamra and Al Hulaila Industrial Zones for manufacturers and industrialists; and an Academic Zone for educational providers. A leading economic zone, RAKEZ aims to continue attracting diversified investment opportunities that will contribute to the economic growth of Ras Al Khaimah.


The National
a day ago
- General
- The National
Best photos of May 30: Fishermen in Gaza to triathlon in Seoul
Community volunteers have swung into action delivering food packages and toiletries to the men. When provisions are distributed, the men line up in long queues for packets of rice, flour, sugar, salt, pulses, milk, biscuits, shaving kits, soap and telecom cards. Volunteers from St Mary's Catholic Church said some workers came to the church to pray for their families and ask for assistance. Boxes packed with essential food items were distributed to workers in the Dubai Investments Park and Ras Al Khaimah camps last week. Workers at the Sonapur camp asked for Dh1,600 towards their gas bill. 'Especially in this year of tolerance we consider ourselves privileged to be able to lend a helping hand to our needy brothers in the Actco camp," Father Lennie Connully, parish priest of St Mary's. Workers spoke of their helplessness, seeing children's marriages cancelled because of lack of money going home. Others told of their misery of being unable to return home when a parent died. 'More than daily food, they are worried about not sending money home for their family,' said Kusum Dutta, a volunteer who works with the Indian consulate.


Khaleej Times
a day ago
- Politics
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Legal action taken against 7 for social media rumours, fake posts in Ras Al Khaimah
A total of seven individuals have been referred to the Public Prosecution since the beginning of 2025 for social media misinformation, authorities in Ras Al Khaimah said. Legal action was taken against the individuals who published visual and written content containing footage of inappropriate practices, some of which were inaccurate.


Al Bawaba
a day ago
- General
- Al Bawaba
AURAK Graduation Ceremony Sees Record Number of Female Graduates; AI Gains Prominence
Female graduates outnumbered males at the twin Commencement Ceremonies of the American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK), while Artificial Intelligence (AI) took center-stage with the number of graduates doubling in just one two graduation ceremonies (13th and 14th) saw a total of 331 graduate and undergraduate students receive their degrees, of which 188 (56.8 per cent) were female, reflecting the growing trend of women aspiring for careers and second major takeaway was the rising prominence of AI in the career landscape. The ceremony saw the very first batch of the university's Bachelor in Artificial Intelligence receive their degrees. AURAK's Bachelor of Science in AI is a four-year program that empowers students to design and develop computer systems and data models, using the latest advances in the 13th Graduation Ceremony (Class of 24) had extra significance attached to it, for these graduates had entered university in the thick of Covid-19 disruption, and had to navigate through the unknown territory of online listed among Top 500 Universities in the 2025 QS World University Rankings and occupying the sixth position among UAE universities, honored 68 graduates and 263 undergraduates at the two ceremonies held on successive days. Eight students earned the Summa Cum Laude (highest distinction) honor.H.E. Robert Raines, US Consul General in Dubai, who delivered the Commencement Adress, hailed the resilience displayed by the Covid-impacted graduates of the Class of 2024, and urged them to draw inspiration from the ghaf tree, whose roots go 60 meters into the soil. 'Remember your resilience. Remember that you can do this, whether you become scientists, teachers, entrepreneurs, engineers, artists or diplomats. You're entering a world that faces serious global challenges. You will need your resilience to survive and to succeed, and the world needs you to succeed. Second, I hope that you'll remember the value and the importance of community… because it is your community that will nourish you as you grow,' H.E. Robert Raines David A. Schmidt, President of AURAK, in his welcome address, said: 'The world you are stepping into demands resilience, adaptability and vision. You've proven that you can navigate uncertainty and adapt to the unexpected. You've pursued knowledge, not at the absence of obstacles, but often in the face of them. As we confer your degrees, we do more than acknowledge your academic accomplishments, we affirm your readiness to lead and to shape the future.'.Prof. Stephen C. Wilhite, Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs and Student Success / Provost, urged the graduates to carry the legacy of appreciation for diversity and a commitment to promoting cultural understanding and to fostering civic responsibility.'Learning is a lifelong process through which you can leverage your knowledge and skills to become leaders and entrepreneurs who can change the world for the better,' he graduates received their degrees in the presence of the Chairman of the AURAK Board of Trustees and other board members; H.E. Robert Raines, US Consul General in Dubai; AURAK President David A. Schmidt; and administrative leadership team and faculty of the university. The Valedictorian Address was delivered by Mohammed Ayyub, the topper in Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology with the highest CGPA of 3.95, on the first day. For the second Commencement Ceremony, there were two Valedictorians: Maryam Saeed Sanad Abdulla Alnaqbi (Bachelor of Science in Business Administration), the first Emirati to earn the honor in recent years, and Leen Mohammad Jamal Zaid (Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology).