4.2.1. Faculties and programs available in Ras Al Khaimah Campus

The University of Stirling has a campus in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE. Thus, it provides various programs in business, management, and education. Additionally, the campus offers quality education with a Scottish foundation in all faculties.

The Faculty of Business

The primary academic division is the Faculty of Business. Accordingly, it offers a complete Bachelor of Arts in Business and Management. It is a four-year program that covers business principles in depth. Moreover, students learn marketing, finance, and organizational behavior in extensive detail. The Bachelor of Arts in Accounting and Finance is also available on campus. Specifically, it is designed to prepare students for international financial careers. Furthermore, they learn accounting principles, auditing, and corporate finance during their studies.

The Faculty of Education

The Faculty of Education trains teaching professionals for schools. Therefore, the Bachelor of Education prepares new teachers nicely for classrooms. Students can specialize in primary or secondary education according to preference. Meanwhile, the MSc in Educational Leadership is for existing teachers who seek promotion. Naturally, it prepares them for school management roles responsibly. Both courses mix theory with practical training extensively. This prepares graduates for real classrooms immediately.

 Faculty of Natural Sciences

The campus has newly launched Computing and Data Science programs due to demand. Consequently, the BSc in Computer Science teaches software development thoroughly and systematically. Students also learn data structures and AI applications.  Additionally, students learn data visualization too. These tech courses have become very popular among applicants. In essence, they meet growing regional demands for tech professionals.

4.2.2. History & Functions

The Ras Al Khaimah campus was opened in 2018 following careful planning. Therefore, it actively contributes to the UAE’s knowledge economy plan. The campus partners with the Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for resources. It is strategically located in the RAKEZ Academic Zone. Beyond doubt, this strategic location provides strategic advantages for research and education.

The campus started with only two business programs at first. At first, it had about 120 students with different backgrounds. Now it offers many programs under various disciplines through its expansion. It takes admission of more than 800 students from more than 25 countries around the world. The campus is regularly connected to the main campus in Scotland. Thus, it gives equal academic standards in both locations.

The campus has attained many milestones since its inception. At first, it was opened in 2018 with business courses alone. Subsequently, education courses were added to the portfolio in 2019. They satisfied local instructional needs well and in time. The MBA course was launched in 2020 after market research. As a result, it admitted a large number of working professionals from the region. Computing courses were added to the curriculum in 2022. Finally, the campus received full accreditation in 2023 after a stringent evaluation.

4.2.3. History of Ras Al Khaimah City

Ras Al Khaimah translates to “top of the tent” in Arabic. It’s the UAE’s northernmost emirate geographically. Humans have inhabited here since 5000 BCE, as per evidence. As a result, it’s one of the oldest settlements in the region historically. The region has seen numerous historical events over the centuries.

The region was previously named Julfar in ancient times. Historically, it was a major trading hub for traders. It was a main trade port by the 14th century. Specifically, it traded with China, Africa, and the Arabian Gulf. Pearl diving was a significant economic activity until the early 1900s. Archaeologists later excavated Chinese porcelain here. They’ve also excavated African goods and European goods in the same areas. These findings seal its cosmopolitan past unequivocally.

Ras Al Khaimah had been a local sea power in the 17th and 18th centuries. Consequently, this led to repeated conflicts with the European colonizers. It later joined the “Trucial States” under British influence. The emirate joined this treaty in 1921 following negotiations. Interestingly, this was later compared to other emirates, an indication of its independent streak.

Joining the UAE

Ras Al Khaimah joined the UAE in 1972 after it had become independent. Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammed Al Qasimi ruled from 1948 to 2010 without any interruption. During this time, he modernized the emirate significantly and progressively. The economy has diversified hugely under Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi. Some of the new industries added are tourism, manufacturing, and education, among others. Despite modernization, though, the city still maintains its cultural identity. This is what sets it apart in the UAE from other emirates.

There are many historical sites left to this day for tourists to see in-depth. For instance, Dhayah Fort is an 18th-century fort that was even used against British forces in 1819 when there were conflicts. The National Museum used to be the royal palace historically. The museum contains pieces of ancient artifacts from numerous periods in chronological order. One of the UAE’s oldest mosques is the Mohammed bin Salem Mosque. Besides, it presents Islamic design components in a traditionally very beautiful way. These websites significantly link present residents to their history.

4.2.4. Infrastructure Facilities

The Ras Al Khaimah campus spans 15 acres of land strategically. There are new facilities across the grounds for the students. The design of the campus is a blend of new and traditional components. Therefore, it offers a peculiar learning environment for all the students.
The Main Academic Building was established and commenced in 2018. The building stands four stories tall with unique features. The design is characterized by Emirati features, such as wind towers, traditionally.

There are 25 tech-enabled classrooms that students experience every day. Also, there are smart boards and flexible furniture that provide for different teaching styles. There are also five computer labs within the building for practical work assignments. Each laboratory has special software depending on its field. Four lecture halls can seat 80 to 200 people comfortably for presentations. Faculty offices are in separate wings to have quiet working places. Central atria are also part of the design in common areas. These permit natural light inside the building throughout the day.

The Sheikh Saud Library

The Sheikh Saud Library opened in 2019 for research. It houses over 25,000 physical books on various subjects. Students have access to 500,000 online digital works simultaneously. The library offers 150 individual study areas to focus on. Ten group rooms are provided for team projects collectively. A digital media suite facilitates student creative projects professionally. Besides, the library offers a 24-hour study space for studying at night. The librarians offer research support to all students willingly. The archives contain local records of historical significance to researchers.

The Innovation Hub

The Innovation Hub was established in 2021 for entrepreneurial use only. The RAK Chamber of Commerce donated it fully and graciously. The hub offers a business incubator for the development of start-ups. The students can access a design workshop space freely and creatively. A laboratory has 3D printers for model prototyping. There is a VR testing area for exploring digital projects. Meeting rooms facilitate semester-long team projects regularly. Student entrepreneurs are mentored by industry experts regularly and with enthusiasm. This allows for valuable career professional contacts in the future.

The Al Jeel Sports

The Al Jeel Sports Complex holistically facilitates fitness and wellbeing. It was established in 2020 with modern amenities everywhere. The RAK Sports Council funded it partially and with generosity. It has an Olympic-sized pool for the swimming teams and recreation. The complex comprises a multi-purpose court for various games and sports. A fitness center meets the student’s exercise needs entirely. A football field and an athlete’s running track lie outside. The tennis courts meet the daily game demands. In addition, a sports clinic treats injuries professionally and urgently.

The Student Center

The Student Center opened in 2019 as a hub gathering place. It is the social hub of campus life, continuing. It has a food court with several cuisines to dine on. Also, student clubs are given offices for planning and activities. A multipurpose hall hosts events and performances continually. Quiet lounges offer relaxation in between classes in peace. A game room is included in the center for entertainment and socialization. Prayer rooms serve religious needs decently and appropriately. A café run by students provides realistic business practice. This hands-on approach benefits management students tremendously.

4.2.5 Weather in Ras Al Khaimah

Ras Al Khaimah enjoys a desert climate all year round. Summer, after summer, leads to extreme heat for four months. Winters, on the other hand, are mildly cold and comparatively comfortable. Living conditions on the campus are greatly affected by the weather throughout the year.

The summer starts in May and stretches to September without respite. During these peak months, temperatures would often cross the 40 °C mark. On occasions, July or August might witness extreme days when the temperature soars to 48 °C. To worsen this for the residents, humidity is also quite high. Almost nil rain is recorded through the summer months, as a rule. Therefore, the campus programs hold most of their activities indoors during this time. Most classes take place in the morning, strategically avoiding the afternoon heat.

On a good note, winter is from November to March- it is pleasant. Daytime temperatures range from a cozy 18 °C to 25 °C. Evenings are an excellent opportunity for outdoor activities, with a bit of chill in the air. Rainfall begins slightly, but only from time to time, with a seasonal total of only 100-120 mm anyway. Certainly, this season is perfect for outdoor events. Many university activities intentionally occur during the months of winter. Students enjoy comfortable conditions enthusiastically!

Extremes in seasons

April and October are transitional months between extremes in seasons. Temperatures during these periods change gradually and are predictable. Dust storms may occur due to sudden wind shifts. Generally, mornings and evenings are pleasant for activities. Some outdoor programs selectively happen during these times. Planners on campus follow proper and careful scheduling.

The university can adjust itself to the climate mainly through its sensitive design. Buildings have cooling systems working efficiently throughout all spaces, while special heat-insulating measures are employed with utmost effectiveness. Outdoor events are staged only in the cooler hours for the sake of comfort. Walkways connecting big buildings are conveniently constructed indoors. The academic calendar has been purposely configured to ensure that examinations avoid the period of extreme heat. Such adaptations help achieve a promoting learning environment!

4.2.6. Transportation & Airports closest to the Sub Campus.

All transport modes have easy access to the campus. The closest airport to the campus remains the Ras Al Khaimah International Airport. It is precisely 15 km away from the university grounds and takes about 25 minutes to drive under normal conditions. Comparatively small, it is less crowded than other airports in the UAE. Alternatively, Dubai International Airport is 85 km from the campus, which typically takes about 75 75-minute drive along the highway. It has extensive connectivity to over 240 global destinations. Sharjah International Airport would be the other option, about 70 km away. Fortunately, it tends to have cheaper flights for budget travelers.

Free shuttle buses run on a particular schedule for students. They reliably connect student housing to campus. They run punctually from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM on weekdays, with limited service to major destinations on weekends. Public buses also ply routes in proximity to campus areas. Taxis can be hailed at any point during the day. There is a taxi rank conveniently located at the main entrance. Further, the area is serviced reliably and consistently by Uber and Careem. On-campus car rental services are offered through Hertz and Budget. A comfortable cycling path was also created for cyclists. To promote sustainable means of transport, the campus has actively implemented a bike rental program.

4.2.7 Student Life

Always some entertainment for students within campus life. Cultural festivals, for instance, showcase the Scottish and Emirati traditions from afar and with the best cheer. Weekly film screening nights bring to ardent watchers a different flavor of cinema from around the globe. A fine monthly concert series magnifies the beauty of several musical artists. Exhibitions of art display student work throughout the year.

Catering for recreation is the full complement of recreational facilities in the Al Jeel Sports Complex. Weekly fitness lessons include yoga and martial arts. A Water Sports Center operates just 5 km from campus. Students can safely try kayaking and sailing there. The campus has intramural competitions throughout the year. These foster friendly competition among departments.

There are currently more than 30 student clubs that cover various interests. Academic clubs often organize industry events for students. Cultural groups provide a warm welcome to international students from various nations. Interest-based clubs help their members learn practical skills. Recreation clubs build friendships beyond classrooms. These organizations, in turn, greatly and meaningfully enhance students’ experiences.

The Leadership Program

Structured activities complement classroom learning in an effective and meaningful way. The Leadership Program provides systematic training to students for management-level roles. Also, the Community Service Initiative partners with charity organizations within the local area. Entrepreneurship Challenges generously funds promising student business ideas. Academic competitions take place in a variety of fields regularly. This provides valuable practical experience beyond theory.

Off-campus opportunities greatly and diversely complement student life. Thanks to free year-round access to RAK Public Beaches. Adventure seekers can zip across the longest zipline in the world across Jebel Jais. No wonder student discounts apply to many attractions. In addition, RAK national museums are free with a student ID, which is easy. Al Hamra Marina offers water sports exclusively through university partnerships. Such amenities engage students with the wider community meaningfully. They are an important balancing act against academic commitments.

4.2.8 Nightlife Near Campus

Ras Al Khaimah is slowly making its mark as a nightlife destination for socialization. It is slightly more conservative than Dubai but has a unique culture of its own. The offerings are a fusion of traditional and modern in an explicitly- or perhaps implicitly- respectful manner. Thus, an exclusive experience for students ensues in such city evenings.

There are several social bars and lounges around the campus. Cloves, located in the DoubleTree Hilton, is a good catch. It hosts live music regularly for entertainment on weekends. Furthermore, student discounts are available when you show your university ID. Traders Vic’s is sporting a Polynesian theme all over; attractively situated in the Hilton Beach Resort complex, they also serve exotic drinks in a very tropical setting. Skybar RAK has a heavenly view on top of the Gulf, located luxuriously at the Waldorf Astoria hotel. This is a frequent meeting place for young professionals to network.

For dancing, very energetic professional DJs keep the party alive at Jiss Lounge. For variety, they have imaginative themed nights each week. Tuesday is student night with a host of special promotional offers. There is a significant discount on entry fees with a university ID. Al Marjan Island Clubhouse throws a beach party every weekend, for safety, with their own DJs and impressive light shows. The uniqueness of this venue stands out compared to many in the UAE.

Crowds are drawn culturally by the RAK Fine Arts Festival, which happens annually. Performances and exhibitions follow in the night, culturally. Corniche Al Qawasim hosts a night market for shopping. The market only remains open on weekends during winter. Crafts and food from the region are sold there. Occasionally, cultural shows are held just for tourists. Those who come get a taste of the local heritage.

4.2.9 Accommodation

The campus provides nearly complete housing for students. Al Manar Residence Halls provide dormitory-style rooms. In all, there are 250 single rooms for students who wish to stay alone. There are also 75 double rooms for affordable sharing. Wings are gender-segregated for cultural respect. Each floor has a kitchen and a study lounge. Security personnel are on duty 24 hours. Single rooms typically cost 2,500-3,000 AED per month; double rooms are 1,800-2,200 AED. The halls are intentionally set up for community living.

Al Nakheel Apartments are specifically for upper-year students looking for independence. The complex has 120 units of various sizes. There are extra options of studios and bigger apartments suitable for different needs. Units feature a complete kitchen for self-catering. An on-site gym and swimming pool are available. There is also housing for married students. Studios normally run 3,500-4,000 AED for rent a month. A one-bedroom unit costs about 4,500-5,000 AED. A two-bedroom apartment runs 6,000-6,500 AED. All these prices are inclusive of utility bills.

The Visiting Scholar Residences include 25 furnished apartments. Housekeeping is done for the comfort of the guests. Off-campus options include Al Hamra Village, compatible with the contract through which students avail of discount rates. Transportation to campus is arranged daily and reliably. The housing office assists in listing verified landlords. To protect students from any form of rental scams. They also guide every step of the way.

4.2.10 Medical Services

The University Health Centre serves all students concertedly and caringly. Also, it offers to treat minor ailments curatively and acutely. In emergencies, it can provide urgent treatment services immediately. The centre holds preventive health care in respect to health care programs. Mental health counselling benefits from discretion and professionalism. Staff members include two doctors and four nurses. In addition, specialists make occasional visits for consultations. The centre is open on weekdays from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. The weekend is set apart for emergencies: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The sports medicine clinic solely and proficiently handles athletic injuries.

RAK Hospital provides more major treatments nearby. It is 6 km from the campus, and this distance is easily traversed. RAK Hospital provides services in emergency and surgery. Ikhospital is alternatively found 9 km away from the campus. It is a government facility and thus is cheaper. In addition to that, it is 12 km away Saudi German Hospital. It projects standards of best medical care in the world. These hospitals do backup for serious emergencies.

Specialized services encompass RAK Dental Center for oral health. It is conveniently located 5 km from campus with shuttle services provided to students holding ID cards. Also beneficially, Al Manar Optical Center is operating on campus. Their eye exams and glasses are made professionally. The counseling center has five mental health professionals caring. They employ diverse therapeutic approaches that effectively address student needs. This way, holistic support toward the well-being of students is ensured.

Read more: The University of Stirling Scotland, UK (Part 1)