Things to Know Before Moving from Dubai to Ras Al Khaimah
In the UAE, moving from one Emirate to another is not unusual. Some people move because of their jobs, some move to reduce their rental cost and some simply move because of their lifestyle choices. Every Emirate has something different to offer, and knowing about the Emirate you are moving to can make the entire process smooth and hassle-free. If you are moving from Dubai to Ras Al Khaimah, you should plan the move by learning all about RAK and the things you will need to settle in the Emirate.
When shifting from Dubai to any other city in the UAE, you need to follow a sequence of steps for a seamless and smooth relocation. This guide will help you in planning your relocation from Dubai to RAK.
MOVING FROM DUBAI TO RAS AL KHAIMAH
Here we have compiled a list of important things that you need to know before moving to RAK from Dubai:
IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT SETTLING IN RAS AL KHAIMAH
When you plan to move to RAK from Dubai, you also need to know about the government authorities in Ras Al Khaimah that cater to processes and procedures related to real estate and other sectors.
You can easily find all the relevant information at one place on the Government of Ras Al Khaimah online portal. This portal connects you with all the departments. Here are a few important things you should know when moving from Dubai to RAK:
- If you are buying a property in RAK, you can connect to the Real Estate Ownership and Documentation Department, which comes under the RAK Municipality. This department is responsible for real estate data management and land registry management.
- Moreover, RAK Municipality department is further divided into different departments and divisions that include Urban Planning Department, Health Department, Properties and Service Facilities Management Department, Lands and Property Sector and various others.
- Registering a tenancy contract online in Ras Al Khaimah is managed by RAK Municipality. You can apply for this service via the Government of Ras Al Khaimah online portal.
- It is advised that you look for properties for rent or purchase through reliable mediums. You can find the list of certified real estate agencies online on the Government of Ras Al Khaimah online portal accommodation section. Besides, you can search properties for sale and rent online on dubizzle.
- Similar to Dubai, you need to apply for new electricity and water connection in Ras Al Khaimah. Etihad Water and Electricity (Etihad WE) is responsible for water and electricity services in the northern Emirate’s residential units. You need to submit an online application to Etihad WE for service activation. You can apply through Etihad WE’s official website or via the mRAK app (Android |iOS)
- You can easily commute using public transport in Ras Al Khaimah. However, later once you settle in the northern Emirate, you can buy a new or a used car in RAK. But before that, you will require a new Emirate-specific driving licence. You can apply for the RAK driving licence by opening a file at the Department of Traffic and Licencing in RAK.
- For vehicle licensing and driving licence transactions in Ras Al Khaimah, you can head to the RAK Police. They oversee these tasks apart from providing traffic services at individual and business level as well as community policing services.
Here are a few more things that you need to ensure before moving from Dubai:
FINDING THE RIGHT PROPERTY
Before you move to Ras Al Khaimah from Dubai, start looking for accommodation that fits your budget and needs.
Most apartments for rent in RAK have low rental prices as compared to similar properties in Dubai. For instance, you may find a studio apartment for rent in RAK for a rental rate starting at AED 14,000. Whereas, in Dubai, the minimum rent of a studio apartment starts at AED 25,000. However, the rental prices may vary depending on the area in both Emirates.
If you are looking for spacious accommodation, you can check these villas for rent in RAK. You will find many reasonable options in the Emirate.
Besides, expats are allowed to buy freehold property in the UAE. Those interested in buying a property must go through all the rules for buying a property in the UAE for expats.
APPLY FOR DEWA ACCOUNT DEACTIVATION
Another most important step is to apply for your DEWA account deactivation in Dubai. This should be done at least seven days ahead of the date you are shifting from Dubai to Ras Al Khaimah. If you don’t apply for it, the electricity and water bills by DEWA will continue to be issued in your name.
You can apply for disconnection from DEWA either by visiting the DEWA Customer Happiness Centre or online via the DEWA official website.
The DEWA disconnection fee for small metres is AED 100 and AED 300 for large metres. Additionally, AED 20 Knowledge and Innovation fee is also deducted. Thukher or Sanad cardholders can avail of a 50% discount on DEWA disconnection charges.
GET A MOVE-OUT PERMIT FROM THE DEVELOPER
Dubai Properties, Nakheel and Emaar in Dubai have made the issuance of move-in and move-out permits mandatory. If you are living in any of the communities or properties by the leading developers mentioned earlier, you need to obtain a move-out permit.
It’s better to talk to your community or building supervisor before moving from Dubai to Ras Al Khaimah to check whether a move-out permit is required or not.
GET A DEPOSIT FROM YOUR LANDLORD
Tenants pay a certain amount quoted in the tenancy contract as a deposit to the landlord. Don’t forget to get that back before moving from Dubai to Ras Al Khaimah. The landlord pays the deposit after sorting all the legal issues, property clearance and upon assuring that all the previous bills are paid.
HIRE A HOME MOVING SERVICE PROVIDER
Hiring professional movers and packers is surely an additional expense when you are moving from Dubai to RAK. However, it can make the entire process less stressful. The company sends experts to your place who know how to carefully pack and move your stuff without causing any damage.
Before finalising a home moving company in Dubai, perform thorough research about them. Read reviews on social media platforms, ask friends and acquaintances about them and then decide. Also, interview the home moving company about their services, charges, terms and conditions and other important details. Tell them what type of items you need to move and let them know about all the fragile stuff. Pick the company that you think is best for the job and offers a good package.
You can check these home moving companies in Dubai when you are about to shift to Ras Al Khaimah from Dubai:
- Smart Truck: +971-54-404-0181
- NR Movers: +971-55-925-0091
- Professional SH Movers and Packers: +971-55-737-0036
- Safa Movers: +971-6-539-3115
HOW TO COMMUTE FROM DUBAI TO RAS AL KHAIMAH
Travelling from Dubai to Ras Al Khaimah is hassle-free. If you are looking for a budget-friendly commute option, then you can choose Dubai to RAK bus service. For a more comfortable ride, you can book an RTA taxi in Dubai to travel to RAK or use any online cab service like Careem or Uber. Also, you can opt to travel to RAK from Dubai by air.
Our guide to moving to RAK from Dubai comes to an end here. Make sure you follow these steps and plan ahead to avoid any last-minute hassle. Though the lifestyle in Ras Al Khaimah is quite calm and relaxed as compared to Dubai, there are still many fun and free things to do in RAK with friends and family.
Stay tuned to the UAE’s popular property blog for more information on shifting from one Emirate to another, property buying rules, rental contracts and more.