Ras Al Khaimah, the most northerly emirate on the UAE's west coast, has a coastline of about 64 kilometers on the Arabian Gulf, backed by a fertile hinterland, with a separate enclave in the heart of the Hajar mountains to the southeast. Both parts of the emirate share borders with the Sultanate of Oman. In addition to its mainland territory, Ras Al Khaimah possesses a number of islands including those of Greater and Lesser Tunb, occupied by Iran since 1971. The area of the emirate is 168 square kilometers, which is equivalent to 2.2 per cent of the country's total area, excluding islands.

The city of Ras Al Khaimah is divided into two sections by Khor Ras Al Khaimah. In the western section, known as Old Ras Al Khaimah, are Ras Al Khaimah National Museum and a number of Government departments. The eastern part, known as Al Nakheel, houses the Ruler's office, several government departments and commercial companies. The two sections are connected by a large bridge built across the Khor.

Khor Khuwayr is an industrial region situated approximately 25 kilometers to the north of Ras Al Khaimah city. In addition to its major cement, gravel and marble enterprises, it is also the location for Port Saqr, the main export port for the emirate and the traditional fishing district of Rams. Digdagga district, on the other hand, is a well-known agricultural area and houses the Julphar pharmaceutical factory, the largest in the Arabian Gulf.

Other important centers within the emirate include: Al-Hamraniah, an agricultural center and also the location of Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, Khatt, a tourist resort that is renowned for its thermal springs, Masafi which is well known for its orchards and natural springs and Wadi Al-Qawr, an attractive valley in the southern mountains.