A New Platform for Community-Centric Conversations
The Ras Al Khaimah Government Media Office has launched a new initiative through its Heart of RAK digital platform: the Quality of Life Series. This series has been designed to bring together residents, experts and leaders from across the emirate to discuss the ideas, experiences and initiatives shaping community life today. The announcement marks an important milestone in Ras Al Khaimah’s broader vision of enhancing livability and fostering deeper community engagement.
The series places people at the heart of the discussion. Instead of focusing solely on infrastructure or economic performance, it highlights the human element by exploring emotional, social and mental well-being. It celebrates the daily experiences of residents and the projects that contribute to making Ras Al Khaimah one of the UAE’s most desirable places to live, work and grow.
Launching the First Edition: Community Well-Being
The inaugural edition of the Quality of Life Series was titled the Community Well-being Edition. It was developed in collaboration with RAKEZ Compass Coworking Space and RAK Entrepreneurs, two organizations deeply involved in supporting the emirate’s innovation and business ecosystem. Their involvement reflects the collaborative spirit the series aims to nurture.
This first session focused on understanding what well-being truly means within a modern, multicultural emirate. Community well-being is often seen as an abstract concept, but in reality, it encompasses daily experiences, personal fulfillment, social belonging and emotional health. It also includes how residents feel about their surroundings, how supported they are and whether they feel connected to the larger community.
Her Excellency Heba Fatani, Director General of the Ras Al Khaimah Government Media Office, emphasized that Heart of RAK plays a vital role in delivering this vision. She highlighted that the platform was created to nurture a sense of shared identity across the emirate, where experiences are understood, celebrated and shared with authenticity. The focus is on a long-term commitment to creating a stronger social fabric while supporting the emirate’s steady development.
Conversations That Matter: Mental, Emotional and Social Health
To explore well-being in a meaningful way, the session featured a panel that brought together respected voices in research, policy and mental health. Among the speakers was Dr. Natasha Ridge, Executive Director of the Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research. Her work in community-based research provided valuable insight into the social and family structures that influence happiness and emotional resilience in the emirate.
Dr. Helen Joannidi, Senior Clinical Psychologist at Ibrahim bin Hamad Obaidullah Hospital, also participated in the discussion. She offered a practical perspective on mental health challenges and the importance of raising awareness, reducing stigma and creating accessible support systems. Her expertise helped highlight how emotional well-being influences social harmony and the overall quality of life for residents.
The session was further enriched by a fireside chat with Donald Bremner, CEO of Marjan Lifestyle. He discussed how lifestyle developments, leisure infrastructure and community spaces influence the sense of belonging and satisfaction among residents. From walkable neighborhoods to outdoor lifestyle destinations, he explained how these initiatives align with the emirate’s goal of building a healthy, active and connected society.
These conversations showed that community well-being is multidimensional. By acknowledging both individual experiences and collective efforts, Ras Al Khaimah is framing well-being as a shared responsibility that grows stronger through awareness, dialogue and action.
Heart of RAK: A Storytelling Platform for a Thriving Community
Heart of RAK, the platform behind the series, was developed to spotlight the emirate’s people and their stories. The Head of Special Projects at RAKGMO, Rouba Zeidan, who leads the initiative, explained that well-being naturally emerges as one of the strongest themes across the stories they encounter. Whether through nature, culture, community events or personal achievements, Ras Al Khaimah offers a unique environment that brings balance to daily life.
She described the emirate as a place where natural beauty meets cultural richness. Mountains, desert landscapes and pristine coastlines create a calming environment that supports emotional health. At the same time, the diversity of the community, with residents from around the world, fosters a sense of companionship and shared identity.
By focusing its first edition on community well-being, Heart of RAK reinforced the idea that a flourishing community begins with human connection. The initiative underscores that well-being is more than an individual experience; it is the foundation upon which strong, resilient and united communities are built.
Shaping a Future Where Everyone Feels Connected
The Quality of Life Series is not just a collection of discussions. It is an active, community-wide invitation to shape the future of Ras Al Khaimah. Residents, changemakers, entrepreneurs and experts are encouraged to contribute their ideas and perspectives to the ongoing dialogue. This collaborative approach reflects an important shift toward community-driven development, where residents play an active role in shaping the future of their neighborhoods, workplaces and social environments.
The initiative also aligns with RAKGMO’s broader strategy that prioritizes community development and well-being. By engaging both the public and private sectors, the series demonstrates how shared goals and coordinated efforts can create meaningful impact. Through these discussions, Ras Al Khaimah continues to position itself as a forward-thinking, inclusive and people-centric emirate.
The next chapter of the series is scheduled for February and will focus on the evolving landscape of neighborhoods and communities. This upcoming edition will explore how urban planning, residential developments and community design can shape connected, supportive and dynamic environments that meet the needs of modern living.
About Ras Al Khaimah Government Media Office
The Ras Al Khaimah Government Media Office was established to lead communication and media coordination across the emirate’s government entities. It aims to strengthen Ras Al Khaimah’s presence locally and internationally through unified, strategic messaging. Part of its core mission is to highlight the vision of His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi and showcase the emirate’s commitment to progress, sustainable development and cultural heritage.
The office also plays a central role in promoting Ras Al Khaimah as a thriving destination for business, tourism and lifestyle. By coordinating with government departments and private partners, it ensures that the emirate’s achievements and opportunities are effectively communicated to global audiences.
About Ras Al Khaimah
Ras Al Khaimah is known for its natural beauty, strategic location and balanced approach to development. With a diverse economy and a multicultural population, it is home to residents from more than 150 countries. The emirate continues to grow as a leading hub for business, innovation and tourism.
Modern infrastructure, business-friendly policies, luxury hospitality projects and a competitive cost of living make Ras Al Khaimah an attractive destination for families, entrepreneurs and professionals. The emirate’s landscapes—ranging from mountains to beaches—contribute to a lifestyle centered on wellness, recreation and comfort.
About Heart of RAK
Heart of RAK is a digital platform designed to support residents and newcomers by offering insights on lifestyle, culture, community and opportunities across the emirate. It shares verified, timely content that helps people understand the unique character of Ras Al Khaimah while guiding them through various aspects of life, from neighborhoods to education and entertainment.
The platform aims to build a sense of belonging by fostering connections, encouraging engagement and celebrating the diversity that makes Ras Al Khaimah a vibrant, inclusive place.
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