Ittihad University is located in the middle of the Ras Al- Khaimah Emirate (RAK), the most northern Emirate on the UAE west coast on the Arabian Gulf. In the past, it was known as “Julphar” and was linked to great events in the region, politically as well as in relation to transcontinental navigational and trade activities. Ibn Majid, the renowned Arab navigator from Ras Al Khaimah, aided Vasco d’Gama in his historical voyage to India via Cape Horn in August 1498.
Ras Al Khaimah remained for centuries steadfast in its resistance to foreign invaders and their navies, as recorded in history books and testified by the forts spread in the various parts of the Emirate.

It is the fourth largest Emirate in the UAE and stretches over an area of 1684 square kilometers and its population is about 170,000. It shares borders with Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah, Sharjah and the Sultanate of Oman. It is located in the north of the UAE near the Strait of Hormuz. This makes it an important Emirate due to its strategic location and acts as a center of transcontinental navigation and commercial exchanges.

In the north part of the Emirate, a series of rugged high mountains project to the sea, before extending southward. There is a narrow coastal plain which plunges towards the east. The valleys , sandwiched between the mountains and the sea, are the most fertile areas of the UAE and many agricultural projects are carried out there.

RAK has a clean and healthy environment due to its long coastal areas and to the fact that industrial establishments are spread and not concentrated in one area. The summer is hot and humid, a climatic feature prevailing in the gulf region in general and the coastal zone in particular. The winter is mild, cooler and less humid.
The Ras Al Khaimah City lies on the Arabian Gulf coast at a unique natural geographical location. The city is divided into two parts by a creek in which ships anchor. The two parts are linked by a bridge and a network of modern roads.

The western part of the city houses the old fortress which historically used to be the abode of the Ras Al Khaimah rulers. In this part, known as old Ras Al Khaimah, there are government departments, educational institutions, shopping malls as well as some manufacturing units, hotels, residential localities and new construction projects.

The eastern part, known as Al-Nakheel, is the site of the Emiri Court, some government departments, markets, Ras Al Khaimah Exhibition Center and hospitals. Lying at the foot of high mountains, adjacent to the Ras Al Khaimah International Airport is Ain-Khat famous for its traditional hot springs. Archaeological sites, fortresses, old dwellings and historical attractions are scattered in the various parts of the Emirate. The Emirate is linked by a network of modern roads and connected to the other Emirates by modern highways.