Hey G,
RAK is indeed a great place, I used to live in the Cove Rotana resort working for Sheik Saud in other "matters"... the close proximity to the Oman border at Al Jeer and up to the Musandam - incredible - I was there when it was used for R&R out of 2010-14 Bagram - massive opportunities like you say and the 301 is a quick road.... but veey bizarre at some hours of the evening / morning with "picnics" on the hard shoulder dunes.... what a blast and great memories!