World-class tourism projects pave the way for higher tourist inflow into RAK

The fourth largest emirate in the UAE, Ras Al Khaimah occupies 1700 sq km and has achieved huge success over the past 12 months in attracting tourist and business investments into the emirate.

To further its efforts to boost its presence in the international tourism marketplace, RAK Tourism has designed an international communications programme for each of its target markets. With a mission to influence product quality and service offering, RAK Tourism is working with key local tourism industry stakeholders to support tourism initiatives and projects so that Ras Al Khaimah can realise a tourist inflow of approximately 2.5 million visitors by 2012.

As part of this initiative, the tourism establishment will aggressively market the emirate at key international tourism events, real estate trade shows and exhibitions, such as Arabian Travel Market 2007 -- the industry's leading travel and tourism exhibition which will be held between May 1 and 4 at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

H.H. Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, has expressed his desire to improve the opportunities for everyone in the emirate. "Collectively, we are working towards developing Ras Al Khaimah as a premier tourist destination within the region. Our participation at the ATM is aimed at showcasing the mega projects envisaged as well as the other premier attractions that the emirate offers. Once complete, Ras Al Khaimah will be able to offer truly world-class infrastructure and communications this will benefit not only the corporate and tourism industry but also the residents of Ras Al Khaimah."

The realisation of the government's vision for Ras Al Khaimah is aided by the drafting of clear legal guidelines, making land ownership flexible, offering aid in feasibility and assessment of new tourism projects, supported by direct sustainable construction all of which is in a tax free environment.

In his comments, Dr Khater Massaad, Advisor to Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi said: "The current steady growth in the RAK tourism sector can be attributed to the sound policies pursued by the UAE in general and the Ras Al Khaimah government in particular. Our participation at the ATM 2007 will provide us an opportunity to showcase our unique attractions to the global tourism industry. ATM is a significant platform for us to intrigue the tourism sector with our outstanding offerings and we are looking forward to participating in the mega industry event."

Dr Massaad added that the inherent growth in the RAK tourism sector has also led to an increased demand for more hotel rooms in the emirate. With 1190 rooms currently available across the existing five 5-star hotels in Ras Al Khaimah, the next five years will see over 20 hotels and around 30 to 40 hotels in approximately ten years offering around 350 rooms each. "In the last year, tourist arrivals have increased from 156,639 in 2005 to 500,000 in 2006. This increase can be directly linked to the concerted local and international marketing efforts being made by the Government of Ras Al Khaimah," he said.

During the course of this time, a sizeable number of key regional and international brands such as Rotana, Marriott and the Banyan Tree Groups have chosen Ras Al Khaimah as the right location to grow their respective portfolios.

Future development for a complete tourist experience includes focusing on the renovation of the major heritage sites to make them tourist friendly. While working in partnership with other government departments, RAK Tourism aims to introduce protected coastal, desert and mountain areas that will appeal to a much more niche tourist activities.

Ras Al Khaimah places enormous importance on its environmental responsibilities and is working to protect its eco-systems and unique wildlife, the many existing parklands, newly discovered natural reserves and eco-tourism spots that are a significant part of future tourism development plans. All of these activities are supported by strategic planning and research to further enhance the industry growth.

Plans for starting RAK Airways strengthen the governments' vision of promoting Ras Al Khaimah as a tourist destination. The new airline of will open the country to greater economic development and will specifically support all the growth initiatives within tourism and industry. This full service airline is being set up with a paid-up capital of AED 850 million.

Real estate developers are instrumental in accelerating the pace of tourism development with many phased projects that are proposed to be completed between 2010 and 2015. RAKEEN, the master planner for RAK, has plans to develop an integrated world-class infrastructure and is currently working on 14 developments. Significant amongst them are Al Marjan Islands, RAK Financial City and Gateway City. RAK Properties has the Mina Al Arab and Julphar Towers. These projects are a combination of hotels and resorts, residential and commercial centers including a landmark Exhibition and Convention Centre.

Other tourist themes which RAK Tourism is looking to develop include wildlife watching, cycling and hiking themes, diving, soft adventure sports and marine sports, such as sailing and water skiing and jet skiing. The only natural hot springs in the UAE, called Khatt Springs is located in the famous tourist and agricultural area of Khatt. The springs healing properties attract many visitors and it has become a traditional and locally popular family picnic location.

With well chartered plans for infrastructure, worldwide marketing communication strategy and a liberal government, Ras Al Khaimah with its unique natural landscapes will be a world-class business and tourist destination in the coming years.