Rakeen returns as Gold Sponsor of Arabian Hotel Investment Conference 2008

The event is being held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saaed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation and CEO of Emirates Group.

Rakeen is showcasing Bab Al Bahr, the Dhs1.2bn ($32.8m) gateway to island living project, which will comprise of a hotel, five residential buildings, a timeshare building, an office tower and a shopping mall. Bab Al Bahr is located on Al Marjan Island, offering residents the natural splendour of Ras Al Khaimah with an unmatched island living experience.

Dr. Imad Haffar, Chief Operating Officer of Rakeen said: "Our second year as gold sponsors for AHIC is an even more productive one. AHIC is providing us with a unique opportunity to network with up to 1,000 industry experts; it's the ideal event at which to showcase our offering in the hospitality sector.

"A lot of interest is being generated in and around our Bab Al Bahr project - our main focus during this three day conference. Bab al Bahr is a unique development that will allow visitors and residents to enjoy the ocean, nature, exquisite landscaping, fine architecture and enviable facilities in one place. The project also complements perfectly with AHIC's spotlight this year on the environment, sustainability and design."

AHIC 2008 is taking place at Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai from 3rd to 5th May and caters to one of the fastest-growing industries in the region. Nowhere is this truer than in Ras Al Khaimah, where tourist numbers to the emirate are expected to swell from 500,000 in 2007 to 2.5 million in 2012 - an increase of 400% over the next five years.