North Tours to start dhow cruises in RAK

North Tours will begin operations in Ras Al Khaimah with the launch of its cruise operations on one of its own dhows- 'Pride of Dubai' later
this month. The dhow will be positioned in Ras Al Khaimah permanently to cater to the tourist requirements from RAK and neighboring emirates
as well as tourist movements and events out of Dubai.

The double-deck dhow with its lower deck fully air-conditioned will sail on the creek of RAK every evening. Sailing from the jetty
opposite HSBC building in RAK, the 2-hour cruise will include an international buffet dinner catered by Al Hamra Fort Hotel along with
beverages.

Henna painting and a Sheesha corner are some of the other services offered during the cruise. The total licensed capacity of the dhow is
100-guests with 40-seating on the upper deck and 60-seating on the lower deck.

'This expansion is aimed at providing the tourists in Dubai with more variety in the already existing regular excursions. With this tourists coming to Dubai have an added attraction, namely, Ras Al Khaimah',
said Suresh Kumar Lalgee, Managing Director of North Tours, which specializes in dhow dinner cruises and desert safaris.

He said that instrumental music and live entertainment will be provided on the dhow. 'Views of the RAK skyline, sights of the city with its huge shopping mall and the Hajjar mountains on the background will be a visual treat for tourists as the dhow sails leisurely along RAK's creek', he added.

'The vision of H.H Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, to harness the natural beauty of the
Emirate in a sustainable fashion finds its echo here with attractions like the dhow cruises. The investor-friendly approach of the RAK
Tourism Office, RAK Investment Authority headed by Dr. Khater Massaad and the support of RAK Customs and Port Dept under the Director, Mr.
Mohammed. Al. Mehrizi has made this a quick and hassle free shift for North Tours', said Suresh Lalgee.

Besides the regular dinner cruise, the company would also offer special excursions featuring a tour of RAK followed by a lunch or dinner cruise and a tour of Sharjah & Ajman followed by a lunch or dinner cruise.

North Tours aims to extend its portfolio in Ras Al Khaimah to mountain based expeditions and tours as also wadi-camping and eco-tourism
related activities as soon as approvals are obtained from the authorities, he said.