Tag Archives: RAk

As the advisory arm of Ras Al Khaimah Hospitality Holding (RAKHH), in the past 5 years, Stirling Hospitality Advisors (SHA) has consulted on close to 30 projects in the northern emirate, including hotels, luxury resorts, experiential camps and more. According to the latest data from Ras Al Khaimah’s municipality, the emirate experienced a 45 per cent increase in overall real estate transactions in the first half of 2022, compared to H1 2021. In that period alone, it recorded more than AED 4 billion worth of real estate transactions, further cementing its position as an attractive real estate and hospitality investment hub for hotel groups and investors. With a series of recent hotel openings and tourism activations, the northern emirate has been leading the region’s tourism sector thanks to its diverse offerings that cater to guests across all age groups and interests. The latest announcement from Wynn Resorts marks the first integrated resort in the GCC, bringing another unique hospitality offering to the region. Additionally, the emirate was also selected by Time magazine as one of its World’s Greatest Places of 2022 for its stunning geodiversity and superlative outdoor adventure offerings. Amongst the various destinations SHA currently oversees projects in, the consultancy played an instrumental role in developing the Northern Emirate into a world-renowned tourist destination for active and family tourism. Over the past 5 years, SHA has participated in the pre-opening and opening of 10 hotel projects across its portfolio, showcasing its superlative industry experience in successfully transitioning hotels from concept development to operational. Tatiana Veller, Managing Director of Stirling Hospitality Advisors said: “Ras Al Khaimah is an increasingly attractive market for investors and real estate owners at the moment. …

Alpha Flight Services (Alpha), a leading UAE-based catering, retail, and hospitality services provider, has signed a 10-year concession agreement with Ras Al Khaimah International airport (RKT). The partnership will see Alpha Flight Services invest in infrastructure and provide inflight catering services to more than 10 airlines at the airport. In addition, it will operate three F&B outlets, the airport lounge and a number of vending machines at RKT. Mark Whelan, General Manager of Alpha, said: “We are proud to have earned the trust of Ras Al Khaimah airport and look forward to contributing to its success and growth over the next decade. Our significant investment, broad experience, and passion for excellence will ensure world-class culinary and airport hospitality experiences for passengers flying to and from RAK. We will constantly enhance our offering to deliver innovative products and services that travellers value both on board and on the ground.” His Excellency Engr. Sheikh Salem Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of The Department of Civil Aviation, Ras Al Khaimah & Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, said: “With our partnership with the Alpha group, Ras Al Khaimah International Airport looks forward to strengthening our catering services, elevating the passenger experience at the airport, and exploring together the ample number of opportunities available to enhance the business.” Atanasios Titonis, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, said: “We are excited to start this new long-term partnership with Alpha Flight Services at Ras Al Khaimah International Airport as we build our profile in refining the customer experience in the food and beverage field as well as lounge and flight catering. This is an important step for us as we embark on our journey towards transitioning into …

IndiGo announced Ras Al-Khaimah as its 100th destination in 6E network. The airline will commence new direct flights between Mumbai and Ras Al-Khaimah, effective September 22, 2022. Ras Al-Khaimah was also named as Gulf Tourism Capital for the year 2020 and 2021 by Gulf Cooperation Council. Sanjay Kumar, Chief Strategy and Revenue Officer, IndiGo said, “We are pleased to announce our entry into the fourth Emirate with Ras Al-Khaimah as our 26th international and 100th overall destination. These new flights will cater to the high demand for travel to Ras Al Khaimah, with India being the third largest international source market for the city in 2021, and traffic expected to reach pre-pandemic levels this year. RAK is also focussing on becoming the regional leader in sustainable tourism, which aligns well with our overall focus on sustainability. The increased connectivity will not only bolster trade but also strengthen sustainable and responsible tourism between the countries. Our expansion to connect the 100th destination is a testament to our efforts to stay true to our promise of affordable fares, on-time performance, courteous and hassle-free service across a wide network, onboard our lean clean flying machines.” Atanasios Titonis, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah International Airport commented: “We are happy to have IndiGo airlines as our partner. Our team along with IndiGo’s team have been working several months together to achieve this main step for our airport and to boost tourism for Ras Al Khaimah as an Emirate. IndiGo’s working values are great, and their vision is commendable, and they are the right airline partners in our portfolio as we are on our way to transition into a destination airport. We envisage a huge array …

With new flight services operating from Frankfurt, Dusseldorf and Munich to Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, the destination strengthens direct connectivity with a major source market. Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) announces a new strategic airline partnership connecting the Emirate with major cities in Germany, including Frankfurt, Dusseldorf and Munich. Starting from 1 November 2022, Corendon Airlines will operate seven direct weekly flights to Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, effectively meeting strong demand from Germany. Marking the latest in a series of strategic airline partnerships forged by the Tourism Authority, the new flights cement an important tourism market, delivering a significant weekly increase in visitors to an Emirate popular for its outstanding natural and cultural attributes, global hotel brands, as well as its unrivalled adventure tourism offering and year-round sunshine. The announcement strengthens the Tourism Authority’s ongoing strategy to enhance accessibility and accelerate connectivity by working closely with leading tour operators. Within a five-hour flying time, Germany is already a top five tourism source market for Ras Al Khaimah; the launch of new direct flights to the Emirate is expected to have a significant impact on tourism in the destination. “We’ve seen first-hand the impact of direct connectivity as one of the main drivers of tourism, especially in a post-pandemic period.  We also know that tourists who arrive directly to the destination, stay longer and really take the time to discover our nature emirate,” commented Raki Phillips, Chief Executive Officer, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority. “He added: “As Ras Al Khaimah’s tourism vision gains momentum, working with valued trade partners and securing new airline alliances builds on this progress, and delivering additional tourism from three major German …

The idyllic island getaway InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Mina Al Arab Resort & Spa has announced the opening of Spa InterContinental. A sanctuary for the senses amongst the mountains, desert, and sea of Ras Al Khaimah, the holistic wellness retreat combines eastern and western treatments and techniques to promote a healthy mind, body, and spirit, all using the finest products from Aromatherapy Associates, Proverb and Maison D’Asa. Overlooking the Arabian Gulf and surrounded by lush green landscapes, Spa InterContinental features ten treatment rooms, two of which are for couples, separate relaxation areas for men and women, and an expansive Turkish Hammam. Inspired by its surroundings, each of the treatment rooms has been designed in the shape of a pearl, an homage to the Emirate’s rich pearl diving history, whilst immersive experiences include treatments that are unique to the destination. Escape the everyday with the Spa’s signature ‘Ras Al Khaimah Escape’, a uniquely curated 2-hour 30-minute treatment that rejuvenates, refreshes and resets the body from head to toe. The ritual includes a body scrub, a luxurious essential rose oil body wrap, a cooling mint foot ritual, an organic argan oil hair cleanse, followed by a 60-minute full-body massage with warm stones, and closed by a Maison D’Asa mini-facial. Tension relieving aromatherapy is offered in the form of the UAE Massage (Ultimate Aromatherapy Experience) with the finest in essential oils carefully paired by the Spa therapists to match mood and stress levels. Lavender, peppermint, geranium, vanilla, wild chamomile, and frankincense are expertly combined to respond to individual guests’ needs and stimulate their nervous system accordingly. Guests can also treat themselves to instant glow-up facials, such as the  Argan Ageless Facial which purifies, …

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) recently hosted the UK’s “Association of Independent Tour Operators (AITO)” annual conference. The conference welcomed 120 of the UK’s top specialist travel companies to the UAE’s northern Emirate and introduced them to the destination with its diverse and spectacular offering. The Association of Independent Tour Operators (AITO) is an umbrella organisation that represents Britain’s best independent tour operators. Haitham Mattar, CEO, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, said, “The United Kingdom has held its position as one of the top four key source markets for Ras Al Khaimah Tourism over the past few years and continues to show huge potential for further growth. In the first ten months of 2018, Ras al Khaimah saw visitors from the UK increase by 11 per cent over the previous year. RAKTDA aims to increase the number of the UK visitors in 2019 by 20 per cent through increased marketing and trade partnerships.” Derek Moore, Chairman, AITO, commented, “We’re thrilled to have been invited by the Ras Al Khaimah Tourist Development Authority (RAKTDA). It has been particularly exciting for AITO members to visit such a fascinating destination that is on the cusp of change in terms of tourism.” Gemma Antrobus, Chair – AITO Specialist Travel Agents, commented, “This is a destination with enormous potential for AITO Specialist Travel Agents, who are always on the lookout for somewhere a little different from the mainstream. It offers the perfect balance of beach, activity, history and culture, providing the variety that many of our discerning clients seek and that AITO agents enjoy selling!”

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority has announced hosting the PATA Annual Summit from May 15-18, 2020, organised by the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA). The four-day event will bring together international thought leaders, industry shapers and senior decision-makers who are professionally engaged with the Asia Pacific region. The summit embraces a global forum for enhancing the sustainable growth, value and quality of tourism and includes a one-day conference, the PATA Annual General Meeting and the PATA Youth Symposium that allows students and young tourism professionals an opportunity to engage with senior industry leaders. As part of the event programme, PATA in partnership with the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) will also once again organise the UNWTO/PATA Leaders Debate which brings together senior executives from both the public and private sector to address thought-provoking issues currently affecting the industry. Dr Mario Hardy, CEO, PATA, said, “Ras Al Khaimah has committed to supporting cultural, natural heritage and environmental preservation across the Emirate, activities which are aligned with PATA’s mission in acting as a catalyst for the responsible development of travel and tourism to, from and within the Asia Pacific region. That is why we are honoured to be working with RAKTDA in bringing together our public and private sector members and partners to discuss the challenges and issues faced by our industry.” Commenting on the announcement, Haitham Mattar, CEO, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, said, “We look forward to hosting the PATA Annual Summit 2020 in Ras Al Khaimah and introducing the destination to key international industry leaders and delegates from the travel and hospitality sector in the Asia Pacific region. Strengthening the Emirate’s MiCE offer by showcasing our world class …

Majid Al Futtaim recently announced that it’s going to start building its third ‘My City Centre’ mall, named My City Centre Al Dhait, in Ras Al Khaimah this month. The retail pioneer’s expansion into the Northern Emirate comes as part of the company’s strategy to increase its total investment in the United Arab Emirates by AED 30 billion by 2026. The new shopping mall will start serving Ras Al Khaimah’s communities early next year. Located in a strategic location, between two growing residential communities in the north and south-west of Al Dhait in Ras Al Khaimah, the new community mall represents an investment of AED 68.5 million. My City Centre Al Dhait will bring a diverse and tailored mix of shopping and dining outlets, offering nearby residents a convenient and accessible destination for everyday shopping needs.  It will be home to 30 stores across 5494 sq. m. of gross leasable area, including a Carrefour Market spread over an area of 1178 sq. m. Further, it will offer 117 parking spaces to visitors.