Tag Archives: Ras Al Khaimah

In keeping with its adventure and sports tourism activities, Ras Al Khaimah will be the venue for the DP World Tour from 3rd to 6th February. The UAE’s No.1 golfer, Ahmad Skaik, is relishing the prospect of another chance to tee it up alongside some of the best players in the world when he joins the field at this week’s inaugural Ras Al Khaimah Championship presented by Phoenix Capital, taking place at Al Hamra Golf Club from Thursday 3 to Sunday 6 February, followed by next week’s Ras Al Khaimah Classic, set to be played over the same course. It will be the 24-year-old’s sixth time playing in a DP World Tour event and he revealed that he’s becoming more and more comfortable under the spot light in such a high-pressure environment. “The first time I played a DP World Tour event I just let the tournament get the better of me,” said Skaik of his DP World Tour debut at the 2020 Golf in Dubai Championship presented by DP World. “But as you start to play more, you realise that you’re hitting a golf shot, it doesn’t matter if you’re playing an event or practicing, it’s the same golf shot, it’s the same golf course. I know people are watching and want me to do well but you just have to focus on the shot in hand and let the training take over.” Last year’s AVIV Dubai Championship heralded a new era for golf in the UAE after Skaik carded the lowest DP World Tour round by an Emirati in history on the opening day with an impressive four under par 68 over the Fire course at Jumeirah Golf …

Ras Al Khaimah continues to make waves amongst the adventure and outdoor communities globally, with the Emirate set to host the first-ever ‘Highlander’ hiking experience in the GCC this November. Highlander, the only certified international hiking association in the world, is widely renowned for its one-of-a-kind curated hiking experiences. Currently there are 20 thrilling, life-enhancing adventures taking place annually in 15 countries worldwide. Ras Al Khaimah will join the ranks of iconic locations such as Austria, Bosnia, Croatia, Egypt, Greece, Russia and Portugal, all of which have played host to Highlander hikes viewed as the most significant events to take place within the global hiking community. Raki Phillips, Chief Executive Officer of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, said: “Ras Al Khaimah is a firm favourite amongst the hiking community in the UAE and within that spirit, our partnership with internationally-recognized HIGHLANDER will only elevate our stunning mountain terrain to a global audience. This launch marks the latest in a series of new, sustainable and nature-focused experiences as we look for ways in which to immerse our guests in the natural beauty of our Emirate and protect its diverse surroundings for generations to enjoy for years to come. We cannot wait for everyone to enjoy this new adventure on Jebel Jais.” Fadi Hachicho, Managing Director of HIGHLANDER UAE and Founder of Adventurati Outdoor, added: “Bringing the HIGHLANDER experience to Ras Al Khaimah is something we are immensely proud of as the rugged mountain terrain and the Emirates commitment to sustainable tourism aligns so well with the HIGHLANDER ethos. We are building the HIGHLANDER community internationally to embody the philosophy of “Take only pictures and leave only footprints” and see the …

The 2021 Arab Aviation Summit (AAS) started at Al Hamra International Exhibition & Conference Centre in Ras Al Khaimah.  The eighth edition of the two-day summit brings together experts to discuss the impact of the pandemic on the industry, the aftermath, and the road to recovery for a stronger future, under the theme, ‘Arab Aviation in the New Normal.’ The summit will feature a number of workshops to discuss the various aspects of the region’s aviation and tourism sector. Adel Al Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer, Air Arabia, said: “We look forward to this edition of the Arab Aviation Summit, which serves as an ideal platform to discuss the status of Arab Aviation and the role the industry will play in the broader economic recovery. Through open sessions and constructive dialogues that brings both public and private sectors together, we are confident the outcome will help unify efforts in supporting a vital and resilient industry.” Raki Phillips, CEO, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, said, “We value the immense contributions made by the aviation industry to highlight destinations such as Ras Al Khaimah and look forward to working closely to ensure all guests are extended a warm welcome, reflecting the authentic Arabian ethos of our Emirate. As the first city to be certified as safe by both Bureau Veritas and the World Travel and Tourism Council, participants at the Summit can rest assured that their health and wellbeing remains our utmost priority, as they focus on the discussions to identify strategies and set a strong roadmap for navigating the new normal.”

Ras Al Khaimah was named the Gulf Tourism Capital for 2021 at the fifth annual meeting of Tourism Ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council. During a virtual meeting to discuss Gulf integration in the tourism sector, Ras Al Khaimah was commended for its identity as a sustainable tourist destination and was awarded the coveted title for the second year running. Ras Al Khaimah is considered one of the most diverse Emirates offering world-class experiences and attractions, which has enabled it to assert its position on the Global tourism map as the fastest growing destination in the region. Moreover, the Gulf Tourism Capital award this year is a testament to its early and sustained action to curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in global recognition as a safe destination for inbound tourism. It was the first city and Emirate in the world to receive both the prestigious ‘Safeguard Assurance’ Label from Bureau Veritas, a leader in testing and inspection services and the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) Safe Travels Stamp. The Authority continues to build on its ‘safe destination’ status, offering complimentary COVID-19 PCR testing for international visitors staying in Ras Al Khaimah until the end of this year. Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority said, “We are delighted that the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah has once again been recognised as the Gulf Tourism Capital by the esteemed tourism Ministers and senior officials of the Gulf Cooperation Council. It is an especially welcome announcement in an unprecedented and immensely challenging year and is testament both to the resilience of our industry and our ongoing focus on innovation to bring visitors back.” “In line …

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) is set to open a skatepark at Saqr Park in Ras Al Khaimah, with a fun-filled family event from February 27-29, 2020. A free public event that’s open to all, skatepark at Saqr Park will come to life from 3 pm to 10 pm each day in an alfresco festival of food, shopping and skating action. Its official opening will be celebrated on February 28 with special performances from renowned international skateboarders – 15-year-old Isabelly Avila, her father Garcia Rodriguez and 13-year-old Virginia Fortes Aguas. They will also lead workshops where visitors will have the opportunity to skate with the pros and pick up key techniques, skills and tricks. There will also be games, entertainment, music and an array of delicious food options to choose from throughout the three-day event as well as an outdoor market of goods from local artisans and retailers for those looking to do some shopping. Its opening aligns with RAKTDA’s mandate to cater to the array of interests of visitors to the emirate as well as the local community. It offers a well-equipped outdoor space spanning 620 sqm for the UAE’s growing skating community and guests to face off against a series of obstacles, including a bowl, pyramids, ledges, banks and round rails. The park will enhance Saqr Park’s standing as a one-of-a-kind leisure venue and is set to become a hotspot for the emirate’s avid skateboarders, rollerbladers and BMX bike riders. 

Ras Al Khaimah has been declared as the ‘Gulf Tourism Capital’ by the Ministers of Tourism of GCC member states during a recent meeting in Muscat, where they discussed measures aimed at coordinating tourism efforts in GCC countries. The meeting was attended by a UAE delegation led by Mohammed Khamis Al Muhairi, Advisor to the Minister of Economy for Tourism Affairs, on behalf of Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri, Minister of Economy, said a report in WAM. Al Mansouri stated that Ras Al Khaimah’s selection as the capital of Gulf tourism highlights the UAE’s leading stature as a popular tourism destination, noting that the previous years have witnessed ongoing growth in the number of tourists visiting the country from around the world, and praising the decision of GCC tourism ministers and officials. Presenting the key tourism achievements, Al Muhairi said that in 2018, the number of hotel guests visiting the UAE reached 25.6 million, an increase of 3.8 per cent compared to 2017. He also said that the report of the World Tourism and Travel Council in 2019 revealed that the tourism sector made up 11.1 per cent of the UAE’s GDP in 2018, amounting to Dh 164.7 billion ($44.8 billion). This contribution is expected to rise by 3 per cent in 2019, and tourism provided 9.6 per cent of total jobs in 2018, corresponding to around 611,500 positions. Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority said, “It is a great honour for the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah to be recognised and named as the “Gulf Tourism Capital” by the tourism ministers and senior officials of the Gulf Cooperation Council. Under the wise leadership of Sheikh …

Ras Al Khaimah is preparing to welcome 2020 with a mesmerising fireworks display. For the first time, #RAKNYE2020 will feature pyro-drones that will create never-before-seen fireworks starting with the countdown to the beginning of the New Year and culminating with Ras Al Khaimah’s main landmarks being recreated in the sky accompanied by more fireworks. There will also be a special Japanese aerial shell fireworks display, another innovative experience. The two new experiences this year attempt to clinch two Guinness World Records. #RAKNYE2020 will be even more special this year with a range of celebrities – including top performers from the Arab world – set to put forth an awe-inspiring music performance. Details of the event and tickets sales will be revealed in October.  Families will be delighted with an added array of activities for young ones at three new locations dedicated to the public and families along the sea coast opposite Al Marjan Island. To drive the preparations for the event, various government entities in Ras Al Khaimah including Marjan, Ras Al Khaimah Police, Ras Al Khaimah Government Media Office, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, Ras Al Khaimah Chamber of Commerce, Public Works, Ras Al Khaimah Municipality, Al Hamra and others, are collaborating to organise another compelling celebration.

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) has further strengthened its position in Europe with a multi-city roadshow in the UK and Germany last month that brought together more than 370 tour operators and travel agents. In a bid to attract 1.5 million visitors by 2021, increased emphasis has been put on growing further awareness in key European markets. The European roadshow covered key cities including Hamburg, Stuttgart, Frankfurt, London, Birmingham, Liverpool, and Edinburgh to meet industry representatives and introduce Ras Al Khaimah’s diverse and spectacular beach, desert, mountain, and adventure offerings.  Held at iconic venues such as the Emirates Stadium in London and Edinburgh Castle, the roadshow allowed participants an opportunity to discover Ras Al Khaimah’s unique proposition and its tourism products via presentations, networking events, and interactive quizzes. Haitham Mattar, Chief Executive officer of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, said, “With a unique combination of authentic Arabian hospitality, pristine beaches and outdoor adventure pursuits, Ras Al Khaimah has a great appeal to holidaymakers from all over Europe. We have seen a significant growth in the number of visitors from Europe over the last couple of years, and therefore, our ongoing roadshow programme is a great vehicle to tell the story of the accessible Arabian hospitality. As we look towards our goal of 1.5 million visitors by 2021 and 3 million by 2025, it is essential to personally connect with travel professionals from our source markets to give them a real flavour of everything Ras Al Khaimah has to offer our visitors.”  

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) signed an agreement to present Ras Al Khaimah as the ‘host destination’ at Vakantiebeurs 2020, the largest travel trade and consumer fair in Utrecht, Netherlands. Vakantiebeurs gathers tourism authorities, travel agencies and cultural associations from around the world for an opportunity to introduce their travel destinations and tourism products to consumers and fellow trade partners. Haitham Mattar, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, said, “With a unique combination of authentic Arabian hospitality, pristine beaches and outdoor adventure pursuits, Ras Al Khaimah has a great appeal to holidaymakers from all over Europe. We have seen a significant growth in visitor numbers from Europe over the last couple of years, and therefore, the region continues to be a key focus for our tourism promotion strategy in a bid to attract 1.5 million visitors by 2021. We look forward to our participation as the host destination at Vakantiebeurs 2020 as it supports our promotional efforts in Europe to ultimately drive further tourism growth in Ras Al Khaimah.” Ras Al Khaimah’s attractiveness amongst international tourists continues to be strong – accounting for 62% of overall visitors in 2018 – attributable to its 7,000 years of fascinating history, authentic Arabian culture and heritage, high-profile adventure attractions, magnificent natural landscapes, and exclusive luxury and wellness experiences. In a steadfast commitment to strengthen Ras Al Khaimah’s popularity in European markets, RAKTDA continues to participate in key European travel trade exhibitions.

Exceeding its target of attracting 1 million visitors by 2018, Ras Al Khaimah reported 1,072,066 visitors from domestic and key international markets during the year. Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) reported a 10 per cent growth in visitors compared to 2017, led by the UAE domestic market which continues to generate 38 per cent of overall visitors. Germany continues to be the leading international source market with 83,605 visitors, followed by Russia, with 83,531 visitors – up by a significant 17 per cent on 2017. The third largest source market was the UK, with 63,054 visitors, up 11.5 per cent; India was fourth with 62,325 visitors, up 22 per cent; rounding out the top five was Kazakhstan with 27,168 visitors, a growth of 28 per cent. One of Ras Al Khaimah’s key milestones in 2018 was the launch of Jebel Jais Flight – the world’s longest zipline, which has welcomed over 25,000 flyers since opening 12 months ago. This put Ras Al Khaimah on the map, breaking the world record and strengthening the emirate’s credentials as the fastest growing adventure tourism destination in the region. Haitham Mattar, CEO, RAKTDA said, “2018 has been another remarkable year for the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah in terms of achievements and milestones accomplished, primarily exceeding our target of 1 million visitors. With the current robust visitor demand, solid regional and international partnerships in place and iconic product launches over the past few years, Ras Al Khaimah is on a mission to further assert its position as the fastest growing tourism destination in the region, whilst promoting our emirate’s breadth of offerings to regional and international target markets”. Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority …