Ras Al Khaimah's Tourism Boost: Hotels, Adventures, and Unified GCC Visa
Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), the nature-embracing emirate in the UAE, is set to expand its tourism offerings, doubling its hotel inventory with over 20 new hotels in the pipeline. The CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), Raki Phillips, announced plans to boost rooms by nearly 100%, with hotel operators such as Wynn, Nobu, Marriott, Sofitel, and Anantara joining the market. The 250,000-sqm Wynn Resorts development on Al Marjan Island, featuring a multi-billion-dollar integrated resort, including a gaming area, is expected to open in 2027.
The iconic Jebel Jais, the UAE's highest mountain, is a key attraction in Ras Al Khaimah, offering adventure activities such as ziplining and hiking. The authorities plan to introduce new experiences, including the region's first dedicated paragliding site called "Jais Wings," new rock-climbing experiences, and mountaineering routes. The emirate aims to enhance its nature-driven offerings, emphasizing adventure and eco-conscious experiences.
RAKTDA has also highlighted the importance of the new unified GCC tourist visa, unanimously approved by all Gulf countries. This visa is expected to boost tourism and help Ras Al Khaimah achieve its goal of welcoming 3 million visitors annually by 2030. The authority has signed an agreement with Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN) to promote cross-destination tourism between Ras Al Khaimah and the Musandam governorate, Oman.
Ras Al Khaimah has experienced a 50/50 split between international and domestic visitors, with plans to make the emirate more accessible through new airline partnerships. The Ras Al Khaimah International Airport is undergoing renovations to accommodate more international travelers. Recent collaborations with airlines like Qatar Airways and Indigo aim to enhance global connectivity. The emirate also looks forward to receiving more cruise passengers, with six calls from luxury cruise liners already recorded in the current year.
The nature-embracing emirate plans to capitalize on its outdoor and adventure offerings, positioning itself as a popular staycation destination for UAE residents and visitors. The RAKTDA is capitalizing on the introduction of new laws regulating civil marriage in the UAE by offering couples from around the world the opportunity to wed via a civil marriage ceremony, enhancing Ras Al Khaimah's appeal as a diverse and beautiful destination.
The expansion plans, diverse offerings, and strategic collaborations signal Ras Al Khaimah's commitment to becoming a leading tourism destination, providing unique experiences for a broad range of visitors, from adventure seekers to leisure travelers and families.
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By- Sahiba Suri
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