All you need to know about Ras Al Khaimah’s Dhs500m sustainable tourism projects

At the Arabian Travel Market 2021, the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) announced over 20 sustainable tourism development initiatives across the emirate marking an investment of Dhs500m, in partnership with RAK Hospitality Holding and RAK Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

In a statement, RAKTDA said that the projects center on the emirate’s new destination strategy that focuses on nature, leisure, adventure, accessibility and authenticity.

Ras Al Khaimah aims to attract 2.9 million visitors per year by 2025 and tourism is central to its economic diversification strategy.

“This multi-million investment plan further demonstrates our resolve and commitment to tourism, despite the global challenges faced this past year that continue to shake our industry today. These projects also align with our vision and strategy moving forward with our new brand identity, based on the destination’s natural topography – the sea, desert and of course, our spectacular mountains – as well as our desire to progress, grow and evolve in tune with tourism aspirations and needs,” said Raki Phillips, CEO of RAKTDA.

As part of a rebranding exercise, RAKTDA has also adopted a new ‘Rakashida’ logo, which is inspired by the ‘kashida’ from Arabic calligraphy – a line that connects letters to form a word. RAKashida also stands for the personalised tourism experiences the destination offers. “RAKashida’s peaks and valleys represent the emirate’s three key natural elements and core values: the sea, the desert, and the mountains. It also describes the journey into Ras Al Khaimah, starting by the fun coast that represents exciting activity, moving into the mystic desert that represents discovery, then onto the mountains that represent greatness and adventure – the peak of the experience,” added Phillips.

Ras Al Khaimah was voted as the Gulf Tourism Capital for the second consecutive year and the first city worldwide to receive the ‘Safeguard Assurance’ label from Bureau Veritas, as well as the World Travel and Tourism Council’s Safe Travels stamp.

The planned upcoming sustainable tourism projects include:

• Earth Hotels Altitude, an eco-based pop-up hotel concept set to feature 15 fully fitted accommodation units.

• Saij, A Mantis Collection Mountain Lodge, comprising of 35 luxury lodges.

• Cloud7 Camp Jebel Jais which will provide a glamping experience with 30 accommodation units built out of sustainable material.

• The new Basecamp Jais will offer affordable accommodation for outdoor enthusiasts.

• Jais Yard an F&B Village with food trailers, kiosks, retail containers, vintage truck restaurants, open air cinema and children’s play areas.

• Jais Wings which will offer paragliding experience from the top of Jebel Jais with landing pads near Saraya Islands and Al Rams. It will be the region’s first dedicated paragliding site in the GCC.

• Balloon Base will feature hot air balloon rides for visitors.

• Jais Swing will comprise of a swing made of twin ropes offerings commanding views of the landscape.

• Wadi Track at Wadi Showka will include a new bicycle pump track.

• Ras Al Khaimah will also host the first ‘Highlander’ hiking experience in the GCC in November 2021. Highlander, the only certified international hiking association in the world.

• A mega-beachfront development by Marjan will include a marine district and inflatable aqua park.

• Scallop Ranch at Al Hamra Marine will offer oyster/scallop diving, live cooking, family and kids’ experiences, and cultural activations. It will promote awareness of the marine ecosystem with seagrass and sea cucumber species within the farm.

• Cloud7 Camp AlSawan will be a luxury glamping experience with 60 units where guests can learn what it takes to become an agriculturalist.

• Flying Arch at Manar Mall will welcome the region’s first 130-metre aerial structure composed of over 1.5 million knots and around 300 km of twine that will cause the wind to create a choreography of constantly changing shape and color.

• Luminaze at Manar Mall will showcase a playful art installation based on a light maze.

• Ras Al Khaimah is also strengthening its hospitality infrastructure through new hotels, such as the all-new Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island with 418 hotel keys. Guests can choose from large-sized family rooms, suites or 28 beachfront chalets with private pools and gardens. Meanwhile, the upcoming Hampton by Hilton Al Marjan Island, comprises of 515 rooms, will be the largest Hampton by Hilton globally and the first to offer an all-inclusive resort concept. Other new openings include Radisson Al Marjan Island with 388 rooms InterContinental Mina Al Arab with 351 rooms.