Ras Al Khaimah plans to significantly expand its hospitality sector, planning to open 50 hotels and resorts and add 12,747 rooms in the next five years, said the head of the Tourism Development Authority.
The emirate is also planning to diversify its hospitality options by setting up hotel and resort projects on newer locations such as Jebel Jais, Marjan Island and on a mountain top, Raki Phillips, chief executive officer of the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), told UAE news agency WAM.
“We will be establishing accommodation on Jebel Jais, including the Earth Hotels Altitude, a temporary hotel concept that is due to open later this year, as well as the Mantis Group’s ‘Sage Lodge’, a mountain destination that will offer relaxation, entertainment and guided tours,” Phillips said.
According to Phillip, another addition will be the Cloud7 Camp Jebel Jais, which will offer guests a luxurious camping experience with 30 accommodation units built from sustainable materials.
Phillips also revealed plans to inaugurate an integrated project in 2026 on Marjan Island worth billions of dollars, which will be located in an area measuring 250,000 square metres, with over 1,000 rooms and retail stores.
“The emirate has focussed on establishing a world-class infrastructure that includes the best hotels and resorts,” Phillips said.
He said RAK currently has more than 50 hotels, including ten 5-star hotels, nine 4-star hotels, seven hotel-apartments and 24 other accredited accommodation.
The emirate now has 8,130 hotel rooms providing the highest levels of hospitality.
“RAKTDA aims to promote hospitality offers over the next five years, add 4,617 rooms and encourage the construction of several new hotels, including Marriott, Anantara, Westin, Rove and Sofitel hotels,” Phillips said.
He also highlighted the RAKTDA’s commitment to supporting the emirate’s hotels in implementing the country’s Emiratisation programme and attracting citizens to work in tourism and hospitality.
“Ras Al Khaimah is a leading international destination for tourism and investment, and is one of the most diverse emirates in the country,” Phillips said, adding that the number of tourists in the emirate this year is almost nearing the over one million visitors in the pre-pandemic year of 2019.
The UK, Germany and Kazakhstan account for the maximum number of tourists to the emirate.
Known for its outstanding nature, leisure, adventure and authentic service, Ras Al Khaimah is one of the most popular travel destinations in the Middle East.