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RAK’s tourism sector aims to increase number of hotel rooms to 12,747 in 5 years: RAKTDA CEO

The emirate now has 8,130 hotel rooms providing the highest levels of hospitality.

Raki Phillips, CEO of the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), stressed that the emirate’s tourism sector aims to increase the number of hotel rooms over the next five years to 12,747 rooms, provided by more than 50 hotels and resorts that offer the highest levels of service to visitors.

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.

In an interview with the Emirates News Agency (WAM), Phillips said that the emirate has focussed on establishing a world-class infrastructure that includes the best hotels and resorts, noting that it now 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, and 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, he added.

Phillips also noted that the emirate is diversifying its hospitality options, by establishing accommodation on Jebel Jais, including the Earth Hotels Altitude, a temporary hotel concept that will open next year, as well as the Mantis Group’s “Saij Lodge,” a mountain destination that will offer relaxation, entertainment and guided tours.

Another addition is the Cloud7 Camp Jebel Jais, which will offer guests a luxurious camping experience with 30 accommodation units built from sustainable materials.

Phillips then announced plans to inaugurate an integrated project in 2026 on Marjan Island worth billions of dollars, which will be located on an area measuring 250,000 square metres, with over 1,000 rooms and retail stores.

Ras Al Khaimah is a leading international destination for tourism and investment, and is one of the most diverse emirates in the country, he stressed.

The emirate received over a million visitors in 2019, approaching pre-pandemic levels in 2022, who come from major markets, including Kazakhstan, the UK and Germany.

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority has announced its comprehensive Sustainable Tourism Destination Strategy that will see the nature-based Emirate become the regional leader in environmentally conscious tourism by 2025.

Ras Al Khaimah is renowned for its outstanding nature, leisure, adventure and authentic offerings. With an extraordinary history dating back over seven millennia, the northernmost Emirate in the UAE has become one of the most sought after destinations in the Middle East. — Wam