France's ADPi to design plan for developing RIA

RAS AL KHAIMAH - The RAK International Airport (RIA) is on the verge of a new era of expansion and renovation to meet the ever-increasing demands of the emirate's national and expatriate population as well as the inbound and outbound tourism.

By From Sadiq A. Salam

Published: Wed 27 Oct 2004, 9:55 AM

Last updated: Tue 2 May 2023, 2:34 PM

The RAK Civil Aviation Department (CAD) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on last Monday with the ADPi Company, France, to thrash out and implement a comprehensive plan to renovate and expand the airport's services as well as to promote it worldwide.

The agreement was signed by Shaikh Salim bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of RCAD and Yves Queromain, Managing Director of ADPi Abu Dhabi Branch, in the presence of Robert Longeryck, the French General Counsellor in Dubai.

Addressing the Press conference organised on the sidelines of the event, Shaikh Salim said, "The MoU is aimed at improving this important facility so as to help in boosting the emirate's different economic and tourism sectors." The plan is a also a part of an overall strategy to promote RAK as a unique tourism destination that combines wonderful sea shores, sand dunes and mountainous areas.

"It comes as a realisation of the visionary leadership of Shaikh Saqr bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, RAK Ruler and Member of the Supreme Council and Shaikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, RAK Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler," he added. It also marks, "the flourishing political, economic and trade links between RAK and France," he added.

According to the MoU, APDi will station a working team at RIA to study the services offered at the airport, inbound and outbound passengers and their destinations, cargo and handling, catering and fuelling services, the duty free shops, etc, so as to come out with a comprehensive plan to develop it.

"The team will be staying here for one year to thrash out the five-year business plan in cooperation with the CAD officials," Queromain said.

The ADPi has conducted similar projects in Egypt, Mexico and Vietnam.