RAK expects more visitors after being named Gulf tourism capital

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Ras Al Khaimah - Ras Al Khaimah bagged the title at the fifth annual meeting of tourism ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in November.

By Wam

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Published: Wed 6 Jan 2021, 11:21 PM

More tourists are expected to explore Ras Al Khaimah this year, especially after it was named 2021 Gulf Tourism Capital, the emirate’s Crown Prince, Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, has said.

Ras Al Khaimah bagged the title at the fifth annual meeting of tourism ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in November.


Sheikh Mohammed said the GCC recognition “will strengthen the emirate’s position on the international tourism map and will contribute to attracting larger numbers of tourists and visitors.”

“Ras Al Khaimah has witnessed, in recent years, a large-scale transformation, especially in vital facilities and services, infrastructure, education and healthcare sectors,” he said.


According to the emirate’s Tourism Development Authority, it received 1.12 million visitors in 2019, a 4 percent increase, compared to 2018.

The authority also reported in November that during the Eid Al Adha break, the emirate witnessed a 12.9 percent growth in the average daily rate (ADR), saying this increase was the highest in the last three years under normal (non-pandemic) travel circumstances.

Ras Al Khaimah has rapidly grown into a popular adventure hub in the region. Not only does it have the world’s longest zipline on Jebel Jais, it also has the newly opened Bear Grylls survival camp.

In an exclusive interview with the Emirates News Agency (WAM), Sheikh Mohammed said Ras Al Khaimah said he has kept pace with the country’s overall development journey to accomplish achievements in all fields.

“We are working tirelessly to carry out the directives of the H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, to enhance the development process, which is being witnessed in the emirate at various levels, as we ultimately aim to achieve the wellbeing of Emiratis,” he said.

Talking about the UAE’s development plan for the next 50 years, he said the country will be “exploring promising prospects, ensuring the provision of a world-class quality life for generations to come, preparing for the post-oil era, developing unique initiatives and translating them into an integrated work programme that contributes to achieving the UAE’s national strategy.”

Sheikh Mohammed, who became the Crown Prince of Ras Al Khaimah in 2010, also lauded the UAE’s handling of the Covid-19 pandemic, saying that it “reflected the highest levels of professionalism.”

“And Ras Al Khaimah has made tireless efforts, as it provided a distinguished healthcare system capable of efficiently dealing with the repercussions of this pandemic,” he added.


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