RAK: The next attraction

Ras Al Khaimah: The Tourism Department here has a target of 2.5 million visitors by 2012.

The number of visitors in 2007 was 500,000 and Ras Al Khaimah enjoyed 40 per cent growth in tourist numbers last year.

The department announced that the emirate plans to increase the number of hotel rooms five fold from the current 1,400 to 7,500 by 2012. Ras Al Khaimah is now looking to have at least 20 new hotels, supplying around 7,500 rooms, ready by 2012.

The hotel projects will be mostly located in the new mega property developments like Al Marjan Island, which will have six hotels, and Mina Al Arab which will have nine. Other projects like RAK Financial City, RAK Convention Centre, Gateway City and Al Dana Island will also have a number of new hotels.

Beautiful weather

Hotel officials said that tourists coming to Ras Al Khaimah are mainly Europeans who love the weather at this time of year.

Ras Al Khaimah has developed a comprehensive structure plan for the development of the southern areas. Shaikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, said that the initiative was part of the overall strategy for the development of the emirate with a view to creating economic development opportunities in all regions.

Elia Tamani, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Hamra Hotels and Resorts, said that Europeans, mainly Germans, French, Italians, Russians and tourists from Scandinavia come to Ras Al Khaimah to enjoy the excellent weather.

He adds that the beaches attract tourists who usually go to the quiet places, away from the crowds. He said tourists come to Ras Al Khaimah for the sea, beaches and peace and quiet.

Qassem Khoutair, Operational Manager at the Ibn Majid Hotel and Resort, said that tourists love the Hajar Mountains.

It is tourist season now and most hotels here are fully occupied. The manager said Arabs of various nationalities usually come for shopping. Allina, a tourist from Ukraine, said Ras Al Khaimah is a good place to spend the winter. "The weather is fantastic," she said.

RAK has a variety of eco-systems and has beaches, mountains, wetlands and unique red desert landscapes. This, coupled with the fascinating cultural history of a livelihood developed through pearling, fishing, mountain agriculture and date cultivation provides a rich tourist attraction.

The immediate action plan is restoration and preservation of all the heritage sites, setting up wildlife observation areas, implementing a coastal management programme and beautification in city areas.

Authorities are working on improving access and services for tourists in areas like Dhayah Fort, Shamal, the old city souq and Al Jazeera Al Hamra.

Dr Khater Massaad, Adviser to Shaikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi said: "The growth in the RAK tourism sector has led to an increased demand for more hotel rooms."

Arif Al Zaabi, an Emirati, said the emirate has the potential to be a regional tourist attraction. The Hajar Mountains have been attracting domestic and international tourists, he said.

Tourism: Visitors and hotels