RAK visitor numbers to rise fourfold

Dubai: Ras Al Khaimah is poised to see a massive investment in its tourism industry, as visitor numbers are expected to jump four-fold by 2012, according to RAK Tourism.

Hilary McCormack, manager of RAK Tourism said: "Tourism in Ras Al Khaimah is growing on many fronts, partly due to projects that we're building which are attracting more visitors."

In 2007, around half a million people visited Ras Al Khaimah. This figure is expected to reach 2.5 million visitors by 2012.

RAK has around 2.2 million square metres of freehold land available. "Over the next five years we should have about 10 new hotels," said McCormack. She said there could be 20 hotels over the next ten years.

Among the new developments, are Mina Al Arab and Gateway City. Around Dh3 billion is being invested in road development alone in the emirate.

The RAK Government has invested around Dh5 billion in the overall infrastructure. The population of the emirate will also see an increase from 250,000 to around half a million.