Top official details how a unified GCC visa will help tourists explore Ras Al Khaimah.
Ras Al Khaimah, known for its natural beauty, wants to make more hotels. Right now, they have 8,000 rooms and suites from big companies like IHG, Movenpick, Hilton, Accor, Radisson, Rixos, Rotana, and Ritz-Carlton. Soon, hotels like Wynn, Nobu, Marriott, Sofitel, and Anantara will almost double the number of rooms. They want to welcome everyone, from families and people on vacation to couples and those looking for adventure.
"In the next few years, we're expecting more than 20 new hotels,"
said Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA).
He talked about the Wynn Resorts project on Al Marjan Island, covering 250,000 square meters. It's a huge resort that will cost billions of dollars and is the first of its kind in the UAE. The big feature of this place will be its gaming area. But even if you're not into gaming, there will be lots of other great things to enjoy. You don't need to visit the gaming area to enjoy the other cool stuff at the resort.
More Excitement on Jebel Jais!
Jebel Jais, the highest mountain in the UAE, is one of the most famous spots in Ras Al Khaimah. The authorities want to make this place even better by adding more exciting things to do in nature.
They plan to introduce new adventures that mix thrills with taking care of nature. These will include activities like paragliding with 'Jais Wings,' the first paragliding site in the region. There will also be new rock-climbing options and ways to explore the mountains.
Jais Adventure Park is already known for having cool things like the world's longest zipline and a series of six ziplines that stretch for 5km. There's also the longest toboggan ride in the region. And soon, there'll be even more adventures to enjoy there!
Jebel Jais, besides its adventures, hosts the highest restaurant in the UAE called 1484 by Puro.
Adding to this, there will be a new place to stay sustainably called Saij. It will have 70 luxury lodges for people wanting a peaceful mountain getaway. Saij will offer guided treks, activities to relax your mind, and chances to explore your creative side.
Unified GCC Visa
A new combined tourist visa for all GCC countries has been approved unanimously. This visa is a big step towards Ras Al Khaimah's goal of welcoming 3 million visitors yearly by 2030.
This visa makes it easier for travelers to visit all six Gulf countries. It's expected to boost tourism across the region. Many visitors often come to the UAE and explore different cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi. But with this new visa, tourists can explore the whole Gulf area, making Ras Al Khaimah a must-visit spot on their travel list.
Recently, the authority teamed up with Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN) to boost tourism between Musandam governorate, Oman, and Ras Al Khaimah. These places are just a 90-minute drive apart and share a mountain range. They plan to create chances for travelers to visit both spots, Ras Al Khaimah and Musandam, during one trip.
Expansion plans
Ras Al Khaimah aims for an equal share of visitors from both international locations and within the UAE and nearby areas.
As of October 2023, 51% of visitors were from outside the country, and this number is expected to rise. They're working on making the emirate easier to reach by partnering with new airlines. Ras Al Khaimah International Airport is getting a big makeover to welcome more international travelers. This expansion will improve global access and make it easier for people to connect to the emirate.
News Source: Khaleej Times
