Announced at Arabian Travel Market 2021, the Authority highlights over 20 projects across the destination including Jebel Jais, the UAE’s highest peak, from the Basecamp Jais and Jais Wings Paragliding to a fixed Hot Air Balloon viewing platform, Earth Hotels Altitude and more  

Investment will also support retail, hospitality and cultural projects such as a mega beach-front development by Marjan, new world-class hotels, a scallop farm and an aerial art installation – the Flying Arch

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) announces over 20 sustainable tourism development initiatives across the Emirate marking an investment of half a billion dirhams in partnership with RAK Hospitality Holding and RAK Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Announced at the Arabian Travel Market 2021, the region’s leading travel and tourism event held from 16 – 19 May in person at Dubai World Trade Centre, the projects center on the Emirate’s new destination strategy that focuses on nature, leisure, adventure, accessibility and authenticity. Appealing to those seeking safe and expansive experiences in the new normal of travel, all projects are purpose built with sustainability standards and processes.

Voted as the Gulf Tourism Capital for the second consecutive year and the first city worldwide to receive the ‘Safeguard Assurance’ label from Bureau Veritas, as well as the World Travel and Tourism Council’s Safe Travels stamp, Ras Al Khaimah has led the rebound of its tourism sector through ongoing innovation, safety and communication.

Raki Phillips, Chief Executive Officer of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, said: “It’s been an incredibly busy and proactive time at RAKTDA as the Emirate evolves into a global destination of distinction. This multi-million investment plan further demonstrates our resolve and commitment to tourism, despite the global challenges faced this past year that continue to shake our industry today. These projects also align with our vision and strategy moving forward with our new brand identity, based on the destination’s natural topography – the sea, desert and of course, our spectacular mountains – as well as our desire to progress, grow and evolve in tune with tourism aspirations and needs.”

Alison Grinnell, CEO of RAK Hospitality Holding shared: “As we navigate through the new normal, we are witnessing a reimagined travel and hospitality sector.  Our ability to build sustainably, especially on Jebel Jais with a number of hospitality offerings including Earth Hotels and Mantis Collection with eco-principled luxury lodges as well as accessible attractions will only enhance Ras Al Khaimah as a leading tourism destination moving forward. Moreover, our large-scale hotel developments, in particular on Marjan Island with the Movenpick brand is a genuine step towards renewed confidence in our industry.”

Upcoming projects in Ras Al Khaimah

The new initiatives include over 20 projects across the destination, including Jebel Jais, the UAE’s highest peak and an attraction that draws visitors from around the world.

Mountain:

• Earth Hotels Altitude, an eco-based pop-up hotel concept set to feature 15 fully fitted accommodation units, an activation center and swimming pool.
• Saij, A Mantis Collection Mountain Lodge, comprising of 35 luxury lodges, will provide a pure mountain retreat that focuses on nature as well as mind, body and soul with guided treks, mindful pursuits and creative experiences.
• Cloud7 Camp Jebel Jais – the ultimate glamping experience with 30 accommodation units built out of sustainable material.
• The new Basecamp Jais will offer affordable accommodation for outdoor enthusiasts, thrill seekers and nature lovers as well as a range of activities such as yoga, Emirati live cooking and will serve as a leisure hub at the base of the rugged mountains.
• Jais Yard - an F&B Village with food trailers, kiosks, retail containers, vintage truck restaurants, open air cinema and children's play areas which will drive further visitation to Jebel Jais.
• Jais Wings - adventure seekers can take off on a paragliding experience from the top of Jebel Jais with landing pads near Saraya Islands and Al Rams. It will be the region’s first dedicated paragliding site in the GCC.
• Balloon Base with fixed hot air balloons that visitors can take in the infinite beauty of Jebel Jais.
• Jais Swing - an Instagramable swing made of twin ropes that provide amazing views and a unique content opportunity.
• Wadi Track at Wadi Showka will feature a new bicycle pump track that will be the perfect spot for bike enthusiasts of all ages.
• Building on its rich portfolio of internationally recognised outdoor events, Ras Al Khaimah is set to host the first ‘HIGHLANDER’ hiking experience in the GCC in November 2021. HIGHLANDER, the only certified international hiking association in the world, is widely renowned for its one-of-a-kind curated hiking experiences.

Beachfront:

• A mega-beachfront development by Marjan with a marine district, inflatable aqua park, leisure trampoline, swimming pool, outdoor gym and extensive food and beverage offering.
• Scallop Ranch at Al Hamra Marine will offer oyster/scallop diving, live cooking, family and kids’ experiences, and cultural activations. As a first of its kind attraction in the UAE, it will support and enhance understanding of the marine ecosystem with seagrass and sea cucumber species within the farm.

Desert & Land:

• Cloud7 Camp AlSawan – a luxury glamping experience with 60 units where guests can learn what it takes to become an agriculturalist.
• Flying Arch @Manar Mall will welcome the region's first 130-metre aerial structure composed of over 1.5 million knots and around 300 km of twine that will cause the wind to create a choreography of constantly changing shape and color.
• Luminaze at Manar Mall will also welcome an aesthetic and playful art installation based on a light maze, ideal for family and team activities.
• Ras Al Khaimah is also strengthening its hospitality infrastructure through new hotels, such as the all-new Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island with 418 hotel keys and direct sea views. Guests can choose from large-sized family rooms, suites or 28 beachfront chalets with private pools and gardens. The upcoming Hampton by Hilton Al Marjan Island, comprising 515 rooms, will be the largest Hampton by Hilton globally and the first to offer an all-inclusive resort concept. Other new openings include Radisson Al Marjan Island with 388 rooms InterContinental Mina Al Arab with 351 rooms.

Significant progress on current projects

In addition to announcing new projects, significant progress has been made in the development of several tourism attractions: 

• Sky Room, the UAE's highest meeting room that can host up to 10 people.
• Wingsuit Diving Platform - the first base jump platform in the UAE for professional base jumpers and home to Khalifa Al Ghafri, also known as the ‘UAE Batman’.
• The Jais Sledder, a toboggan ride that runs a length of 1,840 meters, will be the region's longest and is scheduled for completion in the third quarter of this year.
• Jais Eco-Golf - a mini putt-putt 9-hole golf course with two to three hitting bays
• The world’s first Bear Grylls Explorers Camp that opened at Jebel Jais last year will provide additional accommodation following the launch of nine units in February 2021 bringing its total to 30
• The UAE's highest restaurant, 1484 By Puro on Jebel Jais, will be enhanced and enlarged to create an even more memorable dining experience.
• Work on several hiking health and safety improvements on Jebel Jais is also underway, including the installation of markers and reflectors, implementation of Hikers Safety & Registration gates, lower trail restoration, a new trail development, safety & information boards as well as a hiker's shower room and shaded picnic benches at vantage hiking spots.

The Authority is showcasing the Emirate’s wealth of attractions and experiences across its mountain, desert and beach terrains at its pavilion in Hall No. 3 (Middle East) stand ME3512.