Ras Al-Khaimah travel tips

Home to the most developed hiking trail network in the UAE of 80km on Jebel Jais, Ras Al Khaimah is excited to announce that HIGHLANDER – the region’s ultimate hiking challenge – is confirmed to make a welcome return to the Emirate on February 2-4, 2024. Drawing hundreds of participants from around the world when it was last staged in November 2022, the adventure challenge offers hikers and adventure lovers the chance to physically test themselves on the Emirate’s spectacular trails while exploring the Hajar Mountains’ impressive rockscapes, rugged canyons and famous wadis.

World Travel Awards – the leading authority that recognises and rewards excellence in travel and tourism – has revealed its Middle East 2024 winners. The announcement coincides with the start of Arabian Travel Market, the region’s leading industry event.

Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority (RAKTA) and Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) have taken a significant move towards transforming tourism and transportation in the Emirate by signing a future-forward Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Skyports Infrastructure (Skyports), the company leading the development of vertiport infrastructure for electric air taxi services. Marking the beginning of an exciting partnership that will pioneer sustainable tourism through electric air mobility, this pivotal MoU will see Skyports develop a network of vertiports to connect key attractions across Ras Al Khaimah, propelling the Emirate as a destination of the future and aligning with RAKTA’s Strategic Plan 2030.

Rendering of Wynn Al Marjan Island. (Photo Credit: Wynn Resorts Media)

The World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) 2024 Economic Impact Research (EIR) has revealed a record-breaking year for Travel & Tourism in the UAE, with new records achieved across key metrics including the sector’s GDP contribution, jobs and visitor spend.

Demand for hotel stays will be greater than supply in Ras Al Khaimah, according to Tatiana Veller, managing director of Stirling Hospitality Advisors, a subsidiary of state-owned RAK Hospitality Holding.

While most people are familiar with Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, Ras Al Khaimah is fast claiming its place as one of the top tourist destinations in the UAE.

Nurai Island was the gem of Abu Dhabi hospitality, a favorite among the rich and a featured location on the Real Housewives of Dubai. Now it says it is shutting down temporarily – though it’s unclear when it will reopen.

While a Dubai holiday might conjure images of sleek skyscrapers, high-end shopping in swanky malls and gold-leaf-topped dishes, your trip to the United Arab Emirates could also be an opportunity to prioritize your wellness with specialized treatments.

Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain and Oman have signed a pact to promote cruises across all four destinations. The Cruise Arabia Alliance was forged at this week’s ITB Berlin travel trade show and is the latest development in trying to promote multi-country holidays in the Gulf.

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) and Oman Ministry of Heritage and Tourism in collaboration with OMRAN Group have launched the See Double campaign – their first joint promotion that aims to entice visitors to explore the nature emirate of Ras Al Khaimah and neighbouring Musandam, the governate of Oman, in one experience-packed trip this summer.

Ras Al Khamiah is one of the fastest growing destinations in the world. Last year was a record breaking year which saw a 24% year-on-year rise in international visitors to reach an incredible 1.2m.

With just under a month to go until the largest travel event in India, Skift India Summit, over 100 companies already plan to attend on March 19-20 in Delhi-NCR. This includes a cohort of names including Changi Airport Group, Dusit Hotels & Resorts, EIH Limited, RARE India, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, and The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group just to name a few.

Abu Dhabi hotel group Rotana has a casino project in the works, and investment in the resort is open to anyone, starting at US$89,400 for a hotel room.

Dubai is one of Marriott’s largest markets for branded residences outside the U.S. – an upmarket segment of real estate that has boomed over the past decade. Today, Marriott has nine branded residences in Dubai, as well as two more in Ras Al Khaimah and a string of ultra-expensive Bulgari properties.

As president and CEO of one of Europe’s most prestigious flag carriers, Pieter Elbers was at the top of his game. He successfully navigated Dutch airline KLM through the 2010s and the worst of the pandemic – it seemed like there was little he couldn’t do. 

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) reports its best year for tourism ever, welcoming a record 1.22 million overnight arrivals to the nature Emirate in 2023, up 8% on 2022 numbers and bolstered by a significant 24% year-on-year pick-up in international visitors. The robust performance is underscored by RAKTDA’s strategic growth plans. From investment in tourism infrastructure, targeted initiatives to drive more visitors to the emirate, to developing an ecosystem rooted in sustainability, Ras Al Khaimah continues to reinforce its position as a destination of the future. Its key 2023 achievements include:

Ras Al Khaimah welcomed the New Year with yet another record-breaking eight-minute-long firework and drone display setting two new GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ titles in a stunning spectacle that lit up the skies along 4.5km stretch of Ras Al Khaimah’s waterfront.

The newest chapter of the renowned luxury hotel has begun, as the resort­ welcomes guests to live unforgettable once again.

Ras Al Khaimah is set to make history once again by attempting to break two GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ with its spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks display featuring novel choreography and groundbreaking techniques that have never been attempted before. The awe-inspiring showcase spanning eight minutes of pure enchantment will unfold along 4.5KM of shoreline stretching from Al Marjan Island to Al Hamra Village, providing a stunning backdrop to the celebrations.

In the dynamic world of air travel, sustainable growth and adapting to shifting demographics stand as both opportunities and challenges.