Ras Al Khaimah is bullish on developing more tourist initiatives in the next few years. Earlier this year, the government said it would invest Dh500 million to develop 20 tourism initiatives.
According to Gulfnews.com, Ras Al Khaimah Development Authority will pump money into further developing Jebel Jais – UAE’s tallest peak – as a standalone tourist hub.
Raki Phillips, CEO of RAKDA said, “We are really looking to enhance the four UNESCO sites that we have. Our goal over the next five years and beyond is to attract over 3 million tourists a year – that is our long term goal for the destination.”
Upcoming projects
- Earth Hotels Altitude: An eco-based pop-up hotel concept set to feature 15 fully fitted accommodation units, an activation center, and a swimming pool.
- Saij: A Mantis Collection mountain lodge, comprising 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: This will provide tourists with a ‘glamping’ experience with 30 accommodation units built out of sustainable material.
- Basecamp Jais: This will offer affordable accommodation for outdoor enthusiasts, thrill-seekers, and nature lovers. It will serve as a leisure hub at the base of the rugged Jebel Jais mountains.
- Jais Yard: An F&B Village with food trailers, kiosks, retail containers, vintage truck restaurants, open-air cinema, and children’s play areas.
- 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 RamsThe region’s first paragliding site in the GCC.
- Jais Swing – an Instagramable swing made of twin ropes that provide amazing views and a unique content opportunity.
- Balloon Base with fixed hot air balloons that visitors can take in the infinite beauty of Jebel Jais.
- Wadi Track at Wadi Showka will feature a new bicycle pump track that will be the perfect spot for bike enthusiasts of all ages.
- 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.
- Flying Arch @Manar Mall will welcome the region’s first 130-meter 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.
To strengthen the hospitality infrastructure, new hotels have been announced. Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island with 418 guestrooms offering direct sea views. Accommodation options are large-sized family rooms, suites, or 28 beachfront chalets with private pools and gardens.
The upcoming 515-key Hampton by Hilton Al Marjan Island 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 guestrooms and Intercontinental Mina Al Arab with 351 guestrooms.
