Coming soon to RAK in UAE: Integrated Gaming Resort, New Hotels, More Jebel Jais Adventures!

The emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, known for its natural beauty, is gearing up to double its hotel inventory over the next few years, according to a statement by a top official. Currently boasting 8,000 rooms and suites from globally renowned brands such as IHG, Movenpick, Hilton, Accor, Radisson, Rixos, Rotana, and Ritz-Carlton, Ras Al Khaimah aims to significantly expand its hospitality offerings.

Hotel operators of the caliber of Wynn, Nobu, Marriott, Sofitel, and Anantara are set to augment the room capacity by nearly 100%, creating a diverse appeal for various types of travelers, including leisure tourists, families, couples, and adventure seekers. Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), revealed that there is a robust pipeline of over 20 new hotels expected to open in the emirate in the next few years.

Among the noteworthy developments is the Wynn Resorts project on Al Marjan Island, spanning 250,000 sqm and representing a multi-billion-dollar integrated resort—the first of its kind in the UAE. Anticipated to open its doors in 2027, this property boasts a gaming area as its highlight. However, visitors can fully enjoy its “rich non-gaming amenities” independently of the gaming area, as highlighted by a top official in a previous statement.

Adding to the allure of Ras Al Khaimah’s natural wonders, Jebel Jais, the UAE’s highest mountain, is set to undergo an expansion of its nature-driven offerings. According to Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), the region’s most iconic mountain will soon offer a variety of new experiences that seamlessly blend adventure with eco-consciousness.

The expansion plans include the introduction of ‘Jais Wings,’ which is touted to be the region’s inaugural dedicated paragliding site. Additionally, the mountain’s offerings will be enriched with new rock-climbing experiences and mountaineering routes. This move is in line with the emirate’s commitment to providing diverse and sustainable adventure options for visitors.

Jebel Jais is already home to the Jais Adventure Park, featuring renowned attractions such as the world’s longest zipline and a series of six ziplines extending over 5km. The park also boasts the region’s longest toboggan ride, offering thrilling experiences for adventure enthusiasts.

In the expansion, the introduction of a new sustainable accommodation concept named Saij is set to enhance the mountain experience. Saij will feature 70 luxury lodges, offering a serene mountain retreat. The lodges will not only provide a comfortable stay but also include guided treks, mindful pursuits, and creative experiences, aligning with Ras Al Khaimah’s commitment to promoting responsible and immersive tourism.

New unified GCC tourist visa, unanimously approved by all Gulf countries, is poised to play a pivotal role in achieving Ras Al Khaimah’s ambitious goal of welcoming 3 million visitors annually by 2030. This visa will facilitate seamless exploration of all six Gulf-member states, catalyzing tourism growth across the region. Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), highlighted the strategic significance of this visa, emphasizing that it will encourage travelers to venture beyond individual cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, transforming Ras Al Khaimah into a must-visit destination on their itinerary.

RAKTDA recently entered into a partnership with Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN) to collectively promote cross-destination tourism between Musandam, Oman, and Ras Al Khaimah. With just a 90-minute drive between the two and a shared mountain range, the collaboration aims to create enticing opportunities for travelers to explore both destinations seamlessly in a single trip.

Addressing expansion plans, Phillips revealed that Ras Al Khaimah experiences a balanced split between international visitors and those from within the UAE and the wider region. International visitors contributed to 51% of all arrivals as of October 2023, a figure expected to rise with enhanced accessibility through new airline partnerships and the ongoing renovation of Ras Al Khaimah International Airport.

The emirate’s commitment to adventure tourism sets it apart as a sought-after staycation destination for UAE residents and visitors. Ras Al Khaimah’s unique outdoor and adventure offerings make it a hotspot for thrill-seekers.

In response to the new laws governing civil marriage in the UAE, RAKTDA has introduced a certification program for wedding planners. This initiative enables couples worldwide to choose Ras Al Khaimah as the backdrop for their civil marriage ceremony, offering a diverse and beautiful setting for couples seeking a unique and romantic experience.