RAK’s vision: next-generation flight and more luxury hotels
Ras Al Khaimah’s first electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) air taxi eco-system is due to be operational by 2027, transforming transportation for visitors to the emirate
Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) will be celebrating an 18% increase in the number of UK visitors (year to date) and a 10% increase in the number of Irish visitors (year to date) at WTM.
RAKTDA’s chief executive, Raki Phillips, said: “The robust performance can be attributed to Ras Al Khaimah’s continued investment in the UK & Irish markets, with RAKTDA creating targeted initiatives and leveraging strong relationships with trusted tour operators and agents to drive more visitors.”
With growth targeted at 3.5 million visitors by 2030, sustainability is core to that vision. A big project is under way to harness next-generation aviation, connecting a network of vertiports in RAK with zero-emission flight services. A memorandum of understanding has been agreed with Skysports Infrastructure to design, develop and operate Ras Al Khaimah’s first electric vertical take-off and landing air taxi eco-system.
Set to commence in 2027, these electric air taxi services will provide fast and convenient zero-emission transport to Ras Al Khaimah’s most popular areas and attractions, including Al Marjan Island, Al Hamra and Jebel Jais, the UAE’s highest peak. There will be substantial time savings for tourists visiting these sites using the service. For example, travelling from Al Marjan Island to Jebel Jais currently takes approximately 70 minutes by car, and the launch of air taxi services will cut the journey time to less than 20 minutes.
Phillips added: “In the next two years, we aim to build the infrastructure and facilities for an electric-powered transit system that will redefine the way tourists experience Ras Al Khaimah. By introducing electric air mobility, we not only enhance accessibility to Ras Al Khaimah’s attractions but also significantly reduce our carbon footprint. This initiative drives us closer to our goal of establishing Ras Al Khaimah as a regional leader in sustainable tourism by 2025.”
The destination became the first in the Middle East to earn EarthCheck’s Sustainable Destinations Silver Certification at the end of 2023, and only one of the few globally. This is testament to savings made in energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions and waste output.
Hospitality big hitters
Alongside this sustainable focus, hotel investment continues, with new openings in 2024 that included Anantara Ras Al Khaimah Resort and Sofitel Al Hamra Beach Resort.
Situated on a natural beach of Ras Al Khaimah and surrounded by lush mangroves, Anantara offers 174 rooms, suites, and more exclusively, Maldives-style overwater pool villas, which are the first of their kind in Ras Al Khaimah. The Sofitel resort is a luxury beachfront property offering 292 keys, four outdoor swimming pools, and seven dining venues.
Looking ahead, several hotels will make their debut in the Emirate, including: Saij, A Mantis Collection Mountain Lodge, a sustainable retreat with 70 luxury lodges, offering a peaceful escape that’s deeply connected to the natural environment; the Westin Resort with 257 keys; and Rove Al Marjan Island, a contemporary 441-room beach property catering to budget-conscious travellers – these last two are scheduled to open in early 2025.
Other properties currently under development include projects by well-known brands Rotana, Nobu Hotels, JW Marriott, Hilton, W Hotels, Nikki Beach and the multi-billion project Wynn Resorts. Many of these are scheduled to open over the next few years – adding around 7,000 rooms.
Finally, sports tourism will be in the spotlight at WTM, with 2025 bringing an packed calendar of cultural and sporting events. The RAK Half Marathon, now its 18th edition, returns on 1 February; RAKArt, one of the region’s largest outdoor art festivals will be staged throughout February; and the Highlander Adventure will take place from 7-9 February. This long-distance hiking challenge offers hikers and adventure enthusiasts the chance to test themselves on the spectacular trails of Jebel Jais.
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