RAS AL KHAIMAH RECORDS ITS HIGHEST VISITOR NUMBERS IN 2022

Gurugram, India, January 2023: Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) announces its highest ever annual visitor numbers, with the Emirate welcoming over 1.13M overnight arrivals in 2022, a total increase of 15.6% vs 2021. The results exceed pre-pandemic levels indicating recovery and resilience in a volatile year.

Despite geopolitical and economic challenges, Ras Al Khaimah has become one of the fastest destinations to bounce back. In addition to its record visitor numbers, key 2022 achievements include:

·        Launched Balanced Tourism – its roadmap to becoming the regional leader in sustainable tourism by 2025

·        Announced the largest foreign direct tourism investment project in partnership with Wynn Resorts, Marjan and RAK Hospitality Holding

·        Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG), Mövenpick and Radisson brands entered the destination for the first time, marking a 17% annual growth in hotel supply to over 8,000 keys

·        5,867 keys scheduled to be added over the next few years, a 70% increase on current inventory – among the highest growth rates in the UAE

·        40% increase in international visitors driven by 90+ roadshows, trade fairs, workshops and media events across 24 markets

·        Recognition in Time magazine as one of the World's Greatest Places of 2022 and CNN Travel’s best destinations to visit in 2023

·        Opened new attractions, including Jais Sledder, which has seen more than 100,000 visitors since its February opening, and the longest developed hiking trails in the Emirate

·        Achieved a visitor satisfaction score (NPS) of over 80% – far above the industry average of 51

·        Hosted over 50 events including the prestigious Global Citizen Forum, 15th edition of the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon, Arab Aviation Summit, DP World Tour and secured the 2023 Minifootball (WMF) World Cup for the first time in the UAE

·        Two Guinness World Record titles at the New Year’s Eve fireworks and drone display

·        Authority named one of the Top 10 Great Places to Work in the Middle East 2022

Commenting on the Emirate’s strong tourism performance in 2022, Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, said: “It has been quite a year. From January’s announcement of the multibillion-dollar integrated Wynn resort – a project that will usher in a new era of economic development through tourism – to securing two Guinness World Record titles for our New Year’s Eve fireworks and drone display, we have shown just how dynamic we are as a destination. Our success has been led by our agility and responsiveness – and the fact we think like a community, shaping our experiences to appeal to visitors and residents. With a determined focus on diversification, accessibility and sustainability, we are on track for even bigger things in 2023.”

Strong December performance

The impressive full-year figures follow a strong December performance in which the Emirate welcomed its highest ever footfall in one month, with over 128,000 visitor arrivals, representing a 23% increase vs. December 2021. This was bolstered by the Emirate’s record-breaking New Year’s Eve fireworks and drones display, which saw Ras Al Khaimah set two GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ titles for of the ‘largest number of operated multi-rotors/drones with a simultaneous fireworks display’ and the ‘largest aerial sentence formed by multirotors/drones. The festivities drew over 30,000 visitors with public events and hotels across the Emirate fully booked, making it the most visited show to date.

Sustainable agenda for 2023 and beyond

Under its bold new approach to sustainability – Balanced Tourism, the Emirate will become the regional leader in sustainable tourism by 2025, placing all aspects of sustainability at the centre of its investment, from environment and culture to conservation and liveability.

As part of this, the tourism authority aims to award more than 20 businesses with tourism certifications in the first year with the ultimate goal of obtaining the internationally recognised “Sustainable Tourism Destination” certificate for Ras Al Khaimah in 2023.

Promoting employee well-being, the tourism authority was named one of the Top 10 Great Places to Work in the Middle East 2022 – the highest placed government entity – as well as one of the Best Workplaces for Women and a Great Place to Work in 2021, the first and only organization in Ras Al Khaimah to be awarded this certification. The Authority has also introduced RAKFAM, a series of initiatives aimed at enriching connectivity, community life and facilities for tourism sector employees in the Emirate.

Driving international tourism

2022 also saw a 40% increase in international visitors, with key source markets including Kazakhstan, Russia, the United Kingdom, Germany and Czech Republic. This was driven by a series of partnerships with airlines and leading tour operators to target emerging and growing source markets, supported by 90+ events and roadshows in 24 markets worldwide. In a further boost for the Emirate’s accessibility, Ras Al Khaimah also received three luxury cruises in 2022, welcoming over 2,500 passengers and crew. With a focus on developing its burgeoning cruise sector, the Emirate aims to attract 50 cruise ship calls each season, and over 10,000 passengers within the next few years.

Boosting the tourism and hospitality offering

New hotels and resorts opened in 2022, increasing the Emirate’s inventory by 17% to reach over 8,000 keys. The Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG), Mövenpick and Radisson brands entered the destination for the first time with the opening of the InterContinental Mina Al Arab, Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island and the Radisson Resort Ras Al Khaimah Marjan Island.

With 19 upcoming properties, including global brands like Marriott, Millennium, Anantara and Sofitel, and 5,867 keys in the pipeline over the next few years, a 70% increase versus current inventory and one of the highest development rates in the UAE, Ras Al Khaimah’s tourism vision continues to gain momentum.  A major addition will be the multibillion-dollar integrated resort development with Wynn Resorts in 2026, announced early last year. The multipurpose integrated resort marks the largest-of-its-kind foreign direct investment in Ras Al Khaimah and will include 1,000+ rooms, shopping, meeting and convention facilities, spa, more than 10 restaurants and lounges, extensive entertainment choices, and gaming area. 

Another key feat for last year was Ras Al Khaimah’s inclusion in Time magazine's World's Greatest Places of 2022 – a highly coveted list of 50 must-visit global destinations – in recognition of its adventure offerings and stunning, unique topography and geodiversity. To further bolster the Emirate’s nature positioning and attract both international and domestic visitors, the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority also announced the opening of key new sustainable attractions, including the Jais Sledder, the region’s longest toboggan ride, which has welcomed over 100,000 visitors since opening in February.

Growing Ras Al Khaimah’s position as a world-class events hub

The Emirate’s position as a leading sporting destination went from strength to strength, with over 50 events hosted. Highlights included the 15th RAK Half Marathon, 23rd Annual Gumball 3000 rally, the first-ever Middle East route for the world-renowned supercar rally, the UAE Tour Cycling and the DP World Tour golf championship. Ras Al Khaimah also won the competitive bid to host the 2023 Minifootball World Cup, beating Budapest and Manila to add the mega international football competition to its growing roster.

Additionally, the Emirate hosted numerous events and conferences, including the Arab Aviation Summit for the second consecutive year and the first Pacific Asia Travel Association Annual Summit in the Middle East. It also secured a three-year partnership with the Global Citizen Forum to host its prestigious annual summit.

RAS AL KHAIMAH SET TO DAZZLE THIS NEW YEAR’S EVE WITH AN ASTONISHING MUSICAL FIREWORK DISPLAY AND NEW GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ ATTEMPTS

All eyes on #RAKNYE2023 pyromusical extravaganza covering 4.7km set to welcome 2023

Images are available here

New Delhi, India, November 2022: Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), together with the Organising Committee of the Emirate’s New Year’s Eve celebration, is gearing up to welcome 2023 with a dazzling musical firework display and new GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ attempts.

Featuring pyro drones, nano lights, colors, and shapes choreographed to electric beats, #RAKNYE2023 will see a performance of fireworks light up the sky in a truly spectacular New Year’s celebration that cannot be missed. Covering a 4.7km stretch along the waterfront between Al Marjan Island and Al Hamra Village, visitors will be mesmerized by a jaw-dropping pyromusical, set to break new records once again.

Additionally, residents and tourists alike can enjoy a calendar packed full of family-friendly activities and events in the run-up to New Year’s Eve with a host of festivals running across the destination from November 15th to December 31st, 2022.

The Organising Committee, led by Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority and comprising teams from Ras Al Khaimah Police, Ras Al Khaimah Government Media Office, Ras Al Khaimah Chamber of Commerce, Marjan, Public Works, Ras Al Khaimah Municipality, Al Hamra and others, is leading the preparations for this year’s event. The Committee’s key focus will be the safety of the public, with all precautionary measures taken in coordination with the National Authority for Emergency, Crisis & Disaster Management, and the Ministry of Health & Prevention.

Ras Al Khaimah already holds a number of GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ for previous editions of its awe-inspiring New Year pyrotechnic display. Watched by thousands of viewers along the beachfront, the Emirate embraced 2022 with a breathtaking firework show, employing over 15,000 effects and 452 firework drones. With that, the astonishing 2022 display entered the record books with two new GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ titles for the ‘Most Remote Operated Multirotors/Drones Launching Fireworks Simultaneously’ and ‘Highest Altitude Multirotor/Drone Firework Display’.

HIGHLANDER TO RETURN TO RAS AL KHAIMAH REGISTRATION NOW OPEN FOR THE ULTIMATE LONG DISTANCE HIKING ADVENTURE

The second edition of HIGHLANDER’s specially designed two-and three-day hikes on Jebel Jais to take place 18 - 20 November

offering hikers and nature enthusiasts a thrilling adventure atop UAE’s highest peak

Gurugram, India, September 2022: Soaring rockscapes, rugged canyons, winding pathways and mesmerizing views of the Arabian Gulf – the Hajar Mountains are a breath-taking celebration of nature that makes hiking in Ras Al Khaimah truly unforgettable.

From 18 - 20 November, hikers at home and abroad have a unique opportunity to explore the secrets of the mountains with HIGHLANDER Ras Al Khaimah 2022. Taking place on the UAE’s longest developed hiking trail, the first adventure, HIGHLANDER55, is a 55km hike over three days (18 – 20 November 2022), while the HIGHLANDER Experience is a 30km two-day trek (19 – 20 November 2022). Both routes will offer exciting mental and physical challenges and the opportunity to take in the natural wonders of Ras Al Khaimah’s stunning mountain topography.

The second time the event has been held in the Emirate following the sell-out success of the first HIGHLANDER in November 2021, hikers will once again, in a backpacking fashion, carry everything they need to be self-sufficient and navigate through 100 kilometers of stunning hiking trails across Jebel Jais, the UAE’s highest peak. Encompassing 14 kilometers of newly developed and more challenging trails, including the new HIGHLANDER trail, which stands as the longest developed hiking trail in the UAE, the route will take hikers through Wadi Ghalila, making their way through the iconic ‘Stairway to Heaven’ trail for the ultimate hiking experience. Designed to be more challenging than the original trails, the new routes are divided into two sections; the lower segment connects the top of Jebel Jais to the lower trails, through the popular ‘Hidden Oasis’ spot, while the upper segment connects the various Jebel Jais trails to extend the longer distance routes. With safety as paramount, there will be numerous HIGHLANDER checkpoints supported by marshals and medical first aid stations.

In line with Ras Al Khaimah’s vision to become a sustainable tourism leader, HIGHLANDER’s global ethos follows the principles of sustainable tourism through its zero-waste policy. Each adventure will feature a ‘Leave No Trace’ workshop as well as educational sessions on ecology and sustainability to highlight the importance of protecting the Emirate’s natural environment and taking home only memories and stunning photographs. These talks will reinforce the nature-driven aspect of hiking, drawing awareness and appreciation of hikers towards the diverse natural landscape and the need to preserve it, as well as the rich culture of the Emirate.

Raki Phillips, Chief Executive Officer of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, said: “Ras Al Khaimah is well known as the nature Emirate, with its combination of sea, desert, and mountains. Drawing on this natural heritage, we’ve worked closely with the local community to preserve the surrounding ecosystem, resulting in some of the most developed hiking trails in the region. As leaders in global adventure, we welcome HIGHLANDER for the second year to revisit some of their favourite trails on Jebel Jais and to discover new paths of exploration.”

Fadi Hachicho, Managing Director of HIGHLANDER UAE and Founder of Adventurati Outdoor, said: “Last year’s HIGHLANDER event saw Ras Al Khaimah welcome 158 adventurers from the UAE and other European countries to explore the Emirate’s unique mountain ecosystem. I am so excited to host a second edition where, together with the Authority, we will immerse the HIGHLANDER community in the natural beauty of our Emirate, reinforce the wellbeing attributes of outdoor activities and show the importance of preserving nature for future generations.”

Registrations are now open at highlanderadventure.com/ras-al-khaimah/. Entries cost AED 1,300 and include three meals per day, transportation to the start point, transportation of one 60L/20kg bag to the finish point and Mountain Rescue service fee. Participants will all receive a HIGHLANDER finisher badge and certificate, ID, Bib number, map and an exclusive finish point celebration. For further details visit the website or the HIGHLANDER Instagram page.

To discover more exciting outdoor activities in the Emirate go to  visitrasalkhaimah.com and visitjebeljais.com or Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority’s Instagram, YouTube and Facebook pages.

LEADING PERSONALITIES TAKE OVER RAS AL KHAIMAH IN NEW GLOBAL BRAND CAMPAIGN

LEADING PERSONALITIES TAKE OVER RAS AL KHAIMAH IN NEW GLOBAL BRAND CAMPAIGN

  All-new digital-first campaign brings the Northern Emirate to life

New Delhi,May 2022: Marking the next chapter in its tourism expansion and overall growth, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RATKDA) unveils an all-new brand campaign at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2022.

Building on the successful launch of its new vision and brand identity at last year’s ATM, RAK Calling uses integrated social media platforms to follow a group of influencer friends as they discover the nature Emirate. In collaboration with renowned content creators from Europe and the Middle East, the digital-first campaign showcases the diversity of Ras Al Khaimah and a myriad of tourism experiences across its pristine beaches, lush mangroves, sprawling deserts and majestic mountains. Locations include the beautiful Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah and Jebel Jais, the UAE’s highest peak, with its iconic zipline, unique dining experience Puro 1484 and new and upcoming attractions Jais Wings, RAK Airventure, Jais Sledder and the Wingsuit Diving Platform taking center stage.  

Appealing to those who cherish responsible, meaningful and truly memorable experiences in the new era of travel, RAK Calling will resonate with those seeking ‘a sense of place’ and wanting to ‘live their moments.’ It joins several other leading and emerging destinations that have focused on purposeful, engaging content, including Iceland and New Zealand. Launched on May 9th, creative assets will be released in the Middle East and Europe across multiple languages via digital and social media channels.  

“This campaign marks an exciting next step in providing visitors with immersive content that not only highlights our iconic locations but also gives a sense of how Ras Al Khaimah can make you feel,” said Raki Phillips, Chief Executive Officer of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority. “We recognise how important different mediums are in creating something that can easily be understood and remembered by intended audiences. We saw this first-hand when we launched our new brand identity last year with a razor focused approach that was instrumental in helping us achieve almost pre-pandemic visitor numbers in 2021. With RAK Calling, we are on the cusp of the metaverse; it's an exciting new chapter in the destination’s virtual presence.”

He further added: “This campaign also represents other emerging destinations that don’t have large scale budgets but can creatively work with content makers to develop something super compelling and relevant to today’s audiences.”

The new campaign stars Egyptian actor Sherif Fayed (@sheriffayed) paragliding over the Hajar Mountains in a teaser for the soon-to-be launched Jais Wings experience, as well as Saudi mountaineer Raha Moharrak (@rahamoharrak) experiencing the thrill of the Jebel Jais Flight and UAE-based radio host Kris Fade (@krisfade) rock climbing at Bear Grylls Explorers Camp. Other highlights include:

·        'Emirati batman' Khalifa Al Ghafri (@khalifa_alghafri_uae), Dani Roman (@daniroman_) and Marco Fuerst (@fuerstmarco) gliding over Jebel Jais from the Wingsuit Diving Platform - the first base jump platform in the UAE recently opened for professional base jumpers and wing suit flyers

·        Dany Neville (@danyneville) hosting a DJ set whilst soaring over Ras Al Khaimah with RAK Airventure, the Emirate’s new tethered hot air balloon experience

·        Jessica Kahawaty (@jessicakahawaty) and Enjy Kiwan (@enjykiwan) taking on the mountain biking trails at Jebel Jais

·        Mad Shadz (@madshadz) conquering his fears on the Jais Sledder, the region’s longest toboggan run

·        Arabian Gazelles (@arabiangazelles) taking on the picturesque mountain roads and hairpin bends

·        German model and reality television star Fiona Erdmann (@fionaerdmann) enjoying the view from 1484 by Puro, the highest restaurant in the UAE

As part of its digital-first approach, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Authority has also unveiled two redesigned websites for the destination, reflecting the new brand identity announced last year. “We are constantly innovating to provide incredible and seamless experiences for our visitors, which starts even before they set foot in our beautiful Emirate. In the new era of travel, people research their destination in detail before making an informed choice. Our new websites give them a real feel for what our Emirate offers and provide both inspiration and details to make their visit truly memorable,” added Phillips.

To find out more about Ras Al Khaimah’s new campaign check out visitrasalkhaimah.com and visitjebeljais.com  or visit its social platforms Instagram, YouTube and Facebook. Alternatively, check out the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority stand at Arabian Travel Market, ME3310.