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Ras Al Khaimah

Ras Al Khaimah Unveils Megaproject on Falcon Island

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Ras Al Khaimah Unveils Megaproject on Falcon Island - TRAVELINDEX - VISITRASALKHAIMAH.net

Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates, March 22, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Ras Al Khaimah developer Al Hamra unveiled a Dh1 billion ($272 million) residential project as it taps into a broader recovery in the UAE’s property market. The new project, named Falcon Island, will be built within Al Hamra Village, a residential community that contains a mall, a yacht club and hotels, the company said on Wednesday.

• For a comprehensive travel and tourism guide on RAK and UAE go to VisitRasAlKhaimah.net

“This mega-development will further underscore Al Hamra and Ras Al Khaimah’s credentials as a multicultural, safe and progressive destination for its residents, investors and visitors,” group chief executive Benoy Kurien said.

Construction is set to begin in the second quarter of this year and will be completed in 24 to 28 months, Mr Kurien told The National in an interview.

The project will have 501 villas ranging from two- to seven-bedroom units, with prices starting from Dh1.2m.

The launch of the new project comes as the UAE’s property market continues to recover from the coronavirus-induced slowdown. The market has received a boost from new government initiatives such as residency for remote workers and retirees, as well as the expansion of the 10-year golden visa programme.

The UAE’s measures to stem the spread of the pandemic, such as widespread testing and an effective vaccination programme, have also helped the property market to recover.

Al Hamra is seeking to take advantage of the post-Covid lifestyle trend where people are looking to lead a less stressful life in a relaxed atmosphere, Mr Kurien said.

“A lot of employers are offering flexible working hours, so people don’t have to go to offices as much as they needed to go pre-Covid, and the infrastructure connecting the emirates is very good,” he said.

“So, we are looking for small families who want to move from the hustle and bustle of city life to a more leisurely and relaxed atmosphere in Ras Al Khaimah, and young families who want to buy a home at an affordable price yet have an exclusive island living [experience].”

Along with a focus on buyers from the UAE, the company is also seeking investors from India, Commonwealth of Independent States, Africa and the GCC.

“We already did a pre-launch [sale of the Falcon Island project] exclusively to our broker partners and managed to sell everything we launched,” Mr Kurien said. The new project is part of the company’s five-year strategy unveiled earlier this month, which will result in Dh1bn being invested between 2023 and 2027 to boost its market presence.

“Some of this will be deployed in building new assets, some of it will be deployed in refurbishing and upgrading existing assets and some of it will be deployed in optimising some of the services we offer,” Mr Kurien said.

Al Hamra will also be announcing a new apartment project in the coming weeks, he said. Last month, the developer sold its Al Hamra Mall in Ras Al Khaimah to Abu Dhabi’s Aldar Properties in a deal worth Dh410m.

“Aldar has great plans for the mall, for its development, refurbishment and for its growth, and it fits in well for the overall narrative of Ras Al Khaimah … we are proud that we were able to attract investment from a developer like Aldar.”

The company is also planning to work with other developers or investment companies to jointly develop “both greenfield and brownfield developments in future”, he said, without revealing further details.

On the outlook for the UAE’s property sector, Mr Kurien remains confident that the country will continue to attract investment due to the government’s new initiatives.

• For a comprehensive travel and tourism guide on RAK and UAE go to VisitRasAlKhaimah.net

“The UAE has always been an attractive destination for investors because of safety [and] security. Now, with the changing laws on residency, especially with golden visas … those are all game changers for the UAE and I am very bullish about inward real estate investment into the UAE — at least for the next five to 10 years.

“Ras Al Khaimah will also benefit from this and the increase in population will have a ripple effect on shopping malls and hotels,” he said.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Casino Operator Wynn Plans Ras Al Khaimah Resort with Gaming Facilities

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Casino Operator Wynn Plans Ras Al Khaimah Resort with Gaming Facilities - VISITRASALKHAIMAH.net - TRAVELINDEXRas Al Khaimah, UAE, January 27, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Marjan, RAK Hospitality Holding and Wynn Resorts, Limited, the US-listed international developer and operator of luxury resorts, have announced a multibillion-dollar integrated resort development on the man-made Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates.

• For a comprehensive travel and tourism guide on RAK and UAE go to VisitRasAlKhaimah.net

The spectacular Al Marjan Island, already a leading tourism destination, is only 15 minutes from the Ras Al Khaimah International Airport and 45 minutes from the Dubai International Airport. Comprising four islands, Al Marjan Island delights visitors with over 7.8 kilometers of sparkling beaches and 23 kilometers of waterfront in addition to world-class hotels and residential developments.

Al Marjan Island spans an area of 2.7 million sqm of reclaimed land extending into the Arabian Gulf. The new integrated resort on one of the exclusive islands, which covers an area of almost 250,000 sqm, will offer a pristine setting with spectacular views of the Arabian Gulf as well as sandy beaches and a marina. The development is the first beach resort being developed by Wynn Resorts globally. The current scope includes a 1,000+ room hotel, high-end shopping mall, a state-of-the-art meeting and convention facility, an exclusive spa, more than 10 restaurants and lounges, a wide array of entertainment choices, a gaming area, and other amenities.

The integrated resort will be developed with significant foreign direct investment by Wynn Resorts. As the largest project of its kind in the Emirate’s growing hospitality sector, it will create substantial value to the local economy by accelerating tourism, creating jobs, and energising the growth of related sectors. Set to be completed in 2026, the entire project will be developed to the highest standards of sustainability best practices.

Eng. Abdulla Al Abdooli, CEO of Marjan, said the new integrated resort highlights the fast-growing recognition of Ras Al Khaimah as a leading investment destination for high-quality hospitality projects. “The integrated development, featuring a world-class hotel, entertainment and gaming amenities, will add to the Emirate’s destination strategy to attract tourists from across the world. We are partnering with Wynn Resorts, one of the world’s most renowned integrated resort companies, which has a strong track record of developing luxury destinations with exceptional accommodation, dining, entertainment concepts and gaming facilities. By leveraging Wynn Resorts’ expertise in developing luxury hospitality destinations, the new development will raise the benchmark in luxury hospitality in the region. It will also create exceptional value to the Ras Al Khaimah economy and boost the leisure, business, and MICE tourism sectors.”

Craig Billings, newly appointed CEO of Wynn Resorts, said: “Al Marjan Island is a pristine setting and an ideal greenfield location for us to create the one-of-a-kind guest experiences for which Wynn Resorts is renowned. The region offers tremendous potential for the hospitality and tourism industry, and we are excited about the prospect of developing an integrated resort in Ras Al Khaimah.”

• For a comprehensive travel and tourism guide on RAK and UAE go to VisitRasAlKhaimah.net

The new resort is in the initial stages of design and development and will be applying for an integrated resort licence from Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority.

About Marjan
Marjan is the master-developer of freehold property in Ras Al Khaimah (the GCC Tourism Capital), responsible for path-breaking developments aimed at positioning Ras Al Khaimah as one of the region’s leading tourism and investment destinations. Mandated with developing waterfront, urban and mountain destinations that will add to the competitiveness of the emirate, Marjan’s strategic master-planning approach is to leverage Ras Al Khaimah’s natural assets and lay the foundations of the emirate’s future expansions. Through its world-class master-planned communities in Ras Al Khaimah, Marjan attracts foreign investment as well as international visitors and positions the emirate as a strong investment and tourism hub.

About Wynn Resorts
Wynn Resorts, Limited is traded on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the ticker symbol WYNN and is part of the S&P 500 Index. Wynn Resorts designed, owns and operates Wynn Las Vegas, Encore Boston Harbor, Wynn Macau, and Wynn Palace, Cotai.

Wynn and Encore Las Vegas features 4,748 spacious hotel rooms, suites and villas, 33 dining experiences and bars, two award-winning spas, three shopping esplanades, meeting and convention space, two nightclubs, a beach club, two theaters and a golf course. Nearly 70% of the resort’s peak demand is powered entirely by renewable energy. Encore Boston Harbor is a luxury resort with 671 hotel rooms, an ultra-premium spa, specialty shopping, 16 dining and lounge venues, state-of-the-art ballroom and meeting spaces, a six-acre public park and Harborwalk. Wynn Macau is a luxury resort located in the Macau Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China with 1,010 spacious rooms and suites, 12 dining and bar experiences, convention space, a shopping esplanade, two opulent spas, a salon and a rotunda show. Wynn Palace is a luxury integrated resort on the Cotai Strip in Macau, with 1,706 exquisite rooms, suites and villas, 14 food and beverage outlets, meeting and convention space, an extensive shopping esplanade, SkyCabs that traverse an eight-acre Performance Lake, a lush spa and salon, and an extensive collection of rare art.

About RAK Hospitality Holding
RAK Hospitality Holding is an integrated hospitality and leisure company, owning, operating and asset managing a diverse portfolio of of hotels, hospitality and leisure assets. Its activities include hotel development and ownership; logistics and the provision of both hospitality accommodation and transportation; asset management and advisory; and development and operation of leisure and entertainment assets.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Start-Up Innovation Camp Promotes Sustainable Tourism & Honours Start-Ups

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Start-Up Innovation Camp Promotes Sustainable Tourism & Honours Start-Ups - TRAVELINDEXRas Al Khaimah, UAE, January 22, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, and organised by the World Tourism Forum Lucerne, the international Start-up Innovation Camp & Summit was held in Ras Al Khaimah on 18th and 19th January 2022. Steps towards a more sustainable future for tourism were discussed in workshops and a public conference with 150 participants. Twelve start-ups, which had to qualify in an intense competition, were also invited to showcase their innovative ideas for moving the travel and hospitality industries forward. The best four of them were presented with an award.

The World Tourism Forum Lucerne entered into a strategic partnership with the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) three years ago. This was done not only because Ras Al Khaimah is the fastest-growing tourist destination in the Middle East but also, and in particular, because the visionary emirate is engaged in numerous initiatives designed to make it a regional market leader in sustainable tourism by 2025. It was therefore entirely fitting that the emirate should put itself forward to host the internationally minded Start-up Innovation Camp & Summit, where innovations for more sustainable tourism are encouraged and promoted.

Commenting on the event, Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, said: “We pride ourselves on being a dynamic and forward-looking Emirate, eager to adapt and embrace the changes required for the future success not only of the tourism industry but the wider business landscape. It is our goal in Ras Al Khaimah to nurture a tourism industry which is economically, environmentally, and socially sustainable and we place a huge importance on fostering growth and development of start-ups within the Emirate to help achieve that vision.” Adding: “The WTLF start-up innovation summit was a great platform to cultivate an inclusive and productive forum to encourage innovation for future generations and drive positive change across the industry. I feel enthusiastic and hopeful for the dialogue we have started at this summit and for the future of tourism.”

International experts
The public conference attracted many high-calibre experts from all over the world, who came to share their expertise in fascinating talks and debate the future of tourism together. For instance, Samih Sawiris, member of the board of directors of Orascom Development Holding, revealed what he looks out for when investing in a start-up and explained that customers also need to learn that sustainability has its price. John Scanlon, chair of the Global Initiative to End Wildlife Crime, spoke about the many endangered species of animals in the world, why a loss of biodiversity is also a threat to humanity and how we can support the diversity of animal life. And Michael O’Shea, founder and owner of the international investment firm Kerten Group, highlighted the importance of networks such as that of the WTFL and of cultivating contacts with people, including young talent.

Getting start-ups integrated into the industry in this way is also a top priority for Martin Barth, President and CEO of WTFL: “In this fast-changing world, it’s more important than ever to bring start-ups with their new business model together with investors, but also with established companies. This is the only way we’ll transform the tourism industry into something more sustainable that is capable of surviving in the long term even when faced with a constant stream of new trends and new needs, like it is at the moment.”

Start-ups with groundbreaking ideas
The twelve top start-ups that were invited along had previously been picked by a panel of experts, having had to fight off over 400 competitors from 74 countries in a fierce qualifying round. The Innovation Camp gave them the opportunity to take part in a range of workshops and get one-to-one coaching in areas such as fundraising, marketing and sales, as well as presentation and communication skills.

They also benefited from the chance to talk directly to the tourist industry heavyweights that were at the event and succeeded in impressing their audience with their ideas and business models. The best performers were crowned the four winners, who received a sum of prize money plus entry into the World Tourism Forum Lucerne’s global network of start-ups:

– Aguardio (“Hospitality” category) has developed interactive, Internet-enabled sensors that help reduce water and energy consumption in bathrooms without sacrificing comfort or convenience.
– Tashi (“Transaction” category) offers a no-code tool that, for instance, enables individual tourist regions – even without any knowledge of coding – to create their own digital marketplace where all available offers can be integrated and viewed by customers.
– PashooPakshee (“Destination” category) lets local artisans and communities in remote areas sell their hand-crafted souvenirs in tourist hotspots.
– Spark (“Mobility”) makes car parks easier to use by allowing vehicles to be checked in and out in a contact- and paperless process and parking charges to be paid directly via a mobile app.

Ongoing screening of start-ups
WTFL regularly holds national and international Innovation Camps, such as the one in Ras Al Khaimah, to promote the best start-ups and give them a platform. This is possible thanks to the ongoing screening of fledgling companies that has led WTFL to build up an unparalleled network of start-ups over the years. With its Dealflow tool, WTFL has also created a digital platform that makes it even easier to bring young talent together with investors, CEOs and other individuals with industry experience. This is because, in tourism like in many other sectors, the success stories of tomorrow will be built on innovative business models, agility and strong partnerships.

More WTFL events in Ras Al Khaimah
On the back of the highly promising partnership between WTFL and Ras Al Khaimah, the emirate will also be hosting two more major events in 2022. The first of these is the “Talent Boost”, which will be all about how the industry can attract and retain enough talented individuals and how the new issues that tourism is having to contend with can be tackled in training and apprenticeships. The second event will see the “WTFL Think Tank” assemble in Ras Al Khaimah, where leading personalities from the worlds of politics, business and academia will discuss key topics of the future. This time, the focus will be on biodiversity.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

PATA Annual Summit 2022 to Bring Global Travel Leaders to UAE

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PATA Annual Summit 2022 to Bring Global Travel Leaders to UAE - TRAVELINDEXRas Al Khaimah, UAE, January 1, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) announces the next PATA Annual Summit will be held live and in-person from March 22 – 25, 2022 in Ras Al Khaimah, the northern most Emirate in the United Arab Emirates.

The event will be the first time that the not-for-profit travel trade association, which serves government, tourism offices, hotels, airlines and other travel-related companies with interests in the Asia Pacific region, will host its Annual Summit in West Asia. Hosted by Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), the four-day event will lead a global forum on sustainable growth and the value and quality of tourism today, bringing together international thought leaders, industry shapers and senior decision-makers who are invested in driving tourism to, from and within the Asia Pacific region.

Comprising of a conference elements, experiential networking sessions, the PATA Executive Board and Board Meeting, and Annual General Meeting, the four-day Summit will be hosted in various locations across the Emirate, including the Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah, The Ritz-Carlton Al Wadi Desert and Al Hamra International Exhibition & Conference Center. Exploring the theme ‘Reconnecting the World’, the program will provide a platform for PATA’s public and private sector members and partners to convene on critical industry topics, including destination recovery strategies, sustainability and resilience, human capital development and innovation.

Additionally, PATA delegates will visit Expo 2020 to gain insight on the sustainability, innovation and design best practices around the world, including PATA Destination Members’ pavilions.

“We are honoured to be working with Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority in bringing together our industry network to discuss opportunities and best practices to enable recovery and sustainable growth,” said PATA CEO Liz Ortiguera. “Next year’s event programme, under the theme ‘Reconnecting the World’, will take on a format that is more experiential, will maximize in-person connections and engage an appreciation for this beautiful destination plus the unique opportunity to experience Expo 2020. I invite all of our members, partners, Chapter members and industry colleagues to join us for this long-awaited opportunity.”

Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, added “We are delighted to host the Pacific Asia Travel Association Summit for the first time in 2022. We look forward to productive talks and insights from industry leaders on critical topics shaping the industry today. As we continue to navigate through an ever-changing tourism landscape, it is even more critical to facilitate these important discussions and share key learnings. Being selected as the host destination is a testament to our destination recovery and resilience, sustainable initiatives and experience in hosting world-class events.”

Considered as the fastest growing destination in the Middle East, Ras Al Khaimah set a global benchmark by being the first city in the world to be certified safe by the ‘SafeGuard Label’ from Bureau Veritas and the ‘Safe Travels Stamp’ from the World Travel and Tourism Council. It was also named the ‘Gulf Tourism Capital’ for both 2020 and 2021 by the Gulf Cooperation Council.

With over 7,000 years of fascinating history, traditions and culture, Ras Al Khaimah promises an authentic and easily accessible Arabian experience. A haven of year-round sunshine, the Emirate features pristine beaches, lush mangroves and terracotta dunes, as well as fertile, green oases and the dramatic, awe-inspiring vistas of the majestic Hajjar mountains. From cultural escapes to eco-tourism and adrenaline-fueled adventures to beach retreats, Ras Al Khaimah caters to a full suite of travellers. The unique natural beauty of the Emirate, combined with its world-class tourism infrastructure and portfolio of global hospitality brands, makes it the perfect destination for both leisure and adventure travel as well as for business travellers.

About PATA
Founded in 1951, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is a not-for-profit membership association that acts as a catalyst for the responsible development of travel and tourism to, from and within the Asia Pacific region. The Association provides aligned advocacy, insightful research and innovative events to its more than 650 member organisations, including 82 government, state and city tourism bodies, 14 international airlines and airports, 71 hospitality organisations and 75 educational institutions, as well as thousands of young tourism professional (YTP) members across the world. The PATA network also embraces the grassroots activism the PATA Chapters and Student Chapters, who organise numerous travel industry training programmes and business development events across the world. Thousands of travel professionals belong to the 32 local PATA Chapters worldwide, while hundreds of students are members of the 28 PATA Student Chapters globally. The PATAmPOWER platform delivers unrivalled data, forecasts and insights from the PATA Strategic Intelligence Centre to members’ desktops and mobile devices anywhere in the world. PATA’s Head Office has been in Bangkok since 1998. The Association also has official offices or representation in Beijing and London.

About Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA)
The Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) was established in May 2011 under the government of Ras Al Khaimah. RAKTDA aims to develop the Emirate’s tourism infrastructure and establish Ras Al Khaimah as a world-class destination for leisure and business travel, creating sustainable investment opportunities and enhancing the quality of life for its residents. In order to achieve its goals, the Authority has a government mandate to license, regulate and monitor the Emirate’s tourism and hospitality industry.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Ras Al Khaimah Host to Next International Start-up Innovation Camp and Summit

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Ras Al Khaimah Host to Next International Start-up Innovation Camp and Summit - TRAVELINDEXLucerne, Switzerland, December 20, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / World Tourism Forum Lucerne’s next International Start-up Innovation Camp & Summit will take place from 18-19 January 2022 in Ras Al Khaimah. The two-day event will include a series of private workshops (Camp) in addition to a public conference (Summit) with a line-up of insightful panel discussions. The aim of the event is to advance innovation for a more sustainable future in the tourism industry. Ras Al Khaimah, the most northerly Emirate, is considered as the fastest growing destination in the Middle East, placing great value on sustainability and innovation by implementing a number of progressive initiatives. For this reason, World Tourism Forum Lucerne (WTFL) entered into a strategic partnership with Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) three years ago.

The strategic partnership with RAKTDA allows World Tourism Forum Lucerne to bring several of its industry initiatives, such as the Talent Boost, the Think Tank and the Start-up Innovation Camp & Summit to Ras Al Khaimah. “Innovations are a significant driver in the post-pandemic recovery phase. That’s why our initiatives aim to advance innovations in the travel, tourism and hospitality sector and facilitate a cross-industry dialogue”, explains Martin Barth, President and CEO of WTFL.

Raki Phillips, CEO of RAKTDA, added: “We are honoured to host the International Start-up Innovation Camp & Summit with World Tourism Forum Lucerne. This event comes at a pivotal time as we focus on becoming a regional leader in sustainable tourism by 2025. Our culture of innovation, resilience and being a first mover in many areas makes us the perfect destination to foster the growth of start-ups within the Emirate. We look forward to welcoming innovators and investors who will drive positive change in sustainability across the industry.”

Continuous Start-up Screening
Through its continuous screening of start-ups over the years, WTFL has built up a unique start-up network and holds regular national and international Start-up Innovation Camps. Furthermore, with its Dealflow Tool, WTFL has created a digital platform that makes it even easier to connect young talents with the expertise of industry professionals, investors and CEOs. In the tourism industry, it’s innovative business models, agile thinking and strong partnerships form the foundations of tomorrow’s success stories.

International Industry Network
Twelve start-ups were chosen from over 400 applicants and given the unique opportunity to participate in the two-day Start-up Innovation Camp. In addition to receiving personal coaching sessions, the start-ups also have the opportunity to present their business models to the jury, an audience of international guests and interested investors. The best start-ups from the four categories Destination, Hospitality, Mobility and Transaction will also be awarded a cash prize and invited to join World Tourism Forum Lucerne’s start-up network.

Sign up for free today: Be there in person when the industry’s best start-ups present their business models and watch exciting panels Start-up Innovation Summit at DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah on 19th January 2022 from 2pm.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News