Offering magnificent landscapes, breath-taking coastlines, rich desert plains, and the highest mountain peak in the UAE, Jebel Jais, combined with ancient history, Ras Al Khaimah has firmly established itself as one of the most authentic destinations in the Middle East. Iyad Rasbey, Executive Director, Destination Tourism Development, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), is excited to welcome Indian tourists and business travellers to their stunning destination while looking forward to forging new partnerships, campaigns, and collaborations.
Prashant Nayak
India is among the top five source markets for Ras Al Khaimah, and the Emirate is continuously looking at ways to increase arrivals from India.
RAKTDA, representing the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah in the UAE, hosted its first in-person event in India earlier this month since the onset of the pandemic. The Destination Tourism Development and MICE team, alongside a number of hospitality representatives from Ras Al Khaimah, presented the leisure offerings of the destination as well as updates that position Ras Al Khaimah as an attractive MICE and wedding destination for the India market.
Iyad says, “We are excited to be back in India. As we enter into a recovery year, we are taking the opportunity to update our trade partners on the importance of safety and peace of mind travel to Ras Al Khaimah alongside everything the destination has to offer from nature, adventure to world class hotel brands, destination weddings and more.”
Currently, fully vaccinated passengers arriving in the country no longer require PCR tests. Vaccinated visitors must carry a valid proof of vaccination. Unvaccinated visitors must provide a negative RT-PCR test issued no more than 48 hours before departure. RAKTDA has also recently announced the roll-out of AED 65 return RT- PCR test in Ras Al Khaimah for any visitors requiring a test to return home, as well as complimentary extended stays for those testing positive for COVID-19 on return were not covered by insurance and booked through a DMC or tour operator.
Indian nationals arriving in the UAE will need to apply for a prearranged visit visa. They can apply for a Service Visa (14 days), Tourist Visa (30 days) or Visit Visa (up to 90 days). This can be easily organised via airlines such as Emirates, FlyDubai, Etihad Airways and Air Arabia, hotels or travel partners with whom they have booked a trip. UAE residents (friends or relatives) can also apply on the visitor’s behalf, subject to guidelines.
Just 45 minutes from the busy metropolis of Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah is the fastest growing and most diverse Emirate in the UAE. With over 7,000 years of fascinating history and culture, Ras Al Khaimah is the perfect getaway from everyday life. A haven of year-round sunshine, Ras Al Khaimah features pristine beaches, lush mangroves and terracotta dunes, as well as the dramatic, awe-inspiring vistas of the majestic Hajar mountains. “This enables us to cater to a full suite of travellers, from cultural escapes to eco-tourism and adrenaline-fueled adventures to beach retreats. The unique natural beauty of the Emirate has proven extremely appealing for those looking to relax and unwind in a seeking safe and expansive destination,” assures Iyad.
Ras Al Khaimah also offers its visitors the best in hospitality, with a wide choice of accommodation – from ultra-luxurious beach resorts managed by some of the most notable names in the business to the family-friendly city- and beach resorts. With over 7,000 keys available, the Emirate has world-class hotels and resorts, including properties such as Waldorf Astoria, Hilton, Rixos, Rotana, The Ritz-Carlton and many others. Most recently, the InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Mina Al Arab Resort & Spa opened its doors, the first property of the luxury brand in Ras Al Khaimah, offering a range of rooms, suites, and private pool villas.
Highlighting more about the offerings and attractions, Iyad says, “Over the past years, RAKTDA has unveiled a series of exciting sustainable adventure projects on Jebel Jais, cementing its standing as the adventure hub of the Middle East. The Bear Grylls Explorers Camp made its regional debut on Jebel Jais, offering the world’s first Bear Grylls Branded accommodation. In addition to the Jais Adventure Park attractions, thrill-seekers can enjoy a rush of adrenaline while hiking, climbing, backpacking, abseiling, and canyoning, all with the support of adventure tour companies that provide certified and knowledgeable outdoor guides.”
Efforts are also underway to re-attract MICE and wedding travel. Ras Al Khaimah has strong credentials in this space, having already hosted several large destinations weddings this year. “We have a strong pipeline for the rest of the year and we anticipate increased interest in our Emirate, particularly for destination weddings, with travel restrictions from India continuing to lift. As part of our efforts to strengthen our position in the market, we have increased our budget in India to promote our destination in-market and grow all travel segments from leisure, families, business to MICE and weddings,” concludes Iyad.
