Ras Al Khaimah will triple the number of hotels as part of the aggressive expansion of its tourism sector which will see the creation of at least 25 new hotels in the emirate in the near future. The tourism sector of RAK has grown exponentially over the past two years ever since the government started implementing its new developmental vision pivoting mainly on tourism and industrial investments.

The completion of several mega tourism projects like the Al Hamra Village, Mina Al Arab, Al Marjan Island and the Saraya Islands will provide a quantum leap in the number of hotel rooms and leisure facilities available in the emirate.

‘Around 25 major hotel projects are under various stages of implementation in the emirate. Our strategy is to make Ras Al Khaimah a year round international tourist destination’, said Dr. Khater Massaad, Advisor to RAK Crown Prince and CEO of RAK Investment Authority (RAKIA) which is overseeing many major tourism projects. He said that the five star hotel projects would achieve completion within five years.

Among the leading hotel brands that are coming to RAK include Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts which will set up a luxury resort in Ras Al Khaimah.

Mina Al Arab, the AED 10 billion mega lifestyle development project of RAK Properties, which is currently underway in RAK, will feature a number of themed resort hotels and two eco-hotels that will provide an estimated 3,500 sumptuous rooms for tourists and visitors of the emirate.

The USD 1.5 billion ‘Saraya Islands’ project works will start off in Ras Al Khaimah in October 2006 and will add up another four five- star hotels and leisure facilities to the emirate’s tourism offerings. The Saraya Islands project is a joint initiative of the RAK Government, Saraya Holdings and Arab Bank.

The Maurizio Papiri designed 450 room Al Hamra Palace is under construction and will be operational by late 2007. The hotel combines the distinctive splendour and opulence of traditional Arabic architecture and the slick sophistication to meet modern day needs and will be a benchmark for consummate luxury.

The hotel is built on a ground floor area of 15,000 sq. metres with a total built-up area exceeding 130,000 sq. metres. It will have 22 floors and the total height is set at 116 metres.
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