Delegates attending the 15th annual Arabian Hotel Investment Conference are being offered the chance to build something extraordinary in Ras Al Khaimah.

The competition, which aims to create a new resort that is unique to Ras Al Khaimah and the Middle East, is open to delegates registered to attend the event this year.

AHIC 2019 will take place at the AHIC Village in Ras Al Khaimah until April 11th.

It is held under the patronage of sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, ruler of Ras Al Khaimah

Sheikh Saud said: “We support projects and concepts that spark creativity and place Ras Al Khaimah at the forefront of the tourism sector.

“Sustained growth is already the hallmark of Ras Al Khaimah’s tourism industry and we seek to ensure this continues by utilising our strategic tourism plan to reach well-defined targets.”

Working in teams combining hotel designers and operators, entrants will have three months, up until July 2019, to prepare a preliminary concept vision supported by a high-level feasibility appraisal.

Entries will be judged on commercial feasibility, innovation and sustainability.

Three shortlisted operators will receive US$25,000 each as a contribution towards their final submission, due in November 2019, when the winner will be announced at an exclusive event.

The winning project will be allocated a coveted beachfront location.

The judging panel for the Grand RAK Project includes Abdullah Al Abdooli, chief executive of Marjan; David Daniels, director of architecture, SSH; Filippo Sona, managing director, global hospitality, Drees & Sommer; and Kevin Underwood, principal, HKS Hospitality Group.

For more information on The Grand RAK Project, visit the official website.