The new Al Hamra International Exhibition & Conference Centre has made its debut during the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference in Ras al Khaimah.

The new facility has opened as the most northerly of the United Arab Emirates seeks to boost its business travel credentials.

Benoy Kurien, group chief executive of Al Hamra Real Estate Development, said: “The Al Hamra International Exhibition & Conference Centre is a spectacular addition to the events venues in the UAE, and will further position Ras Al Khaimah’s credentials in hosting world-class events such as AHIC.

“Designed to meet the needs of every event organiser – from gala dinners, product launches, large exhibitions, destination weddings, private events and more – the centre will contribute to the MICE tourism sector of Ras Al Khaimah, supported by several world-class hotels in the immediate vicinity.

“The opening of the centre further supports the Destination Strategy 2019-21 to strengthen the tourism sector.”

With a total area of 4,500 square metres (about 48,500 square feet), the conference centre has a main hall set in an area of 2,700 sq m, perfect for hosting large-scale events including product launches and exhibitions as well as private events such as weddings and celebrations.

More than 2,500-3,000 people can be accommodated at the hall, which can also be effortlessly divided into separate halls for a range of events including gala dinners.

Designed and executed fully by Al Hamra, the Al Hamra International Exhibition & Conference Centre followed pre-fabricated construction to fast-track the completion, with only 120,000-manhours used.

Designed to high standards of sustainability, the centre has automated air-condition and lighting systems in addition to a stand-alone power generator to assure seamless operations.

Guests can take a virtual tour of the events space - powered by Virtual World - here.

It comes at an exciting time for Ras al Khaimah, which was last year recognised as the Middle East’s Leading Adventure Tourism Destination by voters at the World Travel Awards.

AHIC will see hundreds of hospitality leaders gather to evaluate the current state of the market in the Middle East and Africa during three days of meetings, seminars and presentations.

Ras al Khaimah itself will be seeking to attract investors as it continues to build momentum in the tourism sector.

Haitham Mattar, chief executive of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority said: “We are delighted to be hosting AHIC in Ras Al Khaimah for the second year following last year’s phenomenal success.

“AHIC will serve as a great platform for us to showcase Ras Al Khaimah’s new Destination Strategy as we aim to attract three million visitors by 2025.”

To find out more about visiting head over to the official website or check out the best the destination has to offer on Ras al Khaimah TV.