Ras Al Khaimah: a leading events destination
With an impressive range of venues and experiences, Ras Al Khaimah is fast becoming a leading MICE hub in the region, building on a strong portfolio of successful events
Ras Al Khaimah is the nature Emirate, known for its rich history, dating back 7,000 years, and diverse landscape, from 64km of pristine beaches to terracotta deserts and an imposing mountain backdrop. The Emirate is home to the highest peak in the UAE, Jebel Jais, standing at 1,934m and featuring the world’s longest zipline at almost 3km.
Ras Al Khaimah’s popularity also stems from the increasing ease with which it can be reached. Ideally located between the east and the west, the UAE is home to the largest number of international airports within proximity to Europe, Asia, Africa and Ras Al Khaimah is a mere 45-minutes away from Dubai International Airport by road.
Event facilities
Ras Al Khaimah has positioned itself as a leading MICE destination in the region, hosting several prestigious international and regional events. Its facilities include the Al Hamra International Exhibition & Conference Centre, Ras Al Khaimah Exhibition Centre, dedicated outdoor event venues in Jebel Jais and extensive facilities across the Emirate’s portfolio of hotels such as Ritz Carlton, Al Wadi Desert, Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah, Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Beach Resort, Movenpick Resort Al Marjan Island, Radisson Resort Ras Al Khaimah Marjan Island, Rixos Bab Al Bahr, InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Resort and Spa and cultural sites including Dhayah Fort and Al Jazirah Al Hamra heritage village.
Hosted events
Ras Al Khaimah has a strong track-record in hosting big events, emerging stronger from the pandemic and putting in place measures to ensure the safety of guests and participants at large-scale MICE events. This is underlined by the Emirate twice hosting the Arab Aviation Summit at the Al Hamra International Exhibition & Conference Centre and confirming its return in 2023, the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference (AHIC) and the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Leadership Summit. After hosting the Global Citizen Forum’s acclaimed annual summit in 2021, Ras Al Khaimah looks forward to welcoming back this prestigious event in November 2022 bringing together some of the world’s leading minds including country leaders, philanthropists, activists, acclaimed artists, athletes, entrepreneurs and top-tier economists.
The Emirate has also hosted several associations such as the Schweizer Reise-Verband’s (Swiss Travel Association’s) first annual General Assembly since the pandemic, welcoming 180 leading Swiss travel agents and tour operators, the World Tourism Forum Lucerne’s International Start-up Innovation Summit and is set to host The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) in October 2022, marking the first time that the not-for-profit travel trade association has hosted its Annual Summit in West Asia.
Incentive travel
This year, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority announced new progressive initiatives to support their meetings, incentive, conference and event offering, further strengthening the Emirate's position on the international map. These include:
- Flexible rates at Al Hamra International Exhibition and Conference Centre (2,700 sqm)
- Incentive Programme (rebates available on accommodation subject to Ts&Cs)
- Waive of Permit fees
- Free PCR Test for delegation
- Free extension of hotel stay and meal plan for those who test COVID positive
- Free medical coverage for those who need medical attention at Ras Al Khaimah hospital
- Reduced delegate rates attractions
“With our impressive portfolio of hotels offering an array of first-rate meeting and events facilities, plus our world-class Al Hamra Exhibition Centre, specifically designed to provide a new level of flexibility to host all types of events, Ras Al Khaimah is perfectly suited for the MICE travel sector. With high profile and successful events behind us, we are focused on further strengthening the appeal of the Emirate within this segment and look forward to welcoming even more business travellers in 2022,” said Iyad Rasbey, Executive Director, Destination Tourism Development at Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority.
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