RAS AL KHAIMAH: The emirate will get at least 20 five star hotels and several other premium hotels and apartments within next five years, it was disclosed by RAK Tourism Authority yesterday.
The new hotels are expected to more than double the current supply of hotel rooms in the emirate, helping accommodate the projected 2.5 million tourists in the emirate by 2012.
The hotel brands launching their flagship projects include BanyanTree, which will operate two hotels, Jumeirah Group, Millennium Hotels, InterContinental Hotel Group, Rotana Group, The Luxury Collection and the Coral Hotel International. Al Hamra Hotels Management will also be developing new hotels and expanding its local operations.
From a current capacity of over 1,800 hotel rooms, the influx of new hotel developments - including at least 20 internationally renowned 5-star hotels - will deliver up to 3,700 new rooms by 2012. Moreover, RAK Tourism is bringing in a wide range of hotel brands with the aim of providing a diverse selection of speciality offerings and services to suit various tourist profiles.
"Hotel development has jumped to a new level in Ras Al-Khaimah as tourism activities continue to attract domestic, regional and international tourists to the emirate. It is also part of our strategy to keep watch for unique and innovative hotel operators in a bid to diversify our portfolio of hotels. There is still so much room for expansion in this sector and we are looking forward to establishing partnerships with more world-renowned hotel brands in the future," said Khater Massaad, CEO, Ras Al-Khaimah Investment Authority (RAKIA).
The new five-star hotels expected within the next few years will significantly beef up Ras Al Khaimah's formidable roster of 5-star hotels, which consists of the Al-Hamra Fort Hotel & Beach Resort, Al Hamra Village Townhouse & Golf Resort, Khatt Springs Hotel and Spa, Hilton Beach Resort & Spa, and Hilton Ras Al-Khaimah - collectively combining for nearly 1,000 5-star hotel rooms. Furthermore, Hilton will have another hotel due by December 2008, supplying an additional 325 top-class hotel rooms. On top of 5-star hotels, Ras Al Khaimah offers a premium selection of 4-star, 3-star and 2-star hotels and hotel apartments.
Meanwhile, Rakeen Company has launched 'Gateway', one of the biggest property and real estate projects in RAK. The "Gateway City" lays on Emirates Road between exits 119 and 122 alongside the road and behind the new World Trade Center in RAK.
Gateway City will provide 60 million feet for investment which will allow investors to build towers containing units with privileges of free ownership and possession for project investors from all nationalities.
