The Emirate of Ras al Khaimah has long been one of the most understated yet revered of the United Arab Emirates. Without the star-studded attractions intrinsic to Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Ras al Khaimah has made a name for itself as a destination for tourists and business owners alike. Driven by the work of His Highness Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ras Al Khaimah continues to weather the storm introduced by COVID-19 despite flagging real estate numbers. Marketing experts in Ras Al Khaimah have all agreed that 2020 might have represented a bottoming out of the real estate market with clearer conditions ahead.
While it will be tough to forecast where the real estate industry is going to go in 2021 as the world continues to develop and adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic, we can take a closer look at the direction that His Highness has been pushing the RAK government toward by breaking down their recent reports and major decisions.
Ras Al Khaimah Looks to Refreshed Real Estate Market
Real estate investors and analysts in Ras Al Khaimah called 2020 one of the worst ‘down years’ in recent memory. Known for bottoming out, investors and analysts alike are looking for real change in 2021 as hope for a refreshed industry takes hold.
A Dh2.7 BILLION property development initiative was introduced through the RAK Real Estate Company to start the year, thus inspiring potential for major moves within the property development world. The now publicly traded company will aim to carry out a huge renovation in Ras Al Khaimah as they continue to sell shares to take in the new value. Among some of their first goals will be to develop the Mangrove Project (Dh2.7 billion) which will aim to cover more than 700k square meters. The Ras Al Khaimah government has already invested heavily into this real estate development team.
Unlike the other members of the UAE, Ras Al Khaimah has long required looking to sectors outside of the energy industry to continue making major profits. Without the additional oil reserves that the other members of the UAE were blessed with, Ras Al Khaimah has been forced to take a winding road toward financial solutions for rehabilitating its economy during COVID-19. One of the other restorative aspects of the Ras Al Khaimah economy is the tourism sector.
Ras Al Khaimah Will Look to Tourism Again
While the real estate industry will be watched over like a hawk by the RAK Government, it will be far from the only industry garnering headlines in the new COVID-19 dominated world that we all live in and share. One of the ways that Ras Al Khaimah will seek to regain some semblance of normalcy again is by pumping up and boosting the tourism industry.
The Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAK TDA) was first established in May of 2011 as a government entity to promote, develop, and profit from tourism infrastructure both at home and abroad. One of the most important government agencies under the rule of His Highness, the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority board has been uniquely busy for the past decade or so, raising Ras Al Khaimah’s profile as an international destination along the way.
For potential travelers to visit Ras Al Khaimah when airlines are operating as normal again, it might help to plan out your trip to better maximize your visit. Ras Al Khaimah may be one of the lesser talked about of the United Arab Emirates, but that doesn’t mean that RAK doesn’t have something to offer to everyone who comes and visits.
Let’s take a look at a typical itinerary that visitors will want to build from when planning their adventure to Ras Al Khaimah.
1) Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization – A necessary visit for individuals looking for cultural enrichment as developed by the peoples of Ras Al Khaimah. The Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization features not only a stunning museum built upon modern and technological design ambitions but also a delicious cafe and a miniature cinema for themed movies. To taste culture, great food, and luxurious entertainment all at once be sure to check out Sharjah.
2) Ruus Al Jibal Mountains – Natural sites are the foundation of every fruitful trip to Ras Al Khaimah. The Ruus Al Bjibal Mountain Range offers a fantastic zip lining experience that will leave you flying at speeds exceeding 2.83km. Of course, great views aren’t simply beholden to ziplines as tourists can drive or hike a variety of thrilling trails throughout the mountain range. Bring your camera, some sunblock, and your favorite pair of sunglasses for what will be an enriching experience.
3)Sheba’s Palace – ALso known locally by the name Qas Al Zabba, this ancient site is said to be anywhere from 500 years to 1000 years old. The legendary site was erected long before the Queen of Sheba was ever able to grace its presence. Yet for all of the folklore that has gone back and forth culturally, visitors will enjoy the splendid vista views and the unique ‘lost in time’ feel that the entire area presents.
4) Bedouin Oasis Camp – Let’s round out our visit to Ras Al Khaimah by spending time living the Bedouin way of life, well, or at least an approximation of it. The Bedouin Oasis Camp offers artwork, camel rides, belly dancers, fire dancing, and a sampling of tasty Arabic food. The trip might seem ostentatious and touristy at a glance, but this is as close a sample of traditional life that visitors to RAK are going to find. Enjoy music, food, and culture with a relaxing night beneath the stars.
Ras Al Khaimah is a unique and wondrous destination for all sorts of traveling enthusiasts. Most tourists will fly in through Dubai at an airport roughly one hour away from Ras Al Khaimah. As the country continues to open up following the COVID-19 pandemic, look for more and more cultural enrichment and tourism destinations to open their doors as well!
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