Ras Al Khaimah. Ras Al Khaimah.

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) has stepped up activities to attract greater number of Saudi Arabian visitors to the emirate.

During the first nine months of this year, RAKTDA reported an upturn of 18% in the number of Saudi visitors staying in Ras Al Khaimah’s hotels, compared to the same period in 2015.

Moreover, for September, Saudi visitors to Ras Al Khaimah increased by 39%, compared to September 2015.

RAKTDA CEO Haitham Mattar commented: “The UAE is already a very popular choice for Saudi tourists, and we are rapidly establishing Ras Al Khaimah as an exciting new destination for visitors from the Kingdom. Located only 45 minutes’ drive from Dubai International Airport, Ras Al Khaimah is gearing up to welcome even more Saudi tourists who choose to visit the emirate as both a standalone holiday and as an add-on to their Dubai trip.”

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RAKTDA hosted a travel trade roadshow in Saudi Arabia this week in partnership with Emirates Airline. More than 85 key stakeholders from the Saudi travel trade attended the roadshow, which comprised awareness workshops for the travel trade in Jeddah and Riyadh.

“With 64 kilometres of pristine coastline amongst its many natural and cultural treasures, Ras Al Khaimah is a desirable choice for the UAE and GCC market due to the diversity of its hotel offering, distinctive cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes.

“Families from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are increasingly on the lookout for a convenient and safe destination within a short flight distance. They are keen to experience new vacation choices, and are attracted by outstanding hotel facilities, kids clubs, water sports and great shopping facilities. In addition to this, they can find exclusive accommodation features and halal tourism offerings available in several of Ras Al Khaimah’s resorts,” added Mattar.

RAKTDA has launched its Vision 2019 tourism strategy with a target for one million visitors by the end of 2018.

The tourism body is planning an additional 20,000 hotel rooms by 2025, along with new tourist attractions, products and events to be developed across Ras Al Khaimah.