Ras Al Khaimah is renowned for its outstanding nature, leisure, adventure and authentic offerings. With an extraordinary history dating back over seven millennia, the northernmost Emirate in the UAE has become one of the most sought after destinations in the Middle East.
Ras Al Khaimah is the perfect destination for meeting planners looking to impress. Nestled in the heart of the Middle East, this Emirate offers first-rate meetings, incentives, conference and event (MICE) offerings that are unmatched. From familiarisation trips to participation in exhibitions and roadshows, Ras Al Khaimah has hosted numerous workshops in key tourism markets such as the UK, Germany, Russia, the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), Nordics and Central and Eastern Europe.
The Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) is set to introduce a groundbreaking initiative offering complimentary visas for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) and wedding events specifically tailored for Indian groups. The initiative will commence in July 2024 and continue through March 2025.
This strategic move aims to attract more Indian groups to Ras Al Khaimah, allowing them to experience the emirate’s stunning landscapes and world-class facilities while benefiting from free visas. To qualify, groups must book a minimum two-night stay at any of Ras Al Khaimah’s top-tier hotels, with a requirement of at least 100 guests per night. The visa costs will be covered by RAKTDA, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free experience for attendees.
Iyad Rasbey, Vice President of Destination Tourism Development at RAKTDA, expressed enthusiasm about the initiative: “We are delighted to launch this incentive, which will enhance Ras Al Khaimah’s appeal as a premier destination for Indian MICE and wedding events. We saw a 23% growth in MICE revenue and a 103% increase in wedding-related revenue in 2023 and are eager to build on this success.”
Ras Al Khaimah, located in the northernmost part of the UAE, is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, luxurious hotels, and state-of-the-art facilities. The emirate has emerged as a favored wedding destination for Indian couples, offering a variety of spectacular venues. These include beachfront resorts like Waldorf Astoria, Movenpick Resort Al Marjan Island, and Intercontinental Ras Al Khaimah Resort and Spa, as well as desert oases like Ritz Carlton Al Wadi Desert. The new Sofitel Al Hamra Beach Resort and Anantara Mina Al Arab also provide unique and luxurious options for weddings.
The emirate’s extensive selection of over 8,000 hotel rooms includes renowned properties such as Anantara, Sofitel, Waldorf Astoria, InterContinental, Rixos, Rotana, Ritz-Carlton, Radisson, Movenpick, among others. These venues are equipped with impeccable MICE facilities, expansive grounds, and public spaces suitable for outdoor celebrations. The Al Hamra International Exhibition and Conference Centre, a flagship venue by the beach, can accommodate up to 3,000 attendees and offers 4,500 square meters of flexible event space.
For those seeking unique and historic venues, Ras Al Khaimah offers Al Jazeera Al Hamra, the last surviving pearl diving and seafaring town, and Dhayah Fort, the only hilltop fort in the UAE, both listed on UNESCO’s tentative list of Global Heritage Sites. The Jebel Jais Viewing Deck, located 1,250 meters above sea level, provides an awe-inspiring setting for adventurous couples looking to host unforgettable celebrations.
India remains a crucial market for Ras Al Khaimah’s tourism strategy, consistently ranking among the emirate’s top five visitor source markets. In 2023, the emirate saw a 20% increase in Indian visitor numbers, a trend expected to grow with the introduction of this new initiative. Connectivity is further enhanced by direct flights from major Indian cities like Mumbai and Hyderabad via IndiGo, and the emirate’s proximity to Dubai International Airport.
In 2023, Ras Al Khaimah introduced new laws governing civil marriages and a streamlined wedding planner certification program, facilitating the organization of weddings for international couples. Certified planners can secure fast-tracked permits and arrange ceremonies at unique venues across the emirate. Event organizers and wedding planners are encouraged to contact RAKTDA at mice@raktda.com for further information and assistance.
This initiative is set to position Ras Al Khaimah as a leading destination for Indian MICE and wedding events, leveraging its unique offerings and strategic incentives to attract a growing market.
