Gulf Tourism Capital Ras Al Khaimah expects more tourists in 2021: Crown Prince

Agencies | Ras Al Khaimah

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Ras Al Khaimah Crown Prince H.H. Shaikh Mohammed bin Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi has described the UAE as "an icon of prosperity and progress in the world," paying tribute to the "efforts of the Founding Fathers, the vision of the country’s leadership and the determination of all Emiratis."

Ras Al Khaimah has kept pace with the country's overall development journey to accomplish achievements in all fields, he told UAE news agency WAM.

"We are working tirelessly to carry out the directives of the H.H. Shaikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, to enhance the development process, which is being witnessed in the emirate at various levels, as we ultimately aim to achieve the wellbeing of Emiratis," he said.

Shaikh Mohammed said the UAE over the next five decades would be "exploring promising prospects, ensuring the provision of a world-class quality life for generations to come, preparing for the post-oil era, developing unique initiatives and translating them into an integrated work program that contributes to achieving the UAE’s national strategy."

Shaikh Mohammed, who became the Crown Prince of Ras Al Khaimah in 2010, also lauded the UAE’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, saying that it "reflected the highest levels of professionalism."

"Ras Al Khaimah has made tireless efforts, as it provided a distinguished healthcare system capable of efficiently dealing with the repercussions of this pandemic," he said.

"The healthcare sector in Ras Al Khaimah is witnessing continuous development and modernization. It is on the top of the priorities for the Ras Al Khaimah Government to integrate and cooperate with the Ministry of Health and Prevention to provide high-quality medical services for patients in the emirate, according to the best international standards. Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, the UAE is moving steadily in combatting and containing the pandemic, displaying a successful example that has been admired around the globe."

Ras Al Khaimah was named the 2021 Gulf Tourism Capital at the fifth annual meeting of tourism ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in November.

Ras Al Khaimah, the northernmost emirate of the United Arab Emirates, has been praised for its identity as a sustainable destination for tourism, Combining water, desert and mountain activities, its picturesque features include quiet and pristine beaches with epic resorts, mountains with scenic views, hiking trails suited for all levels of expertise and a rich cultural history that stretches over 7,000 years.

According to the emirate’s Tourism Development Authority, the emirate received 1.12 million visitors in 2019, a 4 per cent increase, compared to 2018.

The Authority also reported in November that during the Eid Al Adha break, the emirate witnessed a 12.9 per cent growth in the Average Daily Rate (ADR), saying this increase was the highest in the last three years under normal (non-pandemic) travel circumstances.

Shaikh Mohammed said the GCC tourism capital honour "will strengthen the emirate's position on the international tourism map and will contribute to attracting larger numbers of tourists and visitors."

"Ras Al Khaimah has witnessed, in recent years, a large-scale transformation, especially in vital facilities and services, infrastructure, education and healthcare sectors," he said.