The emirate’s two upstream oil and gas exploration and production (E&P) companies, RAK Petroleum and RAK Gas, have both been active in overseas exploration activities in recent years. RAK Petroleum maintains indirect investments across eight countries in the MENA region, while RAK Gas has expanded its international portfolio via new exploration in Malawi and Somaliland. Although falling global…
With a growing population and rising water consumption, investment in new water production facilities over the previous decade has been a priority for Ras Al Khaimah. The Federal Authority for Electricity and Water (FEWA) has made major strides in meeting RAK’s rising demand, most recently when it inaugurated the new Ghalilah desalination plant in 2015 and started new desal units of 8m imperial gallons…
The UAE’s private education sector is rapidly expanding and Ras Al Khaimah is no exception – as its population rises against a backdrop of economic development, the emirate has seen a number of new private schools open of late, particularly in the post-secondary segment. A focus on science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) training has benefitted the K-12 and post-secondary segments. Private…
When three new hotels with a combined key count of 1440 opened on Al Marjan Island in 2014, Ras Al Khaimah’s new resort destination came to life. Indeed, developers hope to see the area grow substantially in the next few years as a mixed development of holiday homes, restaurants, bars, marinas and up to 20 hotels that will together make a significant contribution to the emirate’s economy and change…
The tourism industry hit a high note in 2014, with revenues surpassing Dh1bn ($272.2m) and the total number of overnight stays by guests growing by 72% over 2013 to reach 2.14m. As the government intensifies efforts to develop and promote the tourism sector, in line with Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi’s long-term vision for economic diversification, the sector is hoping to attract an increasingly…
The Guide explores some of the cultural heritage on offer to visitors in RAK, as well as listings of leading hotels and resorts, and contacts for important government offices and services. It also contains useful tips and information for first-time or regular and business and leisure visitors alike.…
Revenues for RAK’s tourism sector rose 44% in 2014 and the total number of overnight stays by guests grew by 72% to reach 2.14m.The tourism sector is estimated to support 307,000 jobs across the UAE, or 5.4% of total employment, which is expected to rise by 5.4% in 2015 and 2.6% per annum until 2025. Developers hope to see the area grow substantially in the next few years as the mixed development…
Moves towards the development of a knowledge-based economy have begun in RAK as the emirate implements education reforms and student enrichment initiatives get under way. The Ministry of Education’s mid-range policy for the 2015-21 period targets knowledge integration in industries related to science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Meanwhile, with the federal goal of meeting 15% of total…
Investment in both private and public health care facilities has been on the rise over the past decade in RAK, with the health care sector expected to undergo a sustained period of major growth. Demand for new services is rising rapidly as RAK, like the rest of the UAE, witnesses an increasing incidence of lifestyle-related diseases. The government has increasingly targeted private health care provision…
