Transport
From The Report: Ras Al Khaimah 2012
View in Online Reader

In recent years an expanding population, a growing industrial base and the increasing number of tourists visiting the emirate have driven RAK’s transport infrastructure growth. Taken together with storage and communications, the transport sector contributed an estimated 6.55%, or about $313.6m, to the economy in 2010. To cater for the 40% increase in the number of registered motor vehicles over two years since 2009, road networks are expanding. New projects, such as the RAK Ring Road, will facilitate more direct travel routes and will serve to alleviate major congestion points. Moreover, the emirate also recently opened its fifth seaport, and work to upgrade the airport and expand air traffic routes is also under way. With the number of tourists visiting RAK widely expected to grow, in April 2012 airport authorities announced plans to increase passenger handling capacity from 500,000 to 2m. This chapter includes an interview with Colin Crookshank, Group General Manager of RAK Ports.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Accommodating expansion: Increasing capacity across road, rail, air and sea
OBG
plus

Several factors, including an expanding population, a growing industrial base and the increasing number of tourists visiting the emirate are driving Ras Al Khaimah’s transport industry forward. RAK’s population jumped from 258,000 in 2008 to 279,000 in 2010, according to the most recent figures from the RAK Department of Economic Development (RAK DED). This represents growth of 8% in just two years. More than 800,000 tourists travelled to the emirate in 2011, and the RAK Tourism Development…

Analysis

Paving the way: Expanded road routes will help meet the needs of a growing population
OBG
plus

As cars are the primary mode of transportation in Ras Al Khaimah, the emirate’s growing population means an increasing number of vehicles are taking to local roads, affecting traffic patterns and creating jams. Both the local and federal governments have recognised the importance of upgrading road infrastructure, and a number of projects are in the pipeline. BY THE NUMBERS: The RAK Department of Economic Development (RAK DED) reported that a total of 81,940 registered vehicles were on the…

Analysis

Taking to the skies: Plans in place to make the aviation segment more competitive
OBG
plus

With passenger traffic on the rise and new routes earmarked for its flag carrier, Ras Al Khaimah is strengthening its foothold in the regional aviation market despite facing tough competition from airlines in the other emirates. The carrier, RAK Airways, has faced a challenging few years, having first been grounded at the height of the global economic recession and then, following a period of restructuring, returning to the skies in mid-2010 with modified services and a reduced number of routes.…

Interview

OBG talks to Colin Crookshank, Group General Manager, RAK Ports
OBG
plus

Interview: Colin Crookshank What new projects are being undertaken to further boost intra-regional and international trade? COLIN CROOKSHANK: We are continuing with our consolidation project to reorganise the five ports under the one umbrella of RAK Ports. Now the ports are complementing each other rather than competing, and this has increased efficiency among ports. We are also in the process of developing management systems and seeking international accreditation in areas like finance, security…