Projects worth Dh300bn under way to attract tourists

The Northern Emirates’ hospitality industry is undergoing a major boom with projects worth more than Dh300 billion due to be completed by 2011.

The number of tourists visiting Sharjah, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah and Umm Al Quwain is increasing rapidly and is expected to reach more than five million a year.

“Ras Al Khaimah is emerging fast as a major tourist destination,” said Hilary McCormack, Manager of RAK Tourism. “The emirate’s government and its partners in the private sector have acted swiftly in response to the growing number of tourists, commissioning several new developments to enhance the emirate’s tourism infrastructure and expand the amenities and facilities for both leisure and business travellers.”

Visitor numbers in Ras Al Khaimah are expected to increase by 400 per cent by 2012 from last year’s total of 500,000. Hotel occupancy rates have reached 93 per cent.

The emirate has invested heavily in leisure, business and eco-tourism and its airport is undergoing an upgrade that will enable it to handle 1.2 million passengers by 2009. Read more