
UAE: Ras Al Khaimah hotels 'nearly fully booked' on weekends ahead of summer 2025
Rove Al Marjan Island, one of the newest additions to the emirate, has received a strong response since its opening.
'April has been a strong month, and even though we just opened, we're nearly fully booked on weekends,' Paul Bridger, COO of Rove Hotels, told Khaleej Times. He added that most guests so far are visitors from CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) countries and UAE residents.
Rove Al Marjan Island had reached full occupancy on weekends during its first month of operations. In addition, midweek occupancy has exceeded 50 per cent.
"What Ras Al Khaimah offers is unique," Bridger said. "It has a nice mix of offerings for travelers, including natural beauty, adventure, and culture. Plus, it's only an hour from Dubai and close to several international airports. Whether hiking in the mountains, exploring historic sites, or relaxing on the beach, there's something for everyone."
David and Alina, a couple from Russia staying at Rove Hotel Al Marjan for five nights, said they chose to return to the emirate after a previous visit. "We came back because we love Ras Al Khaimah. It's a quiet place with clean beaches," they said.
"We believe every city has its style, and what Ras Al Khaimah offers is exactly what we need to enjoy our time and relax. Although we stayed close to the hotel this time, if we visit again, we'd love to explore the cultural sites and experience the city life."
Special offers for staycation
Miguel Melo, acting general manager of Rixos Bab Al Bahr Ras Al Khaimah, highlighted the resort's ongoing staycation offers to enhance guest experiences in Ras Al Khaimah. He noted, 'During weekends, we anticipate that occupancy won't drop below 60 per cent.'
'Our current staycation packages are designed to give guests more value and memorable moments,' said Melo. 'Those booking a minimum two-night stay can enjoy 20 per cent off in-room dining, complimentary dining at one of our five à la carte restaurants, and a free upgrade from a deluxe room to a premium room category, subject to availability.'
He also shared details about the Suite Escape promotion. 'Guests who book a minimum three-night stay in any suite category will receive a 20 per cent discount on treatments at Avitane Spa, along with one-time access to a private beach cabana with refreshments and snacks. Additional perks include early check-in, late check-out, and signature welcome amenities upon arrival,' he added.
Cameron McNeillie, general manager of InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Mina Al Arab Resort & Spa, highlighted the resort's range of accommodation options tailored for guests seeking a blend of elegance, space, and scenic views. 'Our resort provides guests with various room categories, ranging from Classic Sea View Rooms to our villas and pool villas. All our 351 rooms and villas overlook the sea with spectacular views,' he said.
Occupancy rates at the resort typically rise to between 80 and 90 per cent on weekends, particularly from the end of October to the end of May. Designed to accommodate both solo travelers and families, InterContinental offers various room categories, including classic and panoramic rooms, balcony terrace suites, and seafront villas. Each unit features private balconies and spacious interiors, with sizes ranging from 45sqm to 150sqm.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Filipino Times
18 minutes ago
- Filipino Times
Flydubai to add 12 aircraft in 2025 but still 20 short of goal
Flydubai will receive 12 new aircraft this year, though it remains 20 planes behind its original delivery projections, the airline's chief executive said Thursday. The Dubai-based carrier has taken delivery of seven Boeing 737 MAX 8s in 2025, with five more expected before year-end, bringing its fleet to 93 aircraft. In a report on Khaleej Times, CEO Ghaith Al Ghaith said the deliveries are part of a backlog that has been delayed in recent years, impacting the airline's expansion plans. Airlines in the UAE and globally have faced delays in aircraft deliveries, with Flydubai noting last year that Boeing's updated schedule had significantly affected its growth strategy. Despite the challenges, Flydubai has added 11 new destinations this year, including Antalya, Al Alamein, Damascus and Peshawar. Four more European destinations — Chisinau, Iasi, Vilnius and Riga — are scheduled to launch between September and December, expanding the carrier's network to more than 135 destinations in 57 countries. Financing for the first seven aircraft delivered this year has come from a mix of Islamic financing through Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, conventional debt from the National Bank of Ras Al Khaimah, and sale-leaseback agreements with JP Lease Products & Services and JLPS Ireland Limited. Al Ghaith said the additional aircraft will help the airline open new routes, optimize operations and strengthen Dubai's role as an international aviation hub.


Khaleej Times
2 days ago
- Khaleej Times
UAE traffic: Long-time resident recalls going from Sharjah to Dubai in 'just 7 minutes'
For Farrakh Chiragh, a UAE resident for over three decades, the country is a land of fond memories. Having witnessed the UAE's transformation from a desert landscape to a skyline dotted with gleaming skyscrapers, his story reflects the remarkable progress the nation has made. 'I used to pay Dh620 for a return ticket from Lahore to Dubai in 1995. Now, I pay Dh1,700. That's how much things have changed over the years,' he said with a smile during an interview with Khaleej Times on the sidelines of the Pakistan Independence Day celebrations at Dubai Expo City on Sunday. Chiragh, a Pakistani national, is now living in the UAE with his fourth generation. He has two sons and two daughters. With over 1.7 million Pakistanis calling the UAE home, many families like Chiragh's have been part of the country's social and economic fabric for decades. On August 10, Emirates Loves Pakistan, in partnership with the Pakistan Association Dubai, hosted one of the largest Independence Day celebrations, drawing more than 60,000 South Asian nationals. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. Reflecting on the early days of his UAE journey, Chiragh recalled a time when life was slower, but getting around was much quicker. 'I had a car, and there were no issues with traffic or parking back then. When I first arrived, the Dubai-Abu Dhabi road was just a single-lane highway. I lived on Al Wahda Street in Sharjah and could reach the Falcon Roundabout past Shindagha Tunnel in just seven minutes,' he said. 'After work, I would drive from Al Awir to Sharjah at night, and most of the roads were empty – there were no villas or residential communities along the way.' Chiragh, who retired in 2013, noted that with the country's rapid development, life has shifted into the fast lane. The population boom has brought with it traffic congestion and limited parking, he explained. 'Earlier, we could run five errands in a day. Now, we're lucky if we manage two – we lose so much time in traffic. My son leaves work in Dubai at 8:30pm and only reaches our home in Sharjah by 10pm.' Despite the growing urban challenges, Chiragh praised the UAE government for its continuous investment in infrastructure, including roads and bridges, to improve traffic flow and connectivity. 'Life for expatriate communities here is truly remarkable. People from all over the world are living and thriving in a peaceful, prosperous environment. We are deeply grateful to the UAE leadership,' he said.


Khaleej Times
5 days ago
- Khaleej Times
Emirates bans power banks on board: What rules do other airlines follow?
From October 1, using any kind of power bank on board Emirates flights will not be allowed, the UAE-based airline announced. However, passengers can still carry the device, provided it is not charged using the aircrafts power source, or used for charging other devices while in flight. This comes amid safety concerns of batteries and battery-powered devices across the wider aviation industry. Read the Khaleej Times report where experts weigh in on the dangers that power banks pose in flight. Emirates is not the first to implement such a rule; other UAE-based airlines and non-UAE based carriers have similar measures in place. Here is a breakdown of the airline-specific restrictions on power banks. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. Etihad Airways The Abu Dhabi-based carrier allows passengers to carry power banks in cabin baggage. They must be placed in the bag, "individually wrapped or protected". Power banks with an output of 100Wh are permitted; if the output is between 100Wh and 160Wh, it may require authorisation. To know more, passengers can contact the airline. While carrying a power bank is allowed, its use on board is strictly prohibited. This includes charging the power bank or using it to charge a device. Flydubai While power banks are allowed in hand baggage, similar to other airlines, its use is not allowed onboard — this means both using it to charge other devices, or charging the power bank on flight. Power banks must have a capacity less than 100Wh. However, those between 100 and 160Wh are also allowed. Any battery or power bank that exceeds 160Wh is strictly prohibited. Power banks must be packaged to prevent accidental activation, and must be switched off. They should be stored in hand baggage and placed under the seat in front of the passenger, according to flydubai. Air Arabia Power banks are allowed on board Air Arabia flights, and they must be carried in hand luggage. They are not permitted in checked baggage due to safety regulations. According to a call centre agent, it is always better to enquire at the airport or call in advance to ensure that your power bank complies with the airline's safety standards regarding lithium battery capacity. Non-UAE based airlines Air India The Indian airline considers power banks as spare batteries. It stated that the devices must be packed individually for safety concerns, to prevent short circuits. Air India allows each passenger to carry a maximum of 2 spare batteries, which can be interpreted as 2 power banks. Qatar Airways According to Qatar's flag carrier, any equipment with a primary purpose to power another piece of equipment is considered a battery. This applies to power banks "even when they are comprising with other small features, such as flash-light." In hand baggage, passengers can carry the power bank, with an output less than 100Wh, without requiring approval. However, if it is above 100Wh and below 160Wh, authorisation by the airline is required. If the capacity of the power bank exceeds 160Wh, it must be presented and carried as 'Air cargo' in accordance with the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations. Singapore Airlines The airline, along with its budget subsidiary Scoot, recently banned the use of power banks on flights, which went into effect on April 1. However, passengers can carry power banks not above 100Wh in cabin baggage. Those above 100Wh up till 160Wh are also permitted, but require airline approval prior to the flight.