Ras Al Khaimah's hospitality staff campus set to welcome first of 3,000 residents
A massive housing development dedicated to hospitality employees in Ras Al Khaimah is ready to welcome the first of its 3,000 residents, as the emirate gears up to double its hotel inventory within the next few years. The first phase of The Campus, being developed by state-owned Ras Al Khaimah Hospitality Holding, is complete and will start receiving tenants within the next two months, Alison Grinnell, chief executive of RAKHH, told The National. The hospitality-dedicated high-end accommodation project comes as Ras Al Khaimah prepares for an influx of employees to run the multi-billion dollar developments springing up in the emirate. The hospitality sector in the northern emirate is expected to create more than 25,000 new job opportunities by 2030, according to data from Stirling Hospitality Advisors consultancy. The Campus will include shopping avenues, community centres, cafes and outdoor spaces. Phase 2 of the development − the master plan of which has yet to be revealed − is expected to be double the size of the first phase. 'The Campus is a home away from home for hospitality employees – aiming to provide a high quality of life,' Ms Grinnell said. Accommodation will be assigned based on designations and job roles, with units and buildings earmarked for entry-level, supervisory, junior-level management and other managerial staff, media reports earlier suggested, but the company did not comment on it. RAKHH− which operates through several subsidiaries that manage hotels, logistics, restaurants and leisure assets across the emirate − is also working on other hotel projects. 'We have several new hotels in the pipeline, looking to meet the demands of different customer segments and take advantage of the unique topography of the emirate,' Ms Grinnell said. 'We are working on developments on Jebel Jais, on the beach and in the desert. Wynn Al Marjan will contribute circa 1,500 [rooms], which, of course, contributes to the overall inventory growth,' said Ms Grinnell. The $5.1 billion Wynn resort – expected to create 7,000 jobs when it opens in 2027 − is a joint venture between RAKHH, Marjan and US-based hotel operator Wynn. 'The arrival of Wynn Al Marjan will significantly benefit the entire emirate, becoming a strong pillar of the broader destination strategy,' said Ms Grinnell. 'The integrated resort will create extensive job opportunities, increase demand for hotel keys, attract new suppliers and benefit from enhanced staff accommodation." RAKHH's hospitality portfolio also includes Pullman Resort Al Marjan Island, Rixos Beach Resort, Hilton Garden Inn and the Ritz Carlton, Al Wadi Desert. The group, which brought Rixos Hotels to its fold last year, operates and manages hotel ventures across three countries through its subsidiary, Stirling Hospitality Advisors. RAKHH also announced two new additions to its portfolio in Jebel Jais – the Saij Mountain Lodge by Mantis Collection and a fire and grill restaurant concept in partnership with Rikas Hospitality. The tourism boost is also shaping real estate demand in the emirate with the supply of residential units set to double by 2030. A report released by Savills Middle East said at least 11,000 units were scheduled for completion over the next five years. Meanwhile, about 40 per cent of all new developments coming up in the emirate are branded residences, The RAK Investment Pulse report by Stirling Hospitality Advisors found. RAKHH's Ritz-Carlton Residences is seeing strong demand, Ms Grinnell said. Unit prices start at around Dh15 million ($4 million), according to online listings. 'The [branded residence] concept fits ideally with the demands we are seeing from both travellers and new residents. Interest in branded residences is coming from both investors and also people looking for second homes," she said. "We see interest coming from numerous source markets, European, Asian and GCC, varying according to the product on offer." Ras Al Khaimah celebrated its best year for tourism, with a record 1.28 million overnight arrivals in 2024 and plans to increase annual visitors to three million by 2030. Connectivity to Ras Al Khaimah has also improved significantly with the introduction of direct flights from cities in Poland, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Romania, the Czech Republic, Russia, Saudi Arabia and India. With a focus on sustainable tourism, Ras Al Khaimah is also ranked among the top 10 cities for expats in the InterNations City Ranking 2024.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Khaleej Times
4 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Iran says no sanctions relief in US nuclear proposal
Iran's parliament speaker said on Sunday that the latest US proposal for a nuclear deal does not include the lifting of sanctions, state media reported as negotiations appear to have hit a roadblock. The two foes have held five rounds of Omani-mediated talks since April, seeking to replace a landmark agreement between Tehran and world powers that set restrictions on Iran's nuclear activities in return for sanctions relief, before US President Donald Trump abandoned the accord during his first term in 2018. In a video aired on Iranian state TV, parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said that "the US plan does not even mention the lifting of sanctions". He called it a sign of dishonesty, accusing the Americans of seeking to impose a "unilateral" agreement that Tehran would not accept. "The delusional US president should know better and change his approach if he is really looking for a deal," Ghalibaf said. On May 31, after the fifth round of talks, Iran said it had received "elements" of a US proposal, with officials later taking issue with "ambiguities" in the draft text. The US and its Western allies have long accused the Islamic republic of seeking to acquire nuclear weapons, a charge Iran has consistently denied, insisting that its atomic programme was solely for peaceful purposes. Key issues in the negotiations have been the removal of biting economic sanctions and uranium enrichment. Tehran says it has the right to enrich uranium under the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, while the Trump administration has called any Iranian enrichment a "red line". Trump, who has revived his "maximum pressure" campaign of sanction on Iran since taking office in January, has repeatedly said it will not be allowed any uranium enrichment under a potential deal. On Tuesday, Iran's top negotiator, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, said the country "will not ask anyone for permission to continue enriching uranium". According to the UN nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Iran is the only non-nuclear-weapon state in the world that enriches uranium up to 60 percent -- still short of the 90 percent threshold needed for a nuclear warhead. Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Wednesday rejected the latest US proposal and said enrichment was "key" to Iran's nuclear programme. The IAEA Board of Governors is scheduled to meet in Vienna later this month and discuss Iran's nuclear activities.
Gulf Today
9 hours ago
- Gulf Today
Hundreds look for jobs at career fair in Dubai
More than 400 candidates wishing to seek new jobs or exploring better employment opportunities participated in the first phase of the career fair organised by the Pakistan Consulate in Dubai. The first phase of the 2-day Career Fair 2025 was organised in collaboration with Transguard Group. The officials conducted the initial interviews of job seekers who visited the consulate from across the UAE. More than 20 job categories were offered by Transguard Group, providing an opportunity for employment in diverse sectors. About 400 candidates participated in the initial phase of the recruitment drive. The final selection of candidates will be announced upon the completion of assessment and verification processes in accordance with the specific requirements of each role. Hussain Muhammad, Consul General of Pakistan in Dubai, visited the venue and observed the recruitment process. He emphasised the importance of such initiatives in employment opportunities for Pakistanis residing in the UAE. He lauded the collaboration as an important step towards generating job opportunities for the Pakistani community. 'The Consulate remains committed to supporting and facilitating such partnerships to further broaden the scope of employment opportunities for our community,' he said. Community Welfare Attachés Imran Shahid and Junaid Murtaza also expressed their satisfaction with the response and affirmed that plans are underway to organise recruitment drives in collaboration with leading UAE-based employment agencies. The second phase of Career Fair 2025 is scheduled to take place on June 18 and 19 at the Consulate premises.
Arabian Post
13 hours ago
- Arabian Post
Lifestyle Mobility Redefines UAE Auto Ambitions
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai UAE's car market is undergoing a fundamental shift as lifestyle-driven mobility rises to prominence, reshaping consumer choices from metal to experience. A surge in preference for digitally enabled, subscription-based, and autonomous transportation is aligning with the emirates' drive for sustainable, high-tech urban living. Automakers and transport authorities are adapting, marking a new era for mobility in the region. At the forefront is the uptake of connected and autonomous vehicles. A 2024 Astute Analytica report found that the UAE invested US $500 million in autonomous and connected vehicle infrastructure, and government surveys show that nearly 60 per cent of residents are open to self-driving cars once available . Dubai aims for 25 per cent of its transport network to operate autonomously by 2030, while Abu Dhabi is piloting robotaxis under a combined Dubai Roads and Transport Authority and DP World initiative . Chinese mobility pioneer WeRide has commenced fully driverless robotaxi trials in Abu Dhabi and holds significant UAE licences, further cementing the country's status as a regional testbed . ADVERTISEMENT Parallel to autonomy, digital car buying and subscription services are gaining ground. A global study by Arthur D. Little reports that UAE has the highest percentage worldwide of buyers willing to complete vehicle purchases entirely online, with 53 per cent preferring full digital transactions . It also notes more than half of car buyers intend to purchase hybrid or electric models for their next car . Major brands such as Jaguar‑Land Rover, Audi and Volvo have launched subscription models allowing flexible short‑term access to vehicles, reflecting a deeper shift from ownership to access . Luxury meets lifestyle in a market defined by adventure and affluence. The UAE's love for off‑road capable SUVs—icons like Land Rover, Toyota Land Cruiser and Mercedes G‑Class—remains strong, supported by driving culture and desert heritage . At the same time, social media has amplified the aspirational value of high‑performance and bespoke vehicles, prompting services offering vehicle customisation and luxury rentals to expand . Despite their prestige, sustainable mobility options are advancing steadily. Government plans aim for EVs to account for 10 per cent of all vehicles by 2030; Dubai Electricity and Water Authority intends to install 1,000 public charging points by 2025 . Financial incentives including free parking and toll exemptions support uptake. While less than 15 per cent of buyers currently prefer full battery‑electric vehicles , more than 50 per cent plan to choose hybrid or electric options next . Shared mobility and micro‑mobility solutions are gaining traction among urban dwellers. The UAE's ride‑hailing market grew to US $1.3 billion in 2023, and car‑sharing usage surged by 30 per cent to over 200,000 subscribers . Platforms like Careem, ekar and others expand convenient access while supporting sustainability goals . Pre‑owned and rental markets also reflect shifting lifestyle demands. The luxury car rental segment caters to business travellers and experience‑seeking residents, accounting for over half of regional luxury rentals . Certified pre‑owned programmes and digital platforms make premium vehicles accessible and promote circular economy models . ADVERTISEMENT Industry participants are racing to adapt. Six major dealers—including Al Futtaim Motors and Al Habtoor—control more than 62 per cent of the auto market by offering hybrid and electric models, digital sales funnels, and after‑sales personalisation services . Additionally, more than 80 per cent of UAE and KSA consumers now value in‑car digital services and are willing to share data for personalised experiences . Strategic foreign investment continues to flow. In 2024, DP World handled a record 1.3 million vehicles, up 53 per cent year‑on‑year. China led automotive investments region‑wide, with 27 projects worth US $8 billion, generating 20,000 jobs . The UAE attracted 145 automotive projects valued at US $22 billion, solidifying its regional industry leadership . Air mobility is emerging as a bold frontier. Authorities, including the General Civil Aviation Authority and Technology Innovation Institute, are mapping aerial corridors for air taxis and drones with a view to commercial roll‑out by 2026. Vertiports are under construction as Dubai aims to launch urban air taxi operations in early 2026 . Collaborations with global developers such as Volocopter and Joby Aviation underscore UAE's intent to lead advanced mobility innovation. Demographic and behavioural trends are shifting expectations. UAE's younger, tech‑savvy population demands multimodal transport, sustainable choices, and flexible ownership. European research shows Gen Z and millennials prefer compact, shared, and electric vehicles, and lease options tied to services—mirroring emerging patterns in the Emirates . The convergence of digital retail, in‑car connectivity, autonomous capabilities and lifestyle choices is now the defining feature of the market. That convergence gives rise to dynamic policy alignment and infrastructure development. Dubai's Autonomous Transportation Strategy ambitions to ease congestion and strengthen economic diversification, while public‑private partnerships are building the ecosystem for AI‑enabled transport . The transformation is clear: the UAE auto sector is evolving from a conventional showroom‑focused industry to an experiential mobility ecosystem. Consumers expect seamless digital transactions, autonomous options, flexible subscriptions, and elevated experiences. Governments and businesses are aligning investment and strategy to meet these expectations, fusing luxury with sustainability, and individual desire with urban resilience. As the 2030 horizon approaches, next‑generation mobility is no longer an aspiration but a reality rolling on UAE roads, in the air, and on digital platforms—heralding a new age for the Gulf's automotive narrative.
