Raki Phillips
As CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), Raki Phillips is responsible for the continued growth of the Emirate as a world-class tourism destination. This includes collaborating with key partners, regulating standards within the sector, developing the Emirate's tourism infrastructure and creating sustainable investment opportunities. In addition to improving the competitive performance of the tourism sector, Phillips is also tasked with the economic and social prosperity of Ras Al Khaimah while enhancing the quality of life for all its residents.
Phillips is an award-winning hospitality veteran and a serial entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience working with some of the world's most renowned brands including Ritz-Carlton Hotels, Fairmont Raffles Hotels International (FRHI) and Universal Studios Orlando. He has always taken pride in what he has done from an early start, ever since he was a sandwich artist at Subway in the US earning his way through college to opening concepts such as JamDubai, District Lounge and Sugarmoo – a game-changing online dessert concept that was the first of its kind.
Phillips has a colourful background, as an American national with Lebanese and Argentinian roots. As a fluent Arabic speaker he has a great understanding of the region having worked in the Middle East since 2005 and was recognized by Hotelier Middle East as one of the 'Top 20 Most Powerful Arab Hoteliers'. His previous role as Senior Partner and Senior Vice President of Development with International Hospitality Consulting Group (INHOCO), saw him develop hotel project pipelines exceeding $5 billion in assets and negotiating multimillion-dollar hotel deals for global luxury brands in over 25 markets worldwide.
Phillips is a member of the Executive Board of RAK Airport and the Pacific Asia Travel Association. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Central Florida, and a MBA in Organizational Management from the University of Phoenix in Orlando.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Khaleej Times
43 minutes ago
- Khaleej Times
Eid Al Adha in UAE: Final preparations underway across neighbourhoods
As the sun sets on the eve of Eid Al Adha, a quiet buzz of anticipation sweeps through neighbourhoods across the UAE. From bustling kitchens to decorated living rooms, families are putting the final touches on preparations for a holiday rooted in faith, sacrifice, and togetherness. Vans filled with livestock made their final deliveries earlier on Thursday, June 5. Farmers and butchers say everything is in place for the Qurbani — the ritual sacrifice that honours Prophet Ibrahim's unwavering faith. 'It's a solemn moment, but also one of great meaning for us,' said Faisal Mohammed, a resident of Al Ain. As Eid draws near, the local supermarket comes alive with a festive buzz. The aisles are stacked high with dates, nuts, sweets, and dried fruits — each bundle wrapped in bright, cheerful packaging that seems to echo the excitement in the air. Near the entrance, trays of baklava, maamoul, and kunafa tempt shoppers with their golden layers and rich aromas, impossible to pass without a second glance. Families move through the store in joyful chaos — with kids darting ahead, elders offering suggestions, and shopping carts filled to the brim. The meat section is packed, as everyone queues patiently to get the freshest cuts for their holiday feasts. Over by the spice racks, the air is thick with the warm, familiar scent of cardamom, cinnamon, saffron, and cloves. Fresh herbs and produce — mint, coriander, lemons, green chilies — are disappearing fast. Banners in gold proudly wish everyone 'Eid Mubarak'. Every corner seems to hold something special — gift hampers, perfume deals, cooking sets, and shelves of prayer mats and attar. Kids linger wide-eyed near the toy section, clutching candy, while their parents carefully pick out final touches for their homes and dining tables. Palestinians in Dubai mark Eid with gratitude and reflection Meanwhile, an aid convoy from the UAE has reached Gaza, carrying more than 1,000 tonnes of essential food supplies to support families in need. The shipment is part of the UAE's ongoing Gallant Knight 3 operation, launched by President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to provide relief to civilians in Gaza. According to state news agency WAM, the convoy delivered around 1,039 tonnes of food and flour, aiming to help approximately 1.3 million people facing severe hardship. For Jordanian-Palestinian resident Sajida Al Bashir, this Eid is a mix of gratitude and concern. She said, 'My twin sister lives in Palestine, and it's hard knowing the mood there is so heavy,' she said. 'Here in the UAE, there's a festive spirit in the air, but it's very different over there. Still, no matter what's happening, we believe in celebrating Eid in a simple, meaningful way — to thank Allah for all His blessings and to keep others in our prayers — especially the unprivileged.' Bashir added, 'We remember those who can't celebrate Eid because of their difficult circumstances. One thing I always look forward to is giving Eidiya to the children in our neighbourhood — and to my son's friends who'll be stopping by. It's a small gesture, but 'giving' brings great joy.' Little hands ready to receive Eidiya Across the country, little hands are ready to receive Eidiya — the cherished tradition where elders gift money to the young. 'My little niece and nephew have been practicing how to say 'Eid Mubarak' all week just to charm the family into giving them extra,' laughs Saman Haziq, who will be visiting her brother's house tomorrow. But it's not just the children counting down. In homes and prayer rooms, the older generation readies for Eid prayers at dawn. Many will step out early, dressed in fresh clothes, eager to greet neighbours and friends, and share warm embraces after the sermon. 'Eid is typically a family-centric celebration. We usually complete our grocery shopping several days ahead, taking advantage of various in-store and online offers. I often prepare kebabs, curries, and sheer khurma for the occasion. The day starts with the traditional Eid prayer, followed by calls to family and friends to exchange greetings. Lunch is usually a family-only affair, and in the evening, we might head out to the mall,' said Abu Dhabi resident Zoya Shaikh. Families with loved ones on pilgrimage are feeling particularly blessed. 'My parents called from Makkah — their Hajj was accepted, and they're praying for all of us,' said Latifa Khoury, holding back tears. 'That made this Eid extra special.' Even as the heat lingers — the forecast nearing 45°C — the warmth of the occasion is what people are feeling the most. 'Eid is more than just a day,' said Aliyah Alam in Dubai. 'It's a feeling — of gratitude, of love, and of coming together.'
Khaleej Times
an hour ago
- Khaleej Times
Eid Al Adha in UAE: Free parking, revised public transport timings; full guide
With a four-day weekend being announced across the UAE for Eid Al Adha this year, residents are flying out and planning activities with their families. Also known as the 'Festival of Sacrifice,' the holiday commemorates the act of faith and is generally a time for prayer, reflection, and generosity. Here's the latest on revised parking and public transport timings across emirates: Abu Dhabi Parking and toll fees are typically free in the capital on Sundays and official holidays. On June 4, the emirate's Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), an affiliate of the Department of Municipalities and Transport, has announced that bus services will operate according to the weekend and public holiday schedule. There are additional trips on regional and intercity routes. The Abu Dhabi Link service will continue to operate as usual, from 6am to 11pm. Meanwhile, the Abu Dhabi Express bus service will be available from 6am until midnight. Dubai Public parking will be free to use from June 5 to 8 in Dubai, the Roads and Transport Authority announced. Multi-level parking terminals will remain a paid service during the holiday. The authority also announced public transport timings for the holiday. Dubai Metro will run from 5am to 1am (next day) from Wednesday, June 4, to Saturday, June 7. Click here for more on Tram and public bus timings. Salik PJSC, Dubai's toll operator, will implement variable road toll pricing on all four days of the Eid El Adha holiday, including Sunday (June 8; third day of Eid al Adha). Sharjah Sharjah has announced free parking from June 6 to June 8 during the Eid Al Adha holiday, the Sharjah Municipality stated on June 4. This exemption does not apply to the seven-day paid public parking zones, which are operational throughout the week and official holidays, and identified by the blue parking information signs. Ajman will offer free public parking from June 5 to 8, with regular fees resuming on June 9.
Emirates Woman
an hour ago
- Emirates Woman
25 smooth travel bags to invest in for your upcoming holiday
Fashion by Sarah Joseph 7 seconds ago VIEW GALLERY/ 25 IMAGES One of the keys for a smooth getaway are travel bags to ensure a hassle-free journey. It should be spacious enough to hold everything you need, lightweight and compact enough to ensure it's easy to carry and durable for long-haul flights. As the world gets ready to take a break this summer, it's always essential to find the perfect checked suitcases, carry-on bags, duffles, weekenders, underseat bags, and backpacks on the market. To plan out your vacations for the year ahead, it's important to keep in mind that the right luggage can have a huge impact on your trip. A good suitcase should be easy to maneuver, spacious to pack, compact and lightweight enough for carrying and durable to hold up to wear and tear. We've selected the very best suitcases for every traveller, from something large to take on ski, family or shopping trips, to the top lightweight design for packing more into your luggage. With the right travel backpack for women and the perfect suitcase, you'll have the luggage you need to breeze through the airport. View this post on Instagram A post shared by RIMOWA (@rimowa) To delve into the history, suitcases have come a long way since they first entered the market in the 19th century when mass tourism took off and holidays were no longer just for privileged travellers, whose porters would carry heavy trunks made from wood, leather and iron. It was during this time when Louis Vuitton's iconic trunks were created. So, to make sure your souvenirs come back in perfect shape, finding a sturdy bag, that can withstand the pressures throughout its travel journey and look aesthetic at the same time can go a long way. With holidays on the way, finding the best suitcase is a serious business and hence, we're here to help with our top picks this season. – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram @alexiiak
