Latest news with #JaisRide
Time of India
02-08-2025
- Business
- Time of India
UAE: Ras Al Khaimah sees 654,000 visitors as tourism sector records best-ever H1, revenue up 9%
RAKTDA reports strongest-ever first half tourism results of 654,000 arrivals/Image: Shutterstock TL;DR: 654,000 visitors arrived in Ras Al Khaimah during H1 2025, a record high, up 6% year-on-year, with tourism revenues rising 9%. MICE and wedding tourism exploded by 36%, fueled by global events and destination weddings. Growth was driven by new direct flights (to markets like Romania, Poland, Uzbekistan, Belarus) and major hotel expansions like Fairmont, Four Seasons, Taj, and NH Collection. Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) announced a record-shattering figure of 654,000 visitor arrivals for the first half of 2025, marking a 6% increase from the same period in 2024. Tourism revenues surged by 9%, reflecting the success of strategy execution across connectivity, hospitality investment, and event programming. Growth drivers & market insights Connectivity enhancements significantly improved accessibility, with new direct flights operating from markets including Romania (+65%), Poland (+56%), Uzbekistan (+47%), and Belarus (+30%). Meanwhile, traditional markets such as India (+25%), China (+9.2%), Russia (+7%), and the UK (+5%) also delivered record-level visitor volumes as per WAM. Tourism segments & revenue growth A standout performer was the MICE and weddings segment, which saw a 36% revenue jump, thanks to tailored incentive programs and global event hosting. Ras Al Khaimah's growing reputation in business, incentive, and celebration tourism is now firmly established. Signature events included the RAK Half Marathon, UAE Tour Jebel Jais Stage, HIGHLANDER Hiking Challenge, and the inaugural Jais Ride cycling event. Hospitality expansion & infrastructure Supporting this surge, multiple high-profile hotel investments were announced. Major forthcoming projects include: Fairmont Al Marjan Island (250 keys) Four Seasons Resort at Mina Al Arab (150 rooms) Taj Wellington Mews Al Marjan Island (336 apartments) NH Collection Ras Al Khaimah (156 rooms) Additionally, the recent opening of Rove Al Marjan Island caters to mid-market beach tourism. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 20 Legendary Cars from the Past Undo These developments align with RAKTDA's strategic plan to double hotel key count by 2030. Strategic partnerships & innovation RAKTDA formalised several destination-boosting MoUs: A collaboration with Fujairah Adventures enhances inter-Emirate travel itineraries. Alliances with leading Chinese OTAs ( etc.) and Saudi agencies are broadening market reach. Tech partnerships with Huawei and Open World anchor RAK's push into smart tourism and blockchain-enabled engagement platforms. Why it matters Ras Al Khaimah's H1 performance not only reinforces its upward trajectory in tourism but also underscores the effectiveness of its diversified strategy: Solid growth in visitor numbers and revenue benchmarks its standing among the UAE's fastest-growing tourism hubs. Dependable connectivity and hotel investment fuel long-term capacity and market appeal. MICE and destination events deliver premium economic value and global visibility. All of this supports RAKTDA's ambition to host 3.5 million visitors annually by 2030. The 654,000 visitor milestone for H1 2025 represents a defining moment for Ras Al Khaimah's tourism sector. With rising revenues, boosted infrastructure, and record-breaking events, the emirate is firmly establishing itself as a resilient, immersive, and internationally competitive destination. As hotel investments ramp up and connectivity strengthens, Ras Al Khaimah appears well-positioned to deliver on its Vision 2030 tourism goals. FAQ 1. How many visitors arrived in Ras Al Khaimah in H1 2025? 654,000, representing a 6% increase year-on-year. 2. How much did tourism revenue grow? Tourism revenue rose by 9% compared to H1 2024. 3. Which segments saw the strongest growth? The MICE and weddings sector saw a 36% increase in revenue, powered by conferences, events, and destination ceremonies. 4. Which markets contributed most strongly? Notable year-on-year increases came from Romania, Poland, Uzbekistan, Belarus, India, China, Russia, and the UK. 5. What is Ras Al Khaimah's annual tourism target? The aim is to reach 3.5 million visitors annually by 2030, supported by major hotel developments and enhanced air routes.
Dubai Eye
31-07-2025
- Business
- Dubai Eye
Ras Al Khaimah sees record visitor numbers in H1 2025
Ras Al Khaimah is marking a record-breaking start to 2025, with more than 654,000 visitor arrivals in the first half of the year — the highest ever for a six-month period. That's a 6 per cent increase compared to the same time last year, and tourism revenues are also up by 9 per cent. The Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) says the strong results reflect its ongoing efforts to expand air connectivity, attract major hotel brands, and forge strategic partnerships across key markets. CEO Raki Phillips added that the figures show Ras Al Khaimah is firmly on track to meet its goal of welcoming over 3.5 million visitors annually by 2030, calling the growth a '"testament to the strength of the destination's offering." Other highlights from the first half of 2025 include: 36% growth in MICE & Weddings revenues Strong visitor numbers across key source markets, including CIS, UK, India, China and Central and Eastern Europe Significant growth from source markets with expanded direct flights connectivity, including Romania (+65%), Poland (+56%), Uzbekistan (+47%), Belarus (+30%) Major hotel announcements including, Four Seasons, Fairmont, Taj, NH Collection (Minor Hotels) – supporting plans to double the number of hotel keys by 2030 Several strategic partnerships signed to boost tourism including MoUs with Fujairah Adventures, Huawei, Open World, and leading OTAs in China and KSA Growing events calendar including, the RAK Half Marathon, UAE Tour, HIGHLANDER and new Jais Ride cycling challenge
Khaleej Times
03-04-2025
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
UAE announces new cycling race on Jebel Jais with Dh10,000 in prizes
A new cycling challenge is set to take place on Jebel Jais, the UAE's highest peak, on April 12, 2025. Jais Ride will see cyclists pushed to their limits as they ascend the mountain route of Jebel Jais — often ranked among the most scenic cycling routes in the region and one of the stages of the UAE Tour — with thrilling competitions at key split points along the 25km course. The race will feature a structured competition format, with prizes awarded across multiple categories; including a total of Dh10,000 distributed to the overall winners. The road, constructed in 2017, is considered among the best mountain roads in the world. With smooth, winding ascent, multiple switchbacks and dramatic elevation changes, it is a firm favourite among professional cyclists and endurance athletes. The upcoming race will enable participants to test their skills on this challenging yet rewarding route, with strategic checkpoints and sprint segments. Commenting on the launch of the race, Raki Phillips, Chief Executive Officer of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, said, 'We are excited to introduce this thrilling new cycling event on Jebel Jais, offering cyclists the unique opportunity to test their endurance on one of the world's most breathtaking and challenging mountain roads. "As part of our commitment to establishing Ras Al Khaimah as a leading destination for outdoor adventure and sports, this tournament brings world-class sporting experiences to the emirate, showcasing its natural beauty and dynamic landscapes." Sprint Segment (Green Jersey Award): A 500-metre sprint section, with the winner to receive the Green Jersey Award for fastest sprinter. King of the Mountain (KOM) Points: The top 20 riders at each split point (7km, 14km, and 21km) will earn KOM points. The lead rider at each split will receive 20 points, with consecutive points awarded down to 20th place. Polka Dot Jersey Award: The rider with the highest total KOM points across all three splits (7km, 14km, and 21km) will be awarded the Polka Dot Jersey, recognising them as the best climber of the race. Yellow Jersey Award – Overall Winners: The top three cyclists to reach the summit will be crowned overall race winners and awarded the prestigious Yellow Jersey. With its challenging climb, rewarding summit finish, and spectacular scenery, this race is expected to attract elite and amateur cyclists alike from across the UAE and beyond. Participants can register for the event online for a hassle-free sign-up process, while complimentary refreshments will be provided on the day to ensure they are refuelled and hydrated. An awards ceremony will be held post-race to recognise the top finishers in each category. Ras Al Khaimah is widely recognised as the region's top sports and adventure tourism destinations, hosting internationally acclaimed sporting events such as the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon, the UAE Tour, and Highlander Adventure, the Middle East's leading hiking event. Standing at 1,934 metres above sea level, Jebel Jais is a global hotspot for adventure tourism and one of the UAE's most visited natural attractions.
