Page 15 - CTM Travel Matters magazine
P. 15
GREAT IDEAS | 15
New kid on the block
The little-known emirate of Ras Al Khaimah is putting
itself on the corporate map with a raft of attractions
perfect for incentive trip planners and is competing
head on with neighbouring Abu Dhabi, Dubai and
Qatar says Anne-Marie Stearn
Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) is a very new destination within the MICE industry, with great promise for the future.
It is busy opening meeting space within hotels, large convention centres and private event venues to cater to
business travel. The heart of Ras Al Khaimah is located only 20 minutes drive from the local airport or
45 minutes drive from Dubai, meaning journey time for travellers is smooth and effortless.
One of the great qualities of RAK Incentive Hotel course on site and a convention centre
is that once you are there many Set among a nature reserve in the with six meeting rooms and a ballroom,
attractions and landmarks are only a it is the perfect venue to host your next
short transfer away. Whether you intend RAK desert is the Banyan Tree Al MICE event. A typical King superior
to head to the mountains, beach, desert Wadi. It’s a location like no other and room offers an average of 44sqm to
or shopping centres, everything is close radiates a natural sense of calm. With provide essential comfort but also allow
by. There are varied activities to partake 101 tented villas, all with private pools time in the schedule for participants to
in from hiking in the mountains to and surrounded by elegant gazelles enjoy the generous spa facilities. They
marvelling at falcon shows and enjoying in their natural habitat, it’s no wonder can also stroll down to the beach and
Bedouin dinners. Here is a taster of that any incentive participant would be enjoy a drink at the private seafront
what’s in store in RAK. able to relax. A 4,000sqm hydrotherapy restaurant and bar, Le Chalet.
spa, onsite falconry shows and the
Bedouin Dinner Experience Safran Tower privately dining facility There is a flurry of hotel development
Take yourself out to the desert and with undisturbed views of the vast across RAK including a Crowne Plaza,
desert and mesmerising surroundings, Anantara, Movenpick and Marriott being
enjoy a mesmerising night under the complete the extensive offering. built over the next few years. More
stars with music, dancing, laughter and hotels and entertainment complexes are
believe it or not, sand boarding. You Business Travel Hotel also planned on Marjan Island by 2022.
will have the opportunity to ride camels Hilton Al Hamra Beach and Golf
and dance in glowing skirts or choose RAK is up against the far more
to just pull up a cushion and sample the Resort & Al Hamra Convention Centre established emirates of Dubai and Abu
remarkable feast of traditional cuisine. are situated on the beachfront in the Dhabi, plus Qatar is getting in on the act
heart of RAK. With an 18-hole golf now too.
www.travelctm.co.uk
New kid on the block
The little-known emirate of Ras Al Khaimah is putting
itself on the corporate map with a raft of attractions
perfect for incentive trip planners and is competing
head on with neighbouring Abu Dhabi, Dubai and
Qatar says Anne-Marie Stearn
Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) is a very new destination within the MICE industry, with great promise for the future.
It is busy opening meeting space within hotels, large convention centres and private event venues to cater to
business travel. The heart of Ras Al Khaimah is located only 20 minutes drive from the local airport or
45 minutes drive from Dubai, meaning journey time for travellers is smooth and effortless.
One of the great qualities of RAK Incentive Hotel course on site and a convention centre
is that once you are there many Set among a nature reserve in the with six meeting rooms and a ballroom,
attractions and landmarks are only a it is the perfect venue to host your next
short transfer away. Whether you intend RAK desert is the Banyan Tree Al MICE event. A typical King superior
to head to the mountains, beach, desert Wadi. It’s a location like no other and room offers an average of 44sqm to
or shopping centres, everything is close radiates a natural sense of calm. With provide essential comfort but also allow
by. There are varied activities to partake 101 tented villas, all with private pools time in the schedule for participants to
in from hiking in the mountains to and surrounded by elegant gazelles enjoy the generous spa facilities. They
marvelling at falcon shows and enjoying in their natural habitat, it’s no wonder can also stroll down to the beach and
Bedouin dinners. Here is a taster of that any incentive participant would be enjoy a drink at the private seafront
what’s in store in RAK. able to relax. A 4,000sqm hydrotherapy restaurant and bar, Le Chalet.
spa, onsite falconry shows and the
Bedouin Dinner Experience Safran Tower privately dining facility There is a flurry of hotel development
Take yourself out to the desert and with undisturbed views of the vast across RAK including a Crowne Plaza,
desert and mesmerising surroundings, Anantara, Movenpick and Marriott being
enjoy a mesmerising night under the complete the extensive offering. built over the next few years. More
stars with music, dancing, laughter and hotels and entertainment complexes are
believe it or not, sand boarding. You Business Travel Hotel also planned on Marjan Island by 2022.
will have the opportunity to ride camels Hilton Al Hamra Beach and Golf
and dance in glowing skirts or choose RAK is up against the far more
to just pull up a cushion and sample the Resort & Al Hamra Convention Centre established emirates of Dubai and Abu
remarkable feast of traditional cuisine. are situated on the beachfront in the Dhabi, plus Qatar is getting in on the act
heart of RAK. With an 18-hole golf now too.
www.travelctm.co.uk
