Tourists came from other parts of the UAE as well asabroad, and included potential buyers.
RAS AL KHAIMAH, UAE – HE Mohammed Ahmed Ruqait Al Ali, Chairman of Al Marjan Island Company has hailed the emergence of the Island as a major tourism generator in Ras Al Khaimah, as it houses 45% of the total 5 star hotel rooms in the emirate, through 3 leading resorts –Rixos Bab Al Bahr, Double Tree by Hilton and Al Marjan Island Hotel & Spa.
HE Al Ali added that this ambitious island development comes at a time when the UAE in general and RAK in particular are moving up the tourism ladder, in terms of number of visitors and the quality of touristic facilities. He said: “Al Marjan Island is expected to notch up higher growth rates in the coming period as more investors are eyeing investments in tourism, hospitality, shopping, housing and business.”
Architect Abdullah Rashed Al Abdooli, Managing Director of Al Marjan Island Company.
Architect Abdullah Rashed Al Abdooli, Managing Director of Al Marjan Island Company added: “The intra-regional tourism is a major driver of Al Marjan Island popularity, and Ras Al Khaimah. Emiratis and UAE residence took up 23% share of the total number visitors to the island between January and April 2014. This segment of visitors is very keen to own a property on the island. This desire is also shared by tourists from the Gulf, pan-Arab region as well as foreigners, charmed by the picturesque views and flexibility of investment. Many tourists are seeing investment potential in retail and these represent a large segment of potential buyers on the island.”
Al Abdooli said: “Between January and August 2014, over100,000 visitors of different nationalities visited Al Marjan Island. The island’s idyllic location is a key factor attracting tourists, including UAE visitors, who prefer to spend their vacation in serene surroundings and activity packed environment, which are growing day by day.”
Al Abdooli pointed out: “The competitive characteristics of Al Marjan Island make it a popular destination for visitors. We have seen a dramatic increase in numbers of tourists from all part of the UAE and the region in general. We have devised a strategy to transform the island into one of the world’s leading artificial islands, offering leisure and entertainment, as well as investment and business opportunities for developers of hotels, resorts, shopping centers and retail activity.”
RAK Tourism and Development Authority (TDA) has projected that the number of hotel rooms in RAK would cross10,000 by 2017, half of which will be based in Al Marjan Island. The Emirate currently has15 hotels and resorts located in the key touristic sites in the city and coastal areas.
Al Marjan Island is a wonderful masterpiece of engineering, located on a splendorous coastal stretch of Ras Al Khaimah with sweeping views of the Arabian Gulf. It consists of four small artificial islands that house residential units as well as hotels, resorts, sports facilities, entertainment centers and premium shopping offering top brands. The island stretches 4.5 kilometers into the sea, spread over an area of 2.7 million square meters.
Al Abdooli concluded: “Through its scenic location, Al Marjan Island provides a distinctive opportunity for investors to get high returns, giving them full ownership of the land under tax-free options.”
Photo caption: Al Marjan Island.
Tatiana is the news coordinator for TravelDailyNews Media Network (traveldailynews.gr, traveldailynews.com and traveldailynews.asia). Her role includes monitoring the hundreds of news sources of TravelDailyNews Media Network and skimming the most important according to our strategy.
She holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication & Mass Media from Panteion University of Political & Social Studies of Athens and she has been editor and editor-in-chief in various economic magazines and newspapers.
