This week, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) confirmed that the Emirate will host to the Grand Final of the European Tour Challenge Tour season at the end of October, marking a significant milestone for golf in the UAE.  ‘The Road to Ras Al Khaimah’ is part of RAKTDA’s strategy to grow sports, adventure and event tourism in the Emirate which is seeking to attract 1 million visitors by end 2018. 

RAKTDA is increasing its focus on the sports and adventure tourism event segment with the introduction of a range of outdoor events that take advantage of the diverse natural landscape.  This follows the success of the RAK Half Marathon in February, the fastest half marathon in the world, which saw hotel bookings from participants increase by 35% year on year, and the RAK stage of the international Dubai Tour cycling race has was introduced in 2017, in addition to several hiking challenges and events in Jebel Jais, the UAE’s highest peak.

Haitham Mattar, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authoritysaid:  “Having hosted the penultimate Challenge Tour events in Ras Al Khaimah for the last two years, we are delighted to add the Grand Final to our sporting events calendar.  Not only will it attract golf fans from across the region and beyond but we hope it will also inspire more golf enthusiasts to play where the pro’s play at Al Hamra Golf Club. 

“High profile sporting events also help us attract an increasing number of international visitors and UAE residents who also want to experience everything Ras Al Khaimah has to offer. With our unique natural landscape of pristine beaches, terracotta desert and the UAE’s highest mountain range we cater to those looking for luxurious relaxation, culture or adventure.  With the recent opening of Jebel Jais Flight: The World’s Longest Zipline in the stunning Hajar Mountains visitors will also have the opportunity to tick off a truly bucket list experience,” added Mattar.

He concluded:  “Our hotel portfolio which includes high-end, luxury properties as well as family focused resorts is well placed to accommodate the visitors coming in for the Golf tournament, and with plans to significantly grow our choice of accommodation over the next five years, Ras Al Khaimah is truly a great place to combine watching sport with an exciting stay.”

Ras Al Khaimah boasts a year-round calendar of sporting, adventure, leisure and MICE events. The Happiness Festival in February attracted more than 30,000 visitors, while the emirate is due to stage another concert on Jebel Jais on the 4-5 May following the huge success of Vivaldianno – the UAE’s first live classical music concert at 1600 metres – which was held last October. Next week, Ras Al Khaimah will host Arabian Hotel Investment Conference and World Travel Awards, where hundreds of hotel and investment senior leaders will gather to network and discover the unique destination offering. To find out more about Ras Al Khaimah’s calendar of sporting events visit https://en.raktda.com/events.

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