Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) is thrilled to introduce an exciting initiative tailored for Indians: complimentary visas for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) and wedding events.
The initiative, which will officially launch in July 2024 and run through March 2025, will offer groups an even greater incentive to stage their wedding or corporate event in Ras Al Khaimah and experience the emirate’s breathtaking beauty while making use of its world-class facilities. Under the initiative, RAKTDA will provide free visas for Indian groups booking a minimum two-night stay in any of Ras Al Khaimah’s world-class hotels. The offer is open to groups with at least 100 guests per night, with visa costs being covered by RAKTDA, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free experience.
Commenting on the launch of the initiative, Iyad Rasbey, Vice President of Destination Tourism Development at RAKTDA, said: " We are delighted to launch this incentive, which will enhance Ras Al Khaimah’s appeal as a premier destination for Indian MICE and wedding events. We saw a 23% growth in MICE revenue and 103% increase in wedding-related revenue in 2023 and are eager to build on this success."
Nestled in the northernmost part of the UAE, Ras Al Khaimah is a haven for those seeking stunning landscapes, world-class hotels and resorts, and state-of-the-art facilities. It has become a preferred wedding destination for Indian couples offering an array of stunning venues, from beachfront resorts like Waldorf Astoria, Movenpick Resort Al Marjan Island and Intercontinental Ras Al Khaimah Resort and Spa to desert oases like Ritz Carlton Al Wadi Desert. The recently opened Sofitel Al Hamra Beach Resort combines the Arabian Gulf's beauty meets French Art De Vivre and the Anantara Mina Al Arab offers luxurious Maldivian-style overwater villas.
The Nature Emirate also boasts unique venues that provide breathtaking locations for bespoke celebrations. With over 8,000 keys available, the Emirate has world-class hotels and resorts including properties such as Anantara, Sofitel, Waldorf Astoria, InterContinental, Rixos, Rotana, Ritz-Carlton, Radisson, Movenpick and many others, all with impeccable MICE facilities, sprawling grounds and public spaces for outdoor celebrations. Al Hamra International Exhibition & Conference Centre is the only stand-alone and flagship venue by the beach. Boasting a capacity of 3,000 attendees and 4,500 square meters of flexible event space, it caters to a diverse array of gatherings. Al Jazeera Al Hamra - the last surviving pearl diving and seafaring town, and Dhayah Fort - the only hilltop fort still in existence in the UAE - offer couples the once in a lifetime opportunity to host their celebrations amid sites on the UNESCO’s tentative list of Global Heritage Sites. For the more adventurous bride and groom, the Jebel Jais Viewing Deck, located 1,250 metres above sea level with awe-inspiring vistas across the Hajar Mountains and Arabian Gulf, is the perfect venue for an unforgettable celebration.
India has proven key to Ras Al Khaimah’s tourism growth plans, with the country consistently ranking among its top five visitor source markets worldwide. In 2023 alone, the emirate recorded a 20% increase in Indian visitor numbers, a trend that is likely to accelerate with the introduction of this initiative. Getting to Ras Al Khaimah from India is also easier than ever, with direct flights from major Indian cities like Mumbai and Hyderabad with IndiGo. The emirate’s proximity to Dubai International Airport also ensures excellent connectivity.
In 2023, Ras Al Khaimah introduced new laws governing civil marriages and a streamlined wedding planner certification programme, making it easier for local and international planners to arrange wedding ceremonies on behalf of couples living outside the UAE. Certified planners can secure fast-tracked permits and arrange ceremonies at unique venues across Ras Al Khaimah. Event organisers and wedding planners are encouraged to contact RAKTDA for more information and assistance in planning their events.