Travel/Tourism
From Desert To Paradise, Ras Al Khaimah Has Become The New Dubai
Travelers, having experienced the high standards set by Dubai, are on the lookout for new Middle Eastern destinations that bring together both business and leisure. Ras Al Khaimah emerges as a rapidly growing Emirate, presenting itself as an attractive, cost-effective alternative to Dubai. Located just 45 minutes away from Dubai’s International Airport, Ras Al Khaimah boasts luxury shopping centers, breathtaking sceneries, and historical sites, catering to diverse traveler preferences. Let’s delve into the factors fueling Ras Al Khaimah’s metamorphosis and the rising prominence of its tourism.
The Tourism Development Authority
In 2011, the Ras Al Khaimah government founded the Ras Al Khaimah Tourist Development Authority (TDA) to support the tourism sector in reaching a goal of 1.5 million visitors by 2021. With an ambitious objective, Ras Al Khaimah aims to draw over 3 million tourists by 2025. TDA’s role is pivotal in licensing, regulating, and overseeing the Emirate’s tourism and hospitality sectors. Its promotional efforts are guided by a strategic approach that includes:
- Current trends and necessary tourism projects are researched and analyzed.
- Educating travel professionals on Ras Al Khaimah’s tourism attractions through workshops, roadshows, and other means.
- Using branding and marketing to promote investment prospects.
- Managing consumer and media marketing and promotions.
- Hosting cultural and athletic events.
- Representing Ras Al Khaimah at international tourism trade exhibitions.
Investments by the Government
The administration of Ras Al Khaimah is investing in several infrastructure projects and changing specific policies to create an enticing environment for direct foreign investment. The emirate hopes to attract industrialists, hospitality service providers, and adventurers. In keeping with these goals, the government is planning to open the UAE’s first casino in order to boost regional tourism.
While the Gulf has historically opposed gambling for cultural and religious grounds, it seems that these conservative attitudes are now shifting. Many Middle Eastern players already frequently play online casinos such as Casinoelarabs. Online casinos allow players to play casino games without the cultural or social stigma often associated with gambling in the region.
The Impact of Direct Foreign Investment
While the government’s vision faces challenges due to uneven development across many parts of Ras Al Khaimah, progress is evident. International hotel chains, including Radisson and Movenpick, have established themselves in Ras Al Khaimah, raising the available rooms to 8,000. Currently, 19 more projects are in the pipeline, backed by renowned brands like Westin and Nobu. The region boasts a diverse array of tourist attractions, from picturesque mountain vistas and pristine beaches to its rich ceramic heritage.
In a bid to attract high-end tourists, the government is positioning Ras Al Khaimah as a hub for superyacht storage and boat manufacturing. A Polish luxury catamaran manufacturer has shown interest in a €30 million investment in the emirate. Furthermore, RAK is laying the groundwork for a new free zone tailored for digital and virtual asset businesses to bolster investment opportunities.
Factors Promoting Ras Al KhaimahTourism
Ras Al Khaimah offers goods and services of a quality comparable to Dubai but at a more affordable price. The city is set to experience a boost in tourism come November when Qatar Airways initiates flights there, as both destinations appeal to tourists with similar interests. Accommodations in Ras Al Khaimah range from beachfront hotels to those situated atop the Jebel Jais mountain. Tourists flock to the area for activities such as cycling, hiking, ziplining, and scenic trips up to the Jebel Jais Peak. The Al Jazeera Al Hamra village, the Middle East’s sole preserved pearling village, is a must-visit. It hosts the annual Fine Arts Festival and boasts attractions like watchtowers, a fort, a mosque, a market, and traditional courtyard homes. While there, visitors can indulge in authentic souk cuisine. For a deeper dive into the region’s history, one can embark on a boat tour to the Suwaidi Pearl Farm to discover traditions like pearl-freediving and enjoy sightings of mangroves, flamingos, and camels.
Recap
As Dubai’s tourism industry booms, devoted travelers are searching for nearby destinations that offer excellent value for their money, and Ras Al Khaimah is at the top of the list. While Dubai is the second largest emirate and the UAE’s major financial and commercial center, Ras Al Khaimah is rapidly narrowing the gap. While many refer to Ras Al Khaimah as the “Las Vegas of the Gulf,” it is a diversified tourist destination that cannot be defined by a single factor. These initiatives are intended to provide a high return on investment through financial, social, or cultural benefits.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has announced plans to introduce V-Pass, a biometric facial recognition system designed to make passenger processing faster, safer and more seamless across its domestic airports.
According to FAAN, the new technology will allow passengers to verify their identities through facial recognition after a one-time enrolment, reducing reliance on physical identification documents and shortening queues through automated electronic gates.
The authority said the system is expected to enhance airport security while improving the overall travel experience for domestic passengers.
FAAN added that V-Pass has been developed with data privacy at its core and is compliant with the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR).
The agency described the initiative as part of its commitment to delivering smarter, technology-driven airport services and said nationwide sensitisation and rollout updates would be announced in due course.
Airports in countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates already deploy facial recognition technology for processes such as check-in, security screening, immigration and boarding, so the move also aligns Nigeria’s aviation sector with a growing global trend towards contactless travel.
These systems have been adopted to improve operational efficiency, strengthen security and enhance the overall passenger experience.
For FAAN, the deployment of V-Pass forms part of its broader digital transformation agenda aimed at modernising airport operations and accommodating rising passenger traffic.
Experts say that beyond improving convenience, the authority expects the biometric platform to strengthen identity verification, reduce the risk of impersonation and support more efficient airport security, while maintaining compliance with data protection.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
About 14.12 per cent stake in Ikeja Hotel Plc has been acquired by Honeywell Group Limited, a notice on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Limited has revealed.
Honeywell Group took up the part of the hospitality firm through one of its affiliates known as HGL Real Estate Limited.
Ikeja Hotel, in the disclosure filed with the NGX on July 2, 2026, said the stake comprised 305,323,525 units of its equities.
“Ikeja Hotel hereby notifies the Nigerian Exchange Limited and the general public that it has received notification from HGL Real Estate Limited, an affiliate of Honeywell Group Limited, that it has acquired 305,323,525 units of Ikeja Hotel Plc’s shares, representing 14.12 per cent shareholding in the company,” the notice stated.
Ikeja Hotel is one of Nigeria’s leading hospitality investment and hotel management companies with premium hospitality assets.
It operates two leading hospitality organisations in Lagos, the Sheraton Lagos Hotel and Balmoral Convention Centre.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
About 10 hospitality establishments, including hotels and restaurants, were sealed on Wednesday by officials of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA).
The affected businesses are located in different locations in the Alimosho Local Government Area of the metropolis, Business Post learned from a statement from the agency.
It was stated that they were sealed by LASEPA for persistent violations of environmental regulations despite repeated warnings, abatement notices, and several opportunities to comply with the agency’s directives.
According to the notice, the enforcement exercise was carried out in line with the directives of the Lagos State government to ensure strict compliance with environmental laws and to safeguard public health.
The affected facilities were said to have breached various environmental regulations, including noise pollution, air pollution, unlawful discharge of untreated effluent, obstruction of official duties, among others.
LASEPA closed the premises of Granduer Meridian at Obasa Akiniyi Street, Oluwaga, Ipaja for non-compliance with the agency’s directives; Lasola (Spazio Bar), located on Ipaja Road, Fatolu Bus Stop, Ipaja, was sealed for noise pollution and non-compliance with directives; Millennium Restaurant, located at Gate Bus Stop, Ipaja, Ayobo, was shut down for non-compliance with directives; O2 Exquisite Suites & Tower on Jimoh Akinremi Street, Jimoh Bus Stop, Akowonjo, was sealed for non-compliance with directives; and Chirozz Hotel & Suites, located on Samuel Street, Akowonjo, by Vulcanizer Bus Stop, Egbeda, was closed for noise pollution and non-compliance with directives.
In addition, House 7 Hotel, located at Remi Akande Street, Egbeda, was sealed for non-compliance with LASEPA’s directives; House 48 on Isiba Oluwo Street, Egbeda, was sealed for non-compliance with directives; Exclusive Hotel, located at Ishan Kimishe, Akesan Bus Stop, was shut down by non-compliance with directives; Sabola Ventures Limited, Iocated at Km 11, LASU–Isheri Road, Igando, was shut down for operating without evidence of an Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP), and discharging untreated effluent into public drains; and City Int’l Motel, located at Chief Olu-Adegbite Street, off Oladun Street, Council Bus Stop, Idimu, was sealed for non-compliance with directives.
