Ras Al Khaimah Becomes the First Destination to Provide Free Covid-19 PCR Tests for International Visitors

• Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority to subsidize the costs of PCR tests for international guests staying overnight and departing from Ras Al Khaimah
• Ras Al Khaimah is the first global destination to provide PCR testing free of charge

7 October 2020, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE: Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) and RAK Hospital announce a partnership to provide free PCR (Polymerase chain reaction) testing to international visitors staying in and departing from Ras Al Khaimah until 31 December, 2020. Subsidized by RAKTDA, the free PCR test is available for international visitors to avail either atRAK Hospital, one of the UAE's most renowned private hospitals orRAK Medical Centrein Al Hamra Mall.

The partnership marks the Emirate as the first global destination to provide PCR testing free of charge for its international guests and visitors. Earlier in the year, Ras Al Khaimah became the first city in the world to be certified as safe byBureau Veritas, the global leader in testing, inspection and certification and the first Emirate to receive theWorld Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC)Safe Travels Stamp, due to extensive hygiene and security measures in place at its hotels and attractions. This recognition was quickly followed by free COVID-19 PCR testing for hospitality staff across the Emirates hotels. All these efforts align with the Emirates recovery plans, including far reaching support initiatives aimed at hospitality partners and stringent safety measures implemented to safeguard guests and residents, which in turn, have led to green shoots of recovery for its tourism industry.

"It is with great pleasure that we announce the complementary test for international visitors, as this effort will put in place an added element of safety - both for the guests staying within our properties, as well as our hospitality providers and their staff. As travel corridors begin to open up, we will continue to incorporate and implement global best practices into our efforts to safeguard against the spread of the pandemic. This initiative comes at a perfect time as we move towards the cooler months of the year into the 'Winter sun' season, encouraging all visitors to experience all that the destination has to offer, from the striking Jebal Jais mountain peak, pristine beaches to cultural and archeological explorations," said Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority.

The announcement comes after the unveiling of the destination's long-term investment strategy aimed to boost the growth and development of Jebel Jais as a standalone destination, by further diversifying its offering through several new sustainable projects. The upcoming projects on UAE's highest mountain will join the existing attractions includingJais Adventure Peakwhich serves a gateway to the various attractions on the iconic mountain, including the Worlds Longest Zipline and1484by Puro- the highest restaurant in the UAE. Moreover, the worlds firstBear Grylls Explorers Campwas recently announced and is scheduled to open on 16 October, bringing the mountain experience to life.

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RAK Medical Center - Al Hamra Mall is open from 10:00am to 2:00pm

RAK Hospital is open from 9:00am to 2:00pm

Reports (PCR test results) will be made available within 12 - 24 hours of testing allowing ample time prior to the guests departure flight.

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About Ras Al Khaimah

Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) is the northernmost of the seven Emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates. It isknown for its rich history,dating back 7,000 years,anddiverse landscape, from 64km of pristine beaches, to terracotta deserts and an imposing mountain backdrop. TheEmirate is home to the highest peak in the UAE, Jebel Jais,standing at 1,934 meters and featuring the worlds longest zip line,atalmost 3km.

Ras Al Khaimah is also centrally located at the modern crossroad between Europe, Asia and Africa, with one third of the worlds population within four hour's flying time, making it an ideal location for businesses to expand into the UAE, the Middle East and Africa and beyond.Indeed, the World Banks Doing Business report ranks Ras Al Khaimah 30^thout of 190 economies for ease of doing business.

At the Emirate's economic heart lies multiple major companies and diverse sectoral interests, including manufacturing and tourism. Major companies include: RAK Ceramics, RAKBANK, Julphar Pharmaceuticals, RAK Ports, RAK Rock, Stevin Rock, RAK Economic Zone, RAK Gas. Supporting these industries is a modern infrastructure, state-of-the-art industrial areas and business parks and world-class hotels, facilities and attractions for tourists.

Ras Al Khaimah is also a cultural melting pot with agrowing population, currently at about 375,000, 31% of which is local Emirati. It is considered an extremely safe place to live,consistently ranked highly in global surveys.

With year-round sunshine,straightforwardbusiness set-up and a competitive and affordable cost of living, Ras Al Khaimah is the informed choice for business, lifestyle andtravel.

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About Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA)

The Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (TDA) was established in May 2011 under the government of Ras Al Khaimah. In order to attract 1.5 million visitors by 2021, and 3 million visitors by 2025, the Ras Al Khaimah TDA aims to develop the Emirates tourism infrastructure and establish Ras Al Khaimah as a world-class destination for leisure and business travel, creating sustainable investment opportunities and enhancing the quality of life for its residents. In order to achieve its goals, the Ras Al Khaimah TDA has a government mandate to license, regulate and monitor the Emirates tourism and hospitality industry.

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