The Arabian Hotel Investment Conference Announces The Grand RAK Project

Dubai, UAE. 10 April, 2019. Delegates attending the 15^th annual Arabian Hotel Investment Conference (AHIC), held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, are being offered the chance to build something extraordinary in Ras Al Khaimah.

The competition, which aims to create a new resort that is unique to Ras Al Khaimah and the Middle East, is open to delegates registered to attend AHIC 2019, which is taking place from 9-11 April at the AHIC Village in Ras Al Khaimah.

His Highness Sheikh Saud said:

“We support projects and concepts that spark creativity and place Ras Al Khaimah at the forefront of the tourism sector.

Sustained growth is already the hallmark of Ras Al Khaimah’s tourism industry and we seek to ensure this continues by utilizing our strategic tourism plan to reach well-defined targets.”

Working in teams combining hotel designers and operators, entrants will have three months, up until July 2019, to prepare a preliminary concept vision supported by a high-level feasibility appraisal. Full details of the competition process will be announced during AHIC 2019.

Entries will be judged on commercial feasibility, innovation and sustainability. Three shortlisted operators will receive USD 25,000 each as a contribution towards their final submission, due in November 2019, when the winner will be announced at an exclusive event.

The winning project will be allocated a coveted beachfront location.

The esteemed judging panel for The Grand RAK Project includes Abdullah Al Abdooli, Managing Director & CEO, Marjan, David Daniels, Director of Architecture, SSH, Filippo Sona, Managing Director, Global Hospitality, Drees & Sommer and Kevin Underwood, Principal, HKS Hospitality Group.

For more information on The Grand RAK Project, please visit: https://www.arabianconference.com/grand-rak-project

AHIC 2019, featuring 100 speakers from around the world and expecting to attract more than 900 delegates in total, has been curated around the theme Synchronised for Success. The programme will uncover innovative approaches to business, analyse market trends, foster harmonious relationships between all stakeholders and help them future-proof against evolving demands.

For more information about AHIC 2019, please visit: www.arabianconference.com

About AHIC 2019

AHIC, now in its 15^th year, is the annual gathering for the Middle East’s hospitality investment community organised by global hotel investment event organiser Bench Events in partnership with Middle East business intelligence brand, MEED. AHIC creates a knowledge and networking platform for global and regional investors of all backgrounds, offering essential insights to investing in hotels, showcasing regional and international hospitality investment opportunities and facilitating direct connections with hospitality industry stakeholders. AHIC 2019 will be in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, from 9 April to 11 April 2019 in partnership with Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA). Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, AHIC 2019 will be co-hosted by its founding patron, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Airports, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman and CEO of Emirates Airline and Group, whose continued support of the industry and AHIC has been critical to the region’s tourism growth.

AHIC 2019 Sponsors

AHIC 2019 is hosted by Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority. Sponsors include: Accor Hotels, Al Hokair Group, Amaala, Al Marjan Island, Choice Hotels, Hilton, Radisson Hotel Group and The Red Sea Development Company as Platinum Sponsors; Emaar Hospitality Group, Dur Hospitality, (IHG) InterContinental Hotels Group, IWG (Insignia Worldwide Group), Millennium Hotels and Resorts, and Taiba Holding as Emerald Sponsors; and Alkamal International, Archipelago International, Barcelo hotel Group, Colliers International, Drees & Sommer, GlobalData, HVS, Knight Frank, Louvre Hotels Group, Marriott International, Melia Hotels International, PwC, Roya, SSH, STR, IHCL (The Indian Hotels Company Limited) and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts as Gold Sponsors. Citymax Hotels, Kerten Hospitality, Al Tamimi and Company, and Time Hotels are the Silver Sponsors. Edel & Stark is the Supercar Rental & Tours Partner while The Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management, Hotelivate and Hospitality Technology Next Generation (HTNG) are Supporting Partners.

Ras Al Khaimah

One of the world’s fastest growing tourism destinations, Ras Al Khaimah boasts a rich culture and long-standing history dating back 7,000 years. The Emirate boasts an array of archaeological sites and breath-taking natural vistas, from golden sand beaches, awe-inspiring terracotta dunes and a green belt of date palms to Jebel Jais, the highest mountain in the UAE.

To learn more about Ras Al Khaimah, visit us at:

• rasalkhaimah.ae
• raktda.com
• facebook.com/visitrasalkhaimah
• youtube.com/visitrasalkhaimah
• https://twitter.com/raktourism

#VisitRasAlKhaimah

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (TDA)

The Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (TDA) was established in May 2011 under the government of Ras Al Khaimah. In order to achieve target growth of one million visitors by the end of 2018, the authority aims to develop the Emirate’s 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 Emirate’s tourism and hospitality industry.