Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority and Oman Tourism Development Authority have signed a memorandum of understanding
Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) and Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN Group) have signed a MoU to collectively pursue cross-destination tourism promotion between the Musandam Governorate, Sultanate of Oman and the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates.
According to a press statement, the agreement was signed in London by Raki Phillips, Chief Executive Officer of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority and Hashil Obaid Al Mahrouqi, Chief Executive Officer of OMRAN Group at the ongoing World Travel Market.
The MoU assigns both parties to cooperate on initiatives aimed at attracting more international visitors while positioning Ras Al Khaimah and Musandam as leading global tourism destinations in the Middle East.
The statement says that this framework sets the tone for greater collaboration and dialogue on marketing initiatives to promote cross-destination tourism. This includes facilitating ease of access in transportation between Musandam and Ras Al Khaimah, developing favourable visa arrangements for international travellers to visit both destinations and initiating tourism packages, adventure offerings and partnership opportunities.
According to the statement, this agreement will see leaders of both organisations work together to create opportunities for travellers to visit both destinations, Ras Al Khaimah and Musandam, in a single trip. It says that the partnership between the destinations comes as a natural fit with its close proxomity and shared natural assets, such as the Hajar mountains.
It adds that their intertwined cultural heritage and historical connections only serve to enrich and strengthen this collaboration.
“This first of its kind agreement is built upon a formidable synergy between Ras Al Khaimah and the neighbouring Musandam Governorate. We look forward to working together with OMRAN on cross-destination promotions which will not only showcase each of our destinations’ distinct tourism offerings, but also raise awareness among international visitors about the wide range of tourism attractions in the Middle East,” says Raki Phillips, Chief Executive Officer, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority.
Hashil Obaid Al Mahrouqi
“It gives us great pleasure to partner with the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority. This MoU underscores the pivotal role tourism authorities play in championing natural assets and cultural heritage. Through our joint efforts, we aim to craft distinctive and innovative experiences for global travellers, further enhancing the allure of our region,” says Hashil Obaid Al Mahrouqi, OMRAN Group’s Chief Executive Officer.
The statement adds that Ras Al Khaimah and Musandam Governorate boast natural assets, including Hajar Mountains and the fjords for which the Governorate of Musandam is renowned. As both are situated along the shores of the Arabian Gulf and Sea of Oman respectively, international travellers can additionally expect to enjoy an extensive range of water activities when visiting both destinations as part of the new partnership.
The statement adds that from immersive diving and snorkeling experiences, picturesque Dhow cruises, dolphin watching, kayaking and waterparks, the region caters to every kind of traveller amidst stunning natural landscapes.
The two destinations also plan to position Ras Al Khaimah and Musandam as leaders within the global adventure tourism market through unified marketing programmes. Together they aim to elevate Middle East’s status as a hub for adventure seekers internationally.
Ras Al Khaimah, known as the adventure hub of the Middle East, offers adventure enthusiasts a host of high-octane experiences on Jebel Jais, the highest mountain peak in the UAE, such as the Jais Flight, the longest zipline in the world, the Jais Sledder, the longest toboggan ride in the region, among many other attractions, while Musandam recently shattered international records with the launch of the world’s longest over water zipline.
Additionally, both destinations boast an impressive heritage and rich cultural history. History buffs can start with visiting one of the various sites in Ras Al Khaimah, including four archaeological sites on the UNESCO tentative list and Suwaidi Pearls, the only pearl farm in the UAE, then head to Oman and visit the Khasab Castle and Telegraph Island, one of the famous historical sites in Musandam.
