The tourism sector plays an important role in the economic

growth of the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. In the coming

years, it will lead to the growth of the tourism industry
significantly, which will enhance the recreational facilities
for residents and visitors to the emirate.

Based on the existing developments in the emirate and the

effort to promote it as a favorite tourism destination, the
Government of Ras Al Khaimah has nominated the
Department of Economic Development to further promote
tourism by creating a specialized department which will
support the tourism sector in Ras Al Khaimah.

Tourism Promotion and Support Administration.

 Envisioning RAK

Pathways to success
Progress achieved under any circumstances is sweet; but
when it comes amidst adverse conditions and situations,
it is indeed sweeter.
Ras Al Khaimah was all geared up for hosting the
America’s Cup early next year, but factors other than
merit and sportsmanship saw to it that it was not to be.
Corporate rivalry and political opportunism combined to
create a dishonest liaison that took the glory away from
the naturally beautiful emirate. But that didn’t mean
the end of the dream for Ras Al Khaimah. America’s Cup
was only one chapter of the emirate’s illustrious story of
tourism development and the authorities are going full
steam ahead with their concerted move to position Ras Al
Khaimah on the global tourism map.
The development of tourism infrastructure, including the
addition of hotel rooms, shopping facilities and creation
of new tourism assets is growing apace and the emirate
has packed the coming season with an impressive range of
offerings. Ras Al Khaimah is set to reap the full benefits of
its new position as the fastest growing tourism destination
in the Arabian Gulf region and the numbers so far present
compelling argument in support of the strategy being
pursued by the government and the emirate’s tourism
authorities.
K Raveendran
Managing Editor
Sterling Publications

MANAGING EDITOR
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 Contents

Page 12

Cover Story
‘Tourisms’
RAK’s diverse strategy to lure tourists

Page 6 Page 36 Page 60

Geared Up Sport Sagas Precious
RAK gears up to face 2010 Try Ballooning RAK’s own jewellery designer shares
some of her creative ideas

Page 16 Page 40
Awafi Festival WOW RAK to open in Spring
Desert festival beckons
Page 42
Industrious RAK

Page 46
RAK on a Roll
Page 52
Page 62
American University of RAK Culture Canvas
Page 18 Artist and writer Michael Kluckner is
Page 54
New hotels for RAK spellbound with RAK
4 Business and Life
An interview with Oussama El Omari,
Page 28 Page 64
CEO RAKFTZ
It’s getting busy Visit RAK
RAk International Airport will see a Page 56
spur of activity soon Things to see, do and enjoy
The Japanese Touch
An interview with Japanese Consule
Page 32 Kenji Saito Page 70
Banyan Tree Al Wadi opens Health News

Page 72
RAK Hospital celebrates 2nd
anniversary
 American University
of Ras Al Khaimah
Licensed by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research

Top Education...Top of the Emirates

The American University of Ras Al Khaimah was established by Royal Decree
by His Highness Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qassimi, Crown Prince and
Deputy Ruler, Ras Al Khaimah and the University Chancellor.

• New Residence Halls featuring kitchenettes, balconies, tiled

bathrooms, under-bed storage, student lounge – Four-star living!
• Sports – football – cricket – basketball – tennis and an
abundance of student activities
• State-of-the-Art Student Center
• Student Success – Your Success Begins Here!
• Excellent Library
• Dedicated and highly qualified Faculty
Academic Programs English Language Programs
• BS Biotechnology* ELP for Academic Admission ELP for the Community
• BS Business Administration Acquire reading, writing, speaking, and • Customized for organizations
Specializations in Finance, International Business, or listening skills for entry to the university • Intensive English
Marketing • High quality instruction • Beginners’ English
• BS Computer Engineering* • Native English-speaking instructors • IELTS and TOEFL exam preparation
• BS Electronics & Communications Engineering • Academic preparation • Day or evening classes
• BS Management* • Participate in campus life as part of the
Specializations in Human Resource Management or AURAK community
Management Information Systems
• Master’s of Education in Educational Leadership
*proposed programs for Fall 2010

Academic Excellence. Redefined.

Tel.: +971 7 221 0500 Fax: +971 7 221 0300

info@aurak.ae www.aurak.ae
 COVER STORY

Geared up
for Success
‘Businessmen in RAK have shown a willingness to do more than their duty’

2
6

HH Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler, RAK
The road to success
The recession has been a test of
time. It has separated the
wheat from the chaff and provided a
reality check to investors the world over.
While some have been devastated by
its effects, it has proven to be a boon to
others, who have found creative ways to
combat the hard times. Ras Al Khaimah
is said to have been least affected by
the recession for having pitched its case
on industries rather than real estate. By
adapting suitably to the environment,
it has diversified its strategies at doing
business. At its helm is its able Crown
Prince and Deputy Ruler HH Sheikh
Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, an astute
businessmen who states that the
financial crisis is actually an opportunity
in sectors such as tourism, industry as
well as trading and RAK’s GDP has grown
eight per cent in 2009.
“The world is changing and we have
to learn how to adapt and innovate to
move to the front. We are giving a big
thrust to tourism and industry, which is
vital for us and since Ras Al Khaimah has
always been known as an educational
hub, we want to become a knowledge
centre, a tourist destination and an
industrial destination too,” he states.
Sheikh Saud is full praise for
businessmen in RAK who have chosen
to move forward with their plans
despite the slack in the general climate.
“RAK has seen a fantastic reception to
the solutions that we put out. Private
businesses have brought in skills and
knowledge required for success. I’m glad
that our own businessmen have shown
a willingness to do more than their duty,”
he states.
A fact seconded by Prof Hassan
Hamdan Al Alkim, Director General of
the Economic Department, Government
of Ras Al Khaimah. Prof Alkim is a
distinguished scholar and has been on
the panel of advisors to Sheikh Saud and
an author of several books concerning
the Gulf. “RAK’s strength has always been
its industrial base. The emirate is known
for the last 35 years as an industrial zone.
Industries contribute to 20 percent of the
GDP,” he states. One of the best aspects
of RAK he believes is that all industrial
parks are marketed well and have fully
equipped facilities – be it in the area of
space, gas, connectivity etc. As a result,
there are several industries, all of which
have brought several people from across
the world to the shores of RAK. “The last
5-6 years have seen a lot of change in
the emirate. The expatriate population
is now 350,000 and the total population
of RAK is about ½ million, that has more
than doubled in the last few years,” he
states.
A strong spokesperson on tourism,
Alkim finds RAK’s foray into industry its
most important element. “Among the
varied sectors, industries are the most
sustainable. Tourism has its limits, real
estate too has its reach but industries
contribute to long term investment.
Industries localise people, they settle
them for longer periods, information is
exchanged and finally ‘the know-how’
of the local population gets enhanced,”
he adds.
Ras Al Khaimah and its two free
7
3
trade zones that span the areas of Al
Hamra and Al Ghail, have been hotbeds
of investment. Together, between
them, they have a spate of over 6000
companies, a host of which were
registered during the recession. No
wonder then, it has been awarded the
most preferred investment destination in
the Middle East by fDi magazine.
RAK has been quite active in
promoting its free zones in the world
outside. While
RAKFTZ has offices in Abu Dhabi,
Dubai, Germany, Turkey, India etc,
 RAKIA too has been active in roping
in world renowned companies to its
shores. During Cityscape 2009, Ras
Al Khaimah Investment Authority,
Al Hamra Real Estate and Rakeen
collectively showcased a selection of
world-class residential and mixed-use
developments, attractive free-zone
packages, onshore and offshore
business solutions and a rapidly
growing global portfolio of real estate
projects. On show were the Al Marjan
Island, the first man-made island in Ras
8
Al Khaimah; the Bab Al Bahr mixed-
use development, Gateway City, Al
Hamra Village mixed-use development,
RAKIA Amenities Centre, and various
business opportunities within RAKIA’s
free zone. Dr Khater Massaad, CEO of
RAKIA, says, ““Visitors could appreciate
the transformation of Ras Al Khaimah
as a haven for sustainable development
and an attractive lifestyle, tourism and
business destination. We showcased
the pristine natural beauty of Ras Al
Khaimah, where residents can enjoy
the emirate’s white sandy beaches,
red desert dunes and majestic Hajjar
mountains, while being in proximity
to the comforts of state-of-the-art
residential and commercial amenities”
A value-added feature was a unique
showcase of groundbreaking mixed-
use developments and authentic
project models that are being
undertaken by RAKEEN in Lebanon,
Congo (DRC), Georgia, Iran, Kyrgyzstan,
Armenia and other international
destinations.
 Interview
Sea, Sand, Sun and Simplicity
RAK has a wealth of undiscovered tales that will interest tourists
E
ndowed with the statuesque
Hajjar Mountains with its host
of wadis that come alive with
vegetation and streams in the
monsoons, an uninterrupted coastline
dotted with world-class hotels, spas and
resorts, the red sands of the deserts,
ground for the big wide outdoors, date
palm plantations and agriculture belts,
Ras Al Khaimah is blessed with natural
diversity. Then, it has its rich culture that
consists of a plethora of archaeological
and historical sites; government museums
and private collections; old shops, souks
and most importantly, its people – its
living culture.
But, is this enough to rope in tourists?
What is the unique RAK experience in it
all, now that tourism promotion is high
10
2 on its agenda? HH Sheikh Faisal bin Saqr
Al Qasimi, Chairman RAKFTZ states that
current feedback from tourists who visit
RAK states that they want an experience
unique to the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah.
“People are very interested to sample
RAK food. The women tourists are also
keen to know the lifestyle of the women
in the emirate. They are seeking a deeper
understanding of our culture and we will
be concentrating on those factors,” he
states. The reason Sheikh Faisal is keen that
tourism involves a lot of interaction with
local craftsmen, artists, traditional chefs etc
is because the wealth of untold stories will
HH Sheikh Faisal bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Chairman,
RAKFTZ
be revealed to tourists.
But doesn’t it all happen at the Awafi
Festival -- one such event in RAK under
his purview? “Awafi is a lot to do with
outdoors, camping, games etc and has
been attracting a whole lot of people from
the emirates and outside. We need parallel
events that have a different twist to it, albeit
with the same intention of promoting
tourism as well as culture, while addressing
our environment too,” he states.
While the sun, sea and sand have
unfailingly attracted tourists to the shores of
RAK every season, Sheikh Faisal states that,
to retain them and attract more numbers,
various thematic activities regarding culture
will benefit them. So will a host of newer
properties.
RAK recently saw the opening of The
Banyan Tree Al Wadi as well as The New
Hilton Hotel and Spa. “The Double Tree hotel
apartment is coming up near the old Hilton
hotel. It shall have 112 residences,” he adds.
One of his biggest ventures, which is in
the planning stage right now, is a 2,000-
room hotel coming up near the New Hilton
Hotel and Spa. “The upcoming hotel is
unique because it will be the first of its kind
in the world. We are trying to achieve 100
per cent renewable energy through the
project, which is a big challenge,” he states.
But RAK is not stopping at creating
five-star properties solely. According to
Sheikh Faisal, there is a segment in RAK that
is developing quietly and steadily. Small
and medium-sized hotels and restaurants
are coming up near the corniche, malls and
popular hotspots of the emirate, catering
largely to the weekend tourist crowd. “This
is a new trend in RAK, which has been
confirmed by the Economic Department too.
I expect one hotel to come up every month.
These hotels, that usually have 30-50 rooms
are clean, well-maintained, cost-effective
and fit for families. They don’t require big
investments, their capital costs are less, and
so are the costs of running it. Several of them
are managed by Indians,” he adds.
With a renewed focus on tourist demand
and the right kind of infrastructure catering
to various segments of tourists, RAK’s tourism
industry is on a steady upswing.
 COVER STORY

From Tourism
12
to Tourisms
RAK has a diverse strategy to lure tourists, be it in the areas of leisure, business,
investment, real estate, academics or health. Prof Hassan Hamdan Al Alkim,
Director General of the Economic Department, Government of Ras Al Khaimah
unveils the emirate’s well-chalked out agenda
 Dr Al Alkim is a
Professor of Political
Science, advisor to the
RAK Crown Prince for
Research and Studies,
Private Consultant to the
Gulf and the Middle East
and has written several
books on the Arab world.
Now, with the Economic
Department activating
its Tourism Promotional
/Administration wing,
tourism is being given a
major thrust by the RAK
Government.
“We are blessed with
a diversity of natural Prof Hassan Hamdan Al Alkim
resources – mountains
and the sea come what the Burj Al Arab is to Dubai and the
together in the Northern Emirates Palace to Abu Dhabi.
part, we have sand In terms of business hotels, the Acacia
dunes, cultivated land Hotel at Al Hamra Free Zone is nearly
as well as long stretches complete and shall begin operations soon.
of the sea shore – all But RAK’s tourism agenda is not restricted
of which work to our to one zone exclusively but it spans across
advantage,” he states. the entire emirate. According to Alkim, in
As a result, the RAK Saraya, between the Rams and Julphar
government under HH area, in the 4 kms of coastline, there will
Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al soon be a medium-sized hotel plus a
Qasimi, Crown Prince development spanning 40 villas, done by a
and Deputy Ruler, has Lebanese company, Arab bank and the RAK
devoted its time and government. There is a Swiss hotel coming
resources to nourish up in the area near the RAK Economic
and revitalise its tourism department in the Al Nakheel area too.
using a diverse strategy “Recently, at the launch of the New Hilton
– in areas of leisure, Hotel, HH Sheikh Faisal announced a 2,000-
business, investment, room hotel in the pipeline,” states Alkim.
real estate, academics or To attract more people to the heights of
13
3
health. the Hajjar Mountains (which experienced
But getting more snowfall in January 2009), the roads

“The tourist season has just

started and RAK’s hotel
occupancy rate is already very high. Right
from November, hotels have been packed
with people. This points in the direction of
high demand and short supply,” says Prof
Hassan Hamdan Al Alkim, Director General
of the Economic Department, Government
of Ras Al Khaimah. The reason why he
is awaiting the opening of several new
hotels and resorts in the emirate in the
coming years.
tourists would mean adding newer
facilities to the emirate, in terms of hotel
rooms and allied infrastructure. “The
Intercontinental Hotel is coming up on
the man-made Mina Al Arab island along
with two more hotels, a SAS hotel, near the
Tower Links Golf Course, the Banyan Tree
resort shall see an opening shortly and
we are expecting five more hotels in the
near future,” he adds. One of RAK’s future
landmarks will be the Palace Hotel in the
Al Hamra development that will be to RAK
leading to Jebel Jais are being developed.
“Temperature ranges between 0-10 degrees
centigrade in the summit of the mountains
that stretch to a height of 1,900 metres or
5,800 feet. Roads are halfway through and
under construction,” he adds.
For tourists who arrive at RAK, there are
several shopping options now as compared
to few years ago. Be it the old souks or malls
like the Manar Mall, Safeer Mall, Naeem Mall,
Al Hamra Mall, both internal and external
tourism is facilitated. “ We have world class
14
events like the RAK Marathon that get in a
large number of people to RAK and local
events like the Awafi festival. Both these
events are organised annually. To host the
guests, we have world class hotels at our
doorstep too. These are our opportunities
and it won’t be long that we see more
people coming to RAK,” he adds.
The Tourism Promotional /
Administration Department’s role is to
liaise with hotels, award licences to them
after inspecting their plans and layouts,
promote tourism through various activities,
fairs and international participations etc.
“For all these activities, we have a branch
at Al Hamra and soon, we shall have a
facility at the Manar Mall too. We are in the
process of publishing a directory of hotels
with a database of major phone numbers
that include hotels, restaurants, hospitals,
civil defence, medical and paramedical
facilities at RAK. We shall shortly begin
promotions too,” he states.
Tourism is topmost on the priority of
the RAK government. “In fact, one of our
members is preparing a study on ‘Tourism
Clusters’ on Ras Al Khaimah and writing his
thesis that can be used by tourists to this
region,” adds Alkim. A major forthcoming
event is Awafi Festival that will celebrate its
7th year in 2010. “It is a great crowd puller
and a hotspot for investment as well. I can
say this because, during the two weeks of
the Awafi Festival , there is a high demand
on liasioning businesses to the festival. The
roads are full of cars and every year, the
number of people frequenting the festival
is increasing. This year too, like every year,
we will add another attraction to Awafi,”
adds Alkim. “, We are planning to start
the RAK Summer Festival in the coming
few years. We have 6- 7 months of great

weather in Ras Al Khaimah, but there
are a lot of tourists who travel during
off-season too, so we are well-equipped
to attend to their needs throughout the
year”.
Every other year, the Economic
Department RAK, holds an International
conference. While the last conference
held two years ago, was on Statistics
and Information, the next one shall
concentrate on Industrial Investment.
“In the pipeline, is a tourism conference
too. We are working out our dates
because they shouldn’t clash with other
important events,” states Alkim. He feels
that the academic conferences are ways
through which RAK can reach out word
about the emirate to other parts of the
world. “We invite people to arrive at RAK,
live here for a few days, present academic
papers. For us, it becomes an important
platform to introduce RAK to a group of
scholars and intellectuals and get some
papers published on the emirate,” he
adds.
In terms of medical tourism that RAK
has been promoting, state-of-the-art
RAK Hospital has been quite active.
15
“The hospital has started to have a cardio-
vascular surgeon to address the high rate of
heart diseases in this region,” states Alkim.
The other hospitals in the emirate are the
Saqr Hospital and the Obeidullah Hospital
and the upcoming Khalifa Hospital and
Omran Hospital.
“Everyone benefits out of tourism, it is
a win-win situation for all sectors. When
hotels do well, restaurants, car and taxi
services, malls, resorts etc – all of them get
active,” states Alkim. And Ras Al Khaimah
is well-equipped to welcome a variety of
tourisms to its shores.
 Tourism
The Great Outdoors
The dramatic red sands of Awafi beckon tourists
16
2
The car tracks in the smooth
red desert sands are telling.
Preparations are on for Awafi festival 2010,
RAK’s own desert festival. One of the most
awaited events of the region, Awafi, as it
is locally called, starts on January 28 and
continues until February 19, playing host
to a spate of desert sports that include car
racing and dune bashing, apart from being
a showcase of art, culture and heritage
unique to the emirates. In its seventh year
now, the three-week event has gained wide
acceptance not only in the UAE, but in the
entire GCC region and outside. The event
is supported by the Tourism Support and
Promotion Administration, Department
of Economic Development (DED),
Government of Ras Al Khaimah.
Hamad bin Erhama Al Shamsi, Deputy
Director-General of the Department of
Economic Development (DED), in charge of
the Awafi festival, sees a significant increase
in licences issued for 2010 as compared
to last year and the year before. “We have
awarded about 70 licences so far,” he states.
The licences issued for Awafi include those
for chalets, restaurants, shops and other
eateries – all of which will facilitate tourism.
In addition to all this, the place will be well
equipped with public amenities, toilets, Hamad bin Erhama Al Shamsi
 a medical centre,
coffee shops, food
outlets, police office,
ambulance service,
games area, and a fire
brigade. Locally, the
festival is known for
its adrenaline sports
like car and dune bike
racing, apart from
being a great occasion
for camping and
barbecues. “Entry to the
festival is free, but we
charge a nominal fee
of Dh100 for people
taking part in sports.
On January 29, we
shall have the main
race (which involves
cars with six and eight
cylinders) and on
February 5, the other
cars,” he adds.
The spring festival
that has etisalat as
its main sponsor, is a
good showcase for
Arabic culture and
heritage “We now have
a theatre there and we
have regular theatre
performances and cultural displays,” he
states. The festival also has local arts and
crafts, a bazaar, and a children’s play zone.
How different will this year’s festival be
as compared to last year?
“We have tried to make it more
professional. This year, we shall have a user-
17
3
friendly map of the entire area. We have
allotted spaces for the car racing games,
restaurants, souks etc. This year, we will
also have about 13 traditional shops selling
Arabic sweets. We shall be adding a tent
souq in the traditional village at Awafi for
visitors to pose questions regarding Arabic
culture and heritage. We will be giving away
prizes too,” he states.
So, this year, will we see a more modern
Awafi festival?
“Not at all. We don’t intend to make the
Awafi festival modern because it will then
lose its traditional touch,” adds Shamsi.
 Tourism

Sprucing Up!
Ras Al Khaimah has added more rooms and facilities to cater to the growing
tourist population visiting its shores

Winter adorns RAK with a

rare natural beauty
that beckons tourists the world over to its
a taste of Arab culture – in short, people
making the most of the season.
rooms by the first quarter of 2010. The
recently opened hotels in the emirate are :

shores. It is common to see families dash-
ing through the red desert sands to pitch
their tents and enjoy a quiet dinner amidst
natural surroundings, tourists pouring into
hotels to savour the winter sun and sample
Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Resort & Spa
To date, the newly opened hotels in Ras Al
Khaimah have increased the room capacity
by 864 rooms. This number is set to grow
to an additional 1,100 by the end of this
year, pushing the capacity to over 3,000
Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Resort
& Spa
All 475 rooms are now open in this beauti-
ful beach resort situated to the north of Ras
Al Khaimah City on its own secluded bay.

18

Guests can indulge body and soul in the
luxurious spa, which features an authentic
Hammam, or simply watch the sun set
from the Roof Top Bar, while sipping a deli-
cious cocktail.
The Cove Rotana Resort
20
The Cove Rotana Resort opened in January
2009. The resort is set into the gigantic
sand dune formation of Arqoob Beach that
runs along the Ras Al Khaimah coast on the
way in to the city. This lowrise project resort
offers superb sea views from anywhere
Banyan Tree Al Wadi
within the resort. The whole project is
designed with a fusion of North Africa and
Middle Eastern architecture. The Resort
offers hotel rooms or villas and is part of
the integrated complex suitable for long
stays, families and MICE business.
Banyan Tree Al Wadi
Located in tranquil and eco-
rich Wadi Khadeja, Banyan Tree
Al Wadi rests amidst 100 hec-
tares of private nature reserve,
home to indigenous plant and
wildlife. Tucked away between
the waters of the Arabian
Gulf and the magnificent Al
Hajjar Mountains, this oasis of
indulgence is the first luxury
desert resort in the UAE to
offer an all-pool villa concept,
complete with 3,000 sqm of
Asian-inspired hydrotherapy
spa facilities.
The elegant fortress-like
façade of the resort holds true
 Acacia Hotel

to traditional Arabic architecture, blending

harmoniously with it natural environ-
ment. Consisting of 101 pool-villas, the
tented villas emulate the nomadic style of
Bedouin tribes, while the block pool-villas
depict the traditional mud brick archi-
tecture of Ras Al Khaimah. Other facilities
include a hydrotherapy spa circuit with
hammam and vitality pool, 10 spa treat-
ment pavilions, meetings and banqueting
services, activity centre, kids’ club, a world-
class falconry mews, horse and camel
stables, and private beach club.

Acacia Hotel
The Acacia Hotel is a superb 4-star busi-
22 ness hotel conveniently located directly
adjacent to the Ras Al Khaimah Free Zone,
a mere 40 minutes from Dubai by car and
only 10 minutes from downtown Ras Al
Khaimah. The hotel offers a stunning mod-
ern interior design and state-of-the-art
business and meeting facilities, supported
by the most advanced technology. Acacia
Hotel also offers a large temperature con-
trolled outdoor swimming pool, Fitness
Centre, Lobby Bar and Acacia Night Club.
The guest rooms include 216-King or Twin
bedded rooms, 54 Diplomatic Suites and
103 self-contained and spacious one-
bedroom apartments.
The Palace, Ras Al Khaimah
Phase one, the Residence, is open from Oc-
tober 2009, while the rest of the property is
due to open in June 2010. The Palace has a
design style that is meticulously researched
from Arabic architectural heritage and art.
The Palace Ras Al Khaimah is set to
become the pinnacle of Arabian hospitality
in the region. Set along the southern coast
of the emirate with 1.2 kilometers of private
sandy beach lapped by the azure waters of
the Arabian Gulf, the resort is a royal resi-
dence that embodies the quality of life and
very rich history of the emirate. Exotic and
evocative of the stories and fables of Arabia,
the resort offers 345 rooms and suites and
The Palace, Ras Al Khaimah
63 contemporary studio apartments, along under construction.
with the choice of 14 restaurants and bars, However tourist traffic to RAK has been
a chic and stylish spa and two sparkling good enough despite the recession.The
pools set within extensive gardens where number of hotel guests for Ras Al Khaimah
water has a leading role. increased to 235,000 in 2008, an increase
The January of 2009 of 10 per cent on 2007. European visitors
saw snowfall in the account for 75per cent of the visitors. It
Hajjar mountains - a is worth noting that these figures do not
fact that has intrigued a reflect day trippers, or visiting family and
lot of tourists. Naturally friends from other emirates. Occupancy
then, there have been levels were 95per cent.
inquiries about road Ras Al Khaimah is developing its own
access to the heights personality and niche in the marketplace.
where the snow fell. The emirate is historically rich, has many
At the moment, these ecologically important areas, has diversity
areas are only accessible topography and allows visitors to get close
by helicopter. However, to the heritage and culture of the local
in the future, there will community.
be a mountain resort For more than ten years, the Department of
in the same area with a Antiquities and Museums, Ras Al-Khaimah
project called Jebel Jais has worked on the restoration of historical
Mountain Resort. Cur- monuments and sites in the emirate Of Ras
rently, the access road is Al Khaimah. These monuments and sites
are selected according to their historical
importance, like Dhayah Fort, where the
last battle with the British troops took
place in 1819, or the summer residence
of the ruling family in Falayah, where the
peace treaty was signed in 1820. Further-
more, monuments of local and visual
importance have been restored, like the
watchtowers of the coastal towns of Jazirat
Al-Hamra, Ma’arid and Rams.
A further priority for the Department
23
is the restoration work and the aspect of
authenticity, regarding the choice of mate-
rials and building techniques used during
this process. To support this important
work, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism devel-
oped an “action plan” for Ras Al Khaimah
Heritage Tourism (in association with RAK
Department of Antiquities and Museums)
to promote and preserve the emirate’s
historical sites. This action plan focused on
the promotion of the sites once they are
ready to receive visitors. The federal laws
and penalties for littering also apply in Ras
Al Khaimah.
 SPECIAL REPORT

Take a right from the T junction as you arrive in RAK

from the Emirates Road and drive down for
about 3kms. The Centrepoint Store will be on your right after
you pass the Rotana Hotel (on your left). The store covers
a total of 65,000 square feet providing an easy shopping
destination for the residential areas in close proximity.

24
……Look No Further!
HE Sheikh Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi – Chairman, Civil Aviation RAK
inaugurates the new Centrepoint store at RAK
arrives in RAK
One of the Middle East’s largest retail conglomerates,
Landmark Group’s first Centrepoint store in Ras Al Khaimah
was officially inaugurated by HE Sheikh Salem bin Sultan
Al Qasimi – Chairman, Civil Aviation RAK.The store is in
line with Landmark Group’s strategy to create a ‘single
destination shopping experience’ by integrating four of its
core retail concepts, Babyshop, Splash, Shoe Mart & Lifestyle
under one roof to cater to men, women and children.
History and the way ahead
First launched in Kuwait in 2005, Cen-
trepoint is the largest non-food retail
destination in the Middle East with about
65 stores and a retail space in excess of
3.3 million square feet. As Micky Jagtiani,
Chairman, Landmark Group, states, “ This
new branch at RAK is a strategic step in our
ambitious growth plans across the Middle
East and it offers a fresh opportunity for
Landmark Group to extend its promise of
exceptional value to the community in Ras
Al Khaimah. We wish to express our grati-
tude to His Highness Sheikh Saqr bin Mo-
hammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah
and Member of the UAE Supreme Council,
for his vision, leadership and support to our
endeavours.”  ers’ value; we are looking to
As Vinod Talreja, Director of Centrepoint
& Babyshop, states, “We are delighted
about the new Centrepoint store in Ras Al
Khaimah because we believe the market
Jazz and Joy!
Babyshop’s New Fall - Winter Fashion
Collection shines with festive splendour
The one stop shop for all your childrens
needs has launched its winter collection.
Babyshop’s new Juniors Collection twinkles
with its wide use of sequins, shimmering
beads, simulating foil print in a vibrant
colour palette - beetroot purple, bright rose,
sachet pink, limeade, bluebird, spectra yel-
low, claret red and musk melon. The Barbie
Collection truly reflects the festive spirit.
Masquerade, Pop Academy and My Special
Things feature glitter puff prints, rhinestones,
gems, shiny cotton fabrics, glossy prints,
sequins all create a fashion jazz and a visual
treat. For little princesses, Disney’s celebra-
tory Royal Princess Collection gives them
Flagship Brands
Babyshop, Splash, Shoe Mart, Lifestyle and Beautybay
Micky Jagtiani, Chairman Landmark Group and Vinod
Talreja, Director, Centrepoint and Babyshop
ample room to make their dreams come true.
But The Royal Princess is part of the entire
collection and the rest of Disney’s new line
reminds us of favourite characters - Tinker
has been long overdue for such
a shopping destination.  As an
umbrella brand, Centrepoint
has successfully integrated
Landmark Group’s core retail
concepts to enhance custom-
expand from our current 65
stores to 70, which will make us
the largest retail brand in the
Middle East by 2010.”
Bell and her naughty antics, Dumbo’s sweet
innocence, Mickey and Minnie’s colourful Play-
rooms, Toy Story 3, Handy Manny’s repairing
techniques and the Race-O-Rama of cars. The
new Kappa Collection lends the
athletic look. The figure-hugging,
clean silhouettes of the new
collection remind us of various
sports – be it baseball, football,
basketball, sprinting, martial arts
or long jumps. There is a wide
use of sweat-easy fabrics - jerseys,
cottons and lycra, making the
collection comfortable and
easygoing. Lee Cooper’s new
25
3
‘Future Reworked’ is textured
with an eclectic mix of multi-
cultural themes, retro-inspired,
but emergent in its spirit. In
true Rock and Roll style, you’ll
find handcrafted pieces with foil
prints, musical embroidery, and
decorative patterns in cushioned
cutouts of Rock n Roll bands such
as ‘The Rolling Stones’. Maui &
Sons, leaders in beachwear, have
four different themes including
Flyin, Super Shark, Rock On, and
Princess Up.
 Making a Splash
The Autumn Winter 2009
collection is up for grabs at
all Splash outlets across the UAE
With dominant themes includ-
ing 80s Power, Warrior Goddess,
Sartorial Man and Country
Romeo, the Splash Autumn
Winter ‘09 Collection is a
shot of power and energy
viable to jolt customers out of
recession fatigue with the most
fashion forward line ever
In line with Splash’s brand
statement ‘Eye on Design’, the
collection adapts key designer
trends across international
catwalks for pocket-friendly high-
street styles.
Unleash your power by
sporting the `80s Power Dressing`
trend this fall. Lend expression to
the power woman in you with leather
jackets, burnished metallics, mesh and furs
accentuated in antique gold, berry tones
and blacks. Women remain power draped
this season with yet another key trend: The
Warrior Goddess.
Embracing the ultimate reincarnation
Spoilt for Choice
Shoe Mart unveils Autumn Winter 09
collection
At Shoe Mart, this season is about touches
26 of folk, asymmetrical and retro lines. Adorn-
ments in design and sober themes serve as
an inspiration, mixing col-
laborative styles - as Folk
Boho, Preppy and Rock
Chic glide us through the
80s journey.
The Folk Boho theme
brings out detailed lac-
ing, studs and fringes,
Brogues are trendsetters
for patchwork this season,
Short Pixie and slouchy
pirate boots are key looks
while Paisley and art
of bygone Greek and Roman influences,
this line showcases sensual soft dressing
coupled with studded leathers to reflect
attitude. As high street fashion is incomplete
without a dash of casual chic, Splash gets
deco prints on lace fronts and dolly shoes
outshine in warm colours with highlights
of teal, suede reds and mystique purples.
The men’s collection of the retro theme has
rugged washed finishes on boots, and biker
mayhem on buckled shoes.
you the`Country Grunge` - multilayered
silhouettes that combine punk attitude
with something almost whimsical
and playfully naive. Blanket plaids,
cocooning jackets and knits are
teamed with the contrast of soft
florals and sheers in eclectic
and wearable mismatched
combinations. Casual long line
tunic knits and peg-top pants
are styled in brushed cottons
and denims for an earthy mix
of downtown-meets-the-
country look.
The men’s line consists of varied
themes allowing choice of simple,
futuristic and traditional dressing.
Sharp accentuated styles pronounce
urbane glamour. The simple `Sarto-
rial Man` is a basic collection of ultra
fine fabrics. For the flamboyant,
`Futuristic Dressing` - skinny jeans and
trousers coupled with waist coats,
long printed tees, kurta tees, printed
sweats and hoodies highlight the
theme.
The Autumn Winter 2009 Collection is
up for grabs at all Splash outlets across
the UAE
Playfulness arrives with the Preppy
theme this winter with a blend of British
inspirations and symmetric designs with
inspirations from structured silhouettes and
ballet pumps, checkered lines and prints
of school uniforms on shoes. Lots of tartan
and nylon-highlights of patent
are the key looks designed onto
square toe shoes. And finally,
the 80’s revival echoes bygone
inspiration with neon colours,
glam two tone sequins and
mixtures of material which are
spotted on pumps, peep toes
& concealed platforms. Shiny
Disco shoes in dazzling gold,
black shimmer and metallic sil-
vers are set to illuminate shelves
across all stores.
A Classy Lifestyle
Lifestyle, a well-defined retail concept that
imbibes the essence of a woman offers
a wide range of exclusive products that
celebrate the free spirit of today’s woman.
From an exquisite variety of home décor,
home furnishing & bath decor to home
fragrance, make-up, perfumes, fashion
accessories, fashion bags, spa products and
teen gifts, the Lifestyle woman is spoilt for
choice. So, when a woman visits Lifestyle,
she is sure to indulge herself in a world
which truly reflects her femininity and
understands exactly “What a woman wants”.
Everything she wants, from pretty lamps to
fashion accessories, curtains to cushions,
mirrors to reflect her true self and much
more… are lined up to walk her through a
world of dreams.

Home Proud Bagging the deal with

The recession has certainly made most people
stay home more often than usual. But that
doesn’t mean it has to be boring! With a beau-
tiful collection of bedding and curtains and a
mix of traditional and contemporary home dé-
cor to suit every personal style, Lifestyle offers
a wide variety of home decorative solutions at
the BEST ‘Recession Approved’ Value.
GUESS Handbags
GUESS, the fashion forward brand with
enviable style, is a must have in every
woman’s wardrobe. Featuring bags for
daytime and evenings out, the Guess
collection is an exclusive line sold only
in Lifestyle stores

Beautybay Kama Ayurveda launched

The one-stop destination for value and luxury fragrances, cosmetics, The latest range in spa products, Kama Ayurveda
skincare, hair care, bath and body care and beauty accessories, Cen- originates in India, and is formulated according to
trepoint RAK’s Beautybay exclusively carries several beauty and skincare authentic Ayurvedic prescriptions, using no artificial
brands and offers complimentary make overs and skin consultations ingredients. A line of 100% natural skin, body and
27
in exclusively designed beauty and treatment rooms, Beautybay is hair care products
located at selected Centrepoint destination stores and even has in- that include mas-
house fragrance consultants, professional make-up artists, and skin-care sage oils, hair and
specialists for all your beauty advice and care. body oils, face and
body cleansers and
soaps, the offerings
are all-natural and
use plant-based in-
gredients, prepared
from organically
grown plants and
herbs, collected by
India’s tribal commu- Available at all Lifestyle &
nities from natural Beautybay stores across the
United Arab Emirates
habitats.
 Travel
Soaring High
It’s getting busy ….
One organisation’s growth is of
benefit to another. In the
emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, the experience
is of symbiosis at its best. With news that
several more companies plan to operate
scheduled or chartered flights, the airport
28
2 additional
is about to experience the next stage of its
masterplan - expansion and modernisation.
In the immediate to short term, through
The airport shall soon be geared to handle
a million passengers a year.
The entire airport entrance will be the
phased construction, the upgraded subject of a landscaping study, as it will
Departures Terminal will boast more contribute directly to the character and
gates for boarding, with better duty free identity of the developing airport and the
zone, catering experience of users. This piece of work
facilities, will provide consistency and enhance
the distinctive character of the airport
seating, as , including an Arabic theme and designs
well as a new that will reflect the culture of the UAE, and
business in particular, RAK.
lounge. The Based on gathered industry data and
Passenger publicly released traffic figures of the major
Arrivals airports in the UAE, an intensive market
Terminal is a analysis has been prepared that show
brand new there is a huge air travel market existing
building, in the four northern emirates where Ras
equipped with Al Khaimah leads the growth and has
state - of- the- the largest market share (over 45%). The
art facilities data also indicates that there are strong
and already business opportunities and prospective
operational. routes between Ras Al Khaimah and many
overseas destinations with promising, and
interesting, loads and yields.
Apart from the excellent accessibility
to other parts of UAE (only 30 minutes to
other northern emirates and 45 minutes
to Dubai), Ras Al Khaimah directly services
a very dynamic and popular tourism
destination, proving to be a leader in
providing strong passenger traffic to and
from the other emirates . Ras Al Khaimah
International Airport is the gateway to
the northern emirates of the UAE. Not
only does it position itself as a low-cost
airport with very competitive tariffs directly
contributing to airlines’ bottomline, it
can also boast of efficient airport ground
handling for quick turnarounds, zero
congestion, holding patterns or slot
issues; ample runway, terminal and apron
capacities; professional airport services and
facilities provided with a personal touch.
Another project underway is the
planning and design of a new cargo apron,
module-based, which will accelerate the
cargo volume development
that is predicted over
the next 24 months. The
development of the RAK
Free Trade Zone is helping
to stimulate local exports
that are then flown on
cargo planes to more and
more destinations, while
the establishment of many
quality hotels to support
tourism has brought more chartered
flights from Europe . The signing of an MoU
between the RAK Customs and the Airport,
was a major breakthrough for exporters
who would be benefitted by choosing to
use RAK Airport as their gateway.
The new cargo terminal features
state-of-the-art handling equipment,
comprehensive air cargo security, loading
docks, electronic weighing equipment,
and a professional management and
operations team.
Origin and destination freight have
steadily increased at RAK Airport and the
airport is currently focusing on increasing
transshipment freight via a road feeder
network to the rest of the emirates. The
airport provides 24-hour cargo handling
operations and custom clearances. Ras
Al Khaimah is in an ideal location to
serve as a freight hub. With access to
growing industries, major seaports,
and commercial hubs of the UAE, it is
strategically positioned to reach not only
the major economies in the East and
West, but it also has aggressive plans to
be seen as a gateway to Afghanistan and
the reconstruction efforts of the global
international community.
RAK Airport prides at having in its
possession a land area of over 500,000
sq mtrs, and in discussions with several
airlines, requirements are also emerging
for facilities for both light and heavy
aircraft maintenance that would include
new hangars, workshops and training
facilities.
It also has plans for a new ATC Tower
that will permit a much better view with
respect to runway and airfield operations,
and which will be complemented by the
already up and running new radar station.
As well as developments for passenger
terminals, there will also be a project to
look at how the VIP & Protocol Terminal
3
29
is envisaged for the future, as a separate
and with more undisturbed secure access,
which is a definite preference for the users
of this elite facility.
Adnoc supplies the
operators at RAK Airport
with Jet A1 fuel, and are
about to increase their
capacity by developing a
new five million storage
fuel farm.
(The author, Roland
Blaney, is the CEO, RAK
International Airport)
 RAK on a Roll
New charter flights announced
Three European charter
operators have confirmed
operations from RAK International Airport.
The first weekly flight operated by Transvia
Denmark on the behalf of Atlantis Rejser
from Copenhagen arrived on 9th October
2009, the two weekly flights operated
by Primera Air in conjunction with Bravo
Tours started on 18th October 2009, and
NEOS Spa from Italy that commences
operation from December 2009. While
Transvia Denmark will use their Boeing 737
Next Generation Aircraft for non stop flight
Copenhagen – Ras Al Khaimah, Primera
Air will use Boeing737-800 from Arlanda
(Stockholm)/Copenhagen to Ras Al
Khaimah and NEOS Spa will use a Boeing
737-800 from Milan, Italy
HH Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi,
Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Ras
Al Khaimah, has implemented key
infrastructure development projects to
enhance the airport facilities and several
tourist amenities, which have helped make
the emirate a highly attractive destination
for international tourists. So has Sheikh
Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of
Passengers arrive at RAK airport
30
RAK Civil Aviation Department, who has
initiated programmes to boost the service
level of the emirate’s airport, sea ports and
other access points to the emirate.
The agreement to open new charter
flights between Copenhagen and Ras
Al Khaimah was sealed during RAKIA’s
participation at the ITB 09 exhibition in
Berlin. “Ras Al Khaimah is attracting several
of the leading tourism firms in Europe that
are looking to explore more interesting
destinations for European tourists,” stated
an official from RAK Tourism. Ras Al
Khaimah Investment Authority revealed
that the new charter flight has been
realised in conjunction with the Hamra
Hotels & Resorts Sales Team, which has
been targeting and campaigning in niche
markets with high-revenue potential.
Atlantis Rejser has been a leading
player in the MENA tourism industry as
it is responsible for bringing the largest
volume of visitors from the Scandinavian
market to Egypt. The company, which
boasts of an 80 per cent retention of
repeat clients, has revealed that RAK will
play a key role in its expansion programme
as the emirate offers an authentic cultural
experience and provides a variety of
world-class tourist facilities. Primera Air,
owned by Primera Travel Group, operates
new Boeing 737-800 for many of its
group companies and has its aircraft
based in Stockholm, Gothenburg, Dublin,
Malmo and Keflavik. Primera owns the
tour operator Bravo Tours, the fastest
growing tour operator in Denmark over
the last few years and has won the Gazelle
Awards for the fastest growing company
in Denmark both in regard to revenue
and profits in 2006. NEOS Spa is an airline
based in Milan, Italy, operating leisure
flights form its main base in Malpensa
International Airport, Milan, with hubs at
Bologna Airport and Verona Airport. “Their
weekly scheduled flights for this season
begins in December and their operations
at RAK Airport have become an annual
feature following last year’s successful
operations,” says an official, RAK Airport,
who is looking forward to welcoming all
the new seasonal services and providing a
fine personal and professional experience
to each guest.

Port of Arabia
RAK has the right attributes to be a destination in the reckoning
Who but a proud citizen can wax
eloquent about his land- its
natural resources, its people, its culture
and its beauty - the change of weather
that can be smelt in its air, the echoes of
sounds reverberating from the hills, the
rollicking waves from its aquamarine seas
that skirt its shores daintily, its animal and
bird life creating a truly natural ambience,
far removed from the cacophony of city
buzz. Mohammed Al Mehrizi, Director
General Ports and Customs, Government of
Ras Al Khaimah has held various eminent
positions in the capital is an ardent aesthete.
While he has a strict demeanour, heading a
department responsible for bringing in and
carrying out freight from Ras Al Khaimah,
he is also extremely keen on seeing Ras
Al Khaimah realise its potential as an ideal
destination, be it for investment and tourism
– two of the main pillars that defines the
emirate’s economy.
All free zones come under the customs
control and each zone has a custom’s
officer. The freight that enters and leaves
the customs is thoroughly checked by the
department. “Through the Customs and
Ports department, to promote the industries
in RAK and to facilitate them, we have tried
to ease the system of passage of goods. We
have encouraged the companies to use
the services of Ras Al Khaimah by reducing
the fees, give us bank guarantee instead of
paying cash,” he states. “We are in the process
of getting an e-clearance facility. When it is
active, companies need not send their Public
Relations Officers to get a clearance from
our department, they can do it online. You
have to be a member, buy the membership
system and then conduct the whole work
online. As of now, we have four members,”
he adds.
The Ras AL Khaimah Customs and Ports
Department plans to have about 3,000
containers into RAK ports every month.
Mohammed Al Mehrizi
The department also conducts the Custom
Officer’s Inspection Course that involves
courses in detection of explosives and
drugs, declaration systems etc.
Slowly and steadily, the various ports
of RAK are undergoing infrastructural
developments. Al Jazeera Port is building a
synchro-lift for ship repair, the Hulaila Port
has a 5km-long keel and a draft of eight
metres that will make a huge impact on
the freight from the RAKFTZ, Mina Saqr Port
is increasing its capacity of loading and
offloading and improving their container
terminal, RAK Port is a new port so is the
Al Jeer Port that has
the livestock and
quarantine facilities.
Apart from being
the Director-General
of Ports and Customs,
Mehrizi is the chairman
of the RAK Shipping
Department that has its
own feeder ships and
about 600 containers
and owner of Awafi
Water, a water bottling
Ports & Customs
company based in the Masafi
area that has an output of
95,000, 5 gallon bottles a
month, 50,000 cartons of cup
water per month and 50,000
PET bottles per month.
Forays into tourism
Mohammed Al Mehrizi, owns
the ostrich farm in RAK too
and aims to make it another
tourist attraction. “We have
tied up with Emirates Holidays
that will bring a set of tourists
to Ras Al Khaimah every week
to see the ostrich farm. We
have 200 ostriches here and
the egging time starts from the
end of December to the end of February.
Each female ostrich lays 20 eggs and we
expect 1,200 eggs each year. We incubate
and study them – if there is no growth in
the embryo or it is a dormant egg, they
are converted into engraved eggs, the rest
are left to grow,” he says. The eggs are then
shipped to Jordan for carving and come
back to be sold here. “I have plans to start a
bird zoo in Ras Al Khaimah – the first of its
kind in this area. It will be a good platform
to get more people to visit this emirate,
31
educate tourists, encourage people to
preserver bird life etc,” he adds.
 Canopy of Leisure
Banyan Tree Al Wadi ready to receive guests
Set to be Ras Al Khaimah’s latest
and most exclusive resort,
Banyan Tree Al Wadi saw a soft opening
on January 1st, 2010. Owned by RAKEEN
Development PJSC and managed by
Singapore-based Banyan Tree Holdings, the
luxury desert spa resort offers city dwellers
a unique retreat within its own nature
reserve, exciting outdoor adventures, beach
access and an 18-hole championship
golf course. Located in Wadi Khadeja, the
32
2 protected enclave of the sturdy, evergreen
Ghaf tree, the resort is a 45-minute drive
from Dubai International Airport and
located 20 kilometres from Ras Al Khaimah
city centre. The resort offers a selection of
facilities at the initial soft launch stage.
“My team and I are proud to be part of
such a unique project and we look forward
to creating memorable and exceptional
experiences for our guests,” says Pascal
Eppink,” General Manager, Banyan Tree Al
Wadi.
To celebrate its soft launch, Banyan Tree
Al Wadi is offering a special promotion of
a complimentary night with a minimum
of two paid nights. This offer includes daily
breakfast and welcome drinks for two, and
is valid for stays from 1 January 2010 to 28
February 2010. Rates start from AED 2,101+
for the Al Rimal deluxe pool villa. Guests
who book an additional third paid night will
also receive a complimentary 90-minute
spa session at the award-wining Banyan
Tree Spa.
Desert Elegance
Banyan Tree Al Wadi comprises 70 Al Rimal
deluxe pool villas spanning around 158
square metres, as well as 16 Al Khaimah and
15 Al Sahari tented pool villas that measure
approximately 253 square metres. This
oasis of indulgence offers a contemporary
adaptation of traditional Arabic architecture
amidst miles of rolling sand dunes, creating
a comfortably seamless experience of
staying in the desert. A tribute to the
heritage of the region – from the tented
design that is inspired by local Bedouin
tribes and nomadic lifestyle, to traditional
mud brick buildings, the villas also feature
elaborate Arabic touches of lattice
woodwork, stylised motifs, intricate carvings
in arabesque design and high ceilings.
All 101 villas offer a tranquil view of the
desert oasis for quiet contemplation, while
the external area of each villa features a
private pool. The Al Khaimah and Al Sahari
tented pool villa also feature a generously-
sized bathroom where spa treatments can
be offered within the intimate privacy of
one’s accommodation.
Oasis of Indulgence
Banyan Tree Spa Al Wadi will be the Group’s
first Banyan Tree spa in the United Arab
Emirates. Spanning 3,000 square metres, the
spa features 10 discreet indoor treatment
pavilions, complemented by signature
Asian-inspired massages delivered by male
and female therapists trained at the Banyan
Tree Spa Academy in Phuket, Thailand.
Scheduled to open in March 2010, the
Rainforest hydrothermal circuit with a
Update of Awards and Accolades, 2009
Corporate
“Hospitality Lifetime Achievement
Award”
~ China Hotel Investment Summit
Ho Kwon Ping & Claire Chiang
“Most Transparent Company”
~ SIAS Investors’ Choice Awards 2009
Banyan Tree Holdings Limited
Travel
“Top 30 New Hotels”
~ Australian Gourmet Traveller – Best Hotels
Angsana Riads Collection Morocco
“10 Ones to Watch – Australasia, Asia
& Pacific Ocean”
~ Condé Nast Traveller (UK) Hot List 2009
Banyan Tree Sanya
“Best Hotel - China”
~ CNBC Asia Pacific Property Awards 2009
Banyan Tree Lijiang
“45 Best New Hotels of 2009”
~ Travel + Leisure (USA) IT List
Banyan Tree Mayakoba
“Resort Hotel Awards – Best Resort
in China”
~ TTG China Travel Award
Banyan Tree Lijiang
Spa
“50 Hot Spas - China”
~ Conde Nast Traveller USA Hot List 2009”
Banyan Tree Spa
“The 101 Best Spas in the World”
~ Tatler UK Spa Awards 2009
Banyan Tree Spa
“Best Spa Hotel of China”
~ China Hotel Starlight Awards 2009
Banyan Tree Lijiang
“The Most Acclaimed Spa Brand
for Business people 2008 (Interna-
tional)”
~ 21st Century Business Travel Festival
Banyan Tree Spa
“Best Spa Category – Gold”
Middle East & North Africa Travel Awards
(MENA) 2009
Banyan Tree Spa Al Areen 33
“Best Spa Category – Platinum”
Middle East & North Africa Travel Awards
(MENA) 2009
Angsana Spa Kuala Lumpur

hammam and vitality pool will complete
the total wellness experience. A pioneer of
the tropical spa, Banyan Tree Spa dates back
to 1994 in Phuket, Thailand and is based
on the concept of Eastern therapies with
a holistic focus on spiritual, mental and
physical harmony.
Designed as an intimate retreat, Banyan
Tree Al Wadi Spa features treatment rooms
and spa pavilions that come complete
with private showers and sunken tubs, so
that couples can enjoy a bath in complete
privacy. The Banyan Tree Al Wadi Spa
will have 4 royal pavilions with Rainmist
steam room, bath-tub, outdoor shower,
meditation and relaxation areas, 6 Deluxe
Pavilions with bathtub, relaxation area,
shower cum steam room etc. Other facilities
include ‘The Rainforest Circuit’ with Vitality
pool and Hammam, Beauty Salon, Banyan
Tree Gallery, Yoga & Aerobic room and a
34 relaxation area. It has the Royal Wadi for its
signature treatment.
Event Perfect
The elegant banquet hall can seat up to
140 people, offering an exclusive event
space for weddings or corporate groups.
For smaller groups of up to 20 people,
the two meeting rooms are suited for
brainstorm sessions and corporate
meetings. Banyan Tree Al Wadi also features
four food and beverage venues. These
include contemporary Thai cuisine and
Southeast Asian specialties at the signature
Saffron restaurant, international selections
camel riding, wadi (desert) drives, or simply
meander along rivers on a dhow (traditional
Arabic sailing vessel with lateen sails) cruise.
Banyan Tree Al Wadi is the first desert
spa resort in Ras Al Khaimah to offer a
private nature reserve within its grounds.
Spanning over 100 hectares, of which 60
hectares are set aside for the dedicated
nature reserve – home to local desert
wildlife such as Arabian gazelles and oryxes,
offering guests a unique opportunity to
interact with and observe these gentle
creatures up close.
Managed by Banyan Tree Al Wadi,
the Al Hamra Golf Course is an 18-hole
championship course. Designed by Peter
Harradine, the golf course is built around
at Al Waha, the all-day dining restaurant, an a large open sea water lagoon with four
extensive wine selection at Samar Lounge, interconnected sub lagoons. It measures
and refreshing cocktails and shisha at Moon 7,325 yards at full length, with five varying
Bar, the rooftop lounge. tee options.
For more information, please call +971
Nature’s Offerings 7 206 7777, email alwadi@banyantree.
Ras Al Khaimah is renowned for its pristine com or log on to banyantree.com. For the
natural attractions. Here, eco-explorers can Banyan Tree Spa Al Wadi, email spa-alwadi@
seek adventure in activities such as falconry, banyantree.com
The Banyan Tree Brand
Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts offer an intimate retreat experience featuring its signature blend
of romance, rejuvenation and exotic sensuality. In 1994, the flagship Banyan Tree resort, Banyan
Tree Phuket, was launched as part of the Laguna Phuket development. Its philosophy is based
on providing a place for rejuvenation of the body, mind and soul - a Sanctuary for the Senses.
Placing special emphasis on providing guests with a sense of place, each Banyan Tree property
is designed to fit into its natural surroundings, using indigenous materials as far as possible and
reflecting the landscape and architecture of the destination.
The brand takes its name from the tropical banyan tree, known for its strong and graceful
image. For centuries, the banyan tree has been a symbol of sanctuary under which one finds
peace of mind and internal harmony - the same elements upon which Banyan Tree Hotels and
Resorts has flourished. The tree shares the same Asian roots as the Banyan Tree group, which is
steeped in Asian traditions and environmental consciousness.
Pioneering the tropical garden spa concept with Asian health and beauty remedies passed
down from generations, Banyan Tree Spa was created as the signature experience in all Banyan
Tree resorts, to complement the “Sanctuary for the Senses” wellness concept. With the emphasis
on high service standards and consistency, therapists are professionally trained at Banyan Tree
Spa Academies in Phuket, Thailand, and Lijiang, China. An award-winning international spa
brand, Banyan Tree Spa introduced innovative spa concepts such as the Rainmist experience,
The Rainforest hydrothermal concept and Master Therapist Experience.
The group set up its merchandising arms, Banyan Tree Gallery and Angsana Gallery, to
support local communities by exhibiting and retailing indigenous handicrafts, eco-friendly
products, indigenous village handicrafts, ethnic apparel and accessories, and objets d’art.
To date, the Banyan Tree Group manages and/or has ownership interests in over 20 resorts
and hotels, over 60 spas, in excess of 70 retail galleries; and two golf courses.
Poetic Architecture

35
 Sport
ABC of Adventure
“When a favorite hobby becomes a business, clients have a gala time,”
says Tariq Al Omari, Director, Amigos Balloon Co
It all started in 1994, when a company
in Jordan was looking for an amateur
balloon pilot to represent itself in a
balloon event and trained a young
and raring to go Tariq Al Omari for the
competition. “ Initially, I knew nothing
about flying but when I started training,
36
2 I started taking it seriously and went on
to get my advanced training from Spain
and the US, to earn my commercial pilot’s
certificate,” he states.
Omari then took part in various events
and flew in over 20 countries, worked for
two years as a balloon pilot and then went
on to become the chief pilot for a balloon
company in Egypt. In 2000, he started
Amigos Balloons Co. (ABC), a Dubai-based
company which organises balloon rides
around the UAE. Step by Step, ABC carved
its rightful place in the tourist market as
the founders of ballooning in the UAE
with exceptional experience in their
field. Their first step was to provide for
scheduled flights with groups of people
and they later branched into exclusive
service - with private flights. Passengers
booked on a private flight (varying
from 2-4 people) have some privileges
including access to a personal limousine.
Soon ABC began to receive widespread
cooperation from many companies keen
on advertising their products. “ More
than anything in this business as a tourist
service, I like the fact that we are able to
satisfy the interests of various categories
of people and spend time with them,
which will leave wonderful memories for a
lifetime,” says Omari.
ABC addresses people who want to
feel like an Indiana Jones or Sindbad in
their exotic leisure/adventure holidays.
Those who are fans of extreme sports
will find this craft no less exciting than
skydiving or hang-gliding. As for private
flights, Omari states that it is the best
setting you could award your beloved.
“If you decide to spend an unforgettable
date, or to confess your feelings to your
beloved, it is difficult to imagine more
suitable conditions. After the balloon
flight, we have instituted to organise a
picnic in the desert,” he adds.
“Fly with us on a balloon, be our friend
and all fall in love with this breathtaking
passion,” states Omari, who has effectively
mixed his business and the pleasure of
flying. “When I watch people, I am filled
with happiness looking at the joy shining
in their eyes. There is so much positivity,”
he states, adding, “With great joy, I invite
you to fly with us, touch the clouds,
admire the picturesque scenery of the
dunes and oases, rocky mountains and
graceful expanse of desert. Allow yourself
to be in a fairy tale and feel your dreams
turn to reality.”
 Join us, the original founders of hot air ballooning in the UAE,
for a breathtaking flight over the beautiful dunes and rugged red mountains of the region.
Our personal, tailored service, guarantees you a truly special experience,
whether it’s a romantic balloon flight for two, a family occasion or even a corporate event,
Amigos will provide you with a day you will never forget.

AMIGOS BALLOON LLC

P.O.Box 77516, Dubai, UAE.
Tel: 04 28 99 295 Fax : 04 28 99 296
Mobile: 050 73 56 237 www.amigos-balloons.com
 Events

On the run
The RAK Half Marathon in February is expected to rope in more people

It is the time of the year, when people

start talking of the RAK Half Marathon
- the world’s richest half marathon which
even had an Emirati lady who took part. We
hope and wish that there is more of local
participation for the event,” he states.
registrations of the race have started early
so as to allow access to more people joining
the marathon and to help HR managers
is an IAAF Silver Label Race and a full The 2009 RAK Half Marathon was advertise or prepare company teams, an
member of the Association of Marathons dominated by Oromo and Kenyan athletes aspect that has become extremely popular
and Distance Running (AIMS). Scheduled and Dire Tune stormed into the finishing within the event. Not content with just
on February 12, 2010, the mega event will line to take the first place and a prize money opening registration for the Half Marathon
be celebrating its fourth year and will have, of $28,000 in the women’s event. The and the normally over-subscribed Team
on a single day, an outpour of people from
across the world and the emirates to Ras Al
38
2 Khaimah.
Hotels have already started getting
bookings for the event and word has been
spread through social utility websites such
as Facebook etc. Nathan Clayton, Race
Director of the RAK Half Marathon and
Managing Director of Premier Marathons,
the organising company behind the Middle
East’s highest accredited road race states
that the marathon has been very successful
in the past few years and has had a good
participation from across the emirates.
“People have driven down from Abu Dhabi
and Al Ain as well. Locals have started
participating in the race and last year, we

Relay Challenge, race organisers have
simultaneously re-launched the event
website with a fresh new feel and the
ability to browse through it in a choice of
English, Arabic or German. “We introduced
the Arabic language site last year and felt
this year, due to the popularity of the event
and Ras Al Khaimah itself with the German
people and their love of running, that it was
appropriate to offer a higher level of service
to German speakers.” adds Clayton.
The route map of the race is available
on the website and the day will not have
traffic on the roads. It offers over $400,000
in cash prizes, making it the world’s richest
half marathon and shall have several
categories that include and Open Category
for Men - List A and List B, Open Category
for Women List A and B, a Master’s Category
for Men (Men born on or before 19.02.1965)
and Master’s Category for Women(Masters
Women born on or before 19.02.1970)) , a
UAE Resident’s Category (Men) and a UAE
Resident Category (Women), a UAE National
Category ( Men) and a UAE National
Category ( Women) apart from a Relay Team
Challenge.
As for the programme of the day, all
events (the Half Marathon, the Team Relay
Challenge and the 6K Fun Run) will start and
finish at the same place just about opposite
to the City Hotel and at the end of the
Winners are all smiles
Manar Mall car park next to the Carrefour
sign as per the website. The Half Marathon
and the Team Relay Challenge will run on
the same route. The course will start on
and run south along Al Muntasir Road to
the first crossroads where it will turn right
and run along the edge of the Mangrove
Swamp to the Police Officers Club (3.5km)
where runners will turn right and run along
and past the Sheikh Zayed Mosque along
the Al Qawasim Corniche Road. The route
will then turn left head south again down
Al Nahda Street (6-7km) and then left to
the Al Shuhada Roundabout with a gentle
curve around (8km) to bring runners on
to the south side of the Mangrove Swamp
Road and will continue until and turn right
at the Ruler’s Palace (11km) and run along
Khuzam Road to the Sheikh Abdullah Bin
Muhammed Al Qasimi Roundabout (13.5km).
Runners will then run straight (over) the
roundabout and continue up to the Coffee
Pot roundabout, again run straight (over) to
the intersection of Sultan Al Kabeer Road
where they will U-turn (15km) and return
along the north side of Khuzam Road, past
the Ruler’s Palace (18km) and turn right back
onto the south side of the Mangrove Road to
the first crossroads where they will turn left
and head back to the finish line with a good
final sprint.
For participants, water stations and
energy drink stations will be
located every 2.5km. Medical
Stations will be positioned
every 5km and there will be
39
toilet facilities at the start
and finish point, 5km, 10km
and 15km points.
 Entertainment
Old Castle
The WOW Factor!
Iceland Water Park, the first offering of Ras Al Khaimah’s WOW RAK Theme Park
destination, to open in spring this year
The January of 2009 saw snow in the
RAK mountains. The spring of
2010 shall have snow descend the shores
of RAK in the Jazirat Al Hamra area with the
Iceland Water Park, the first major attraction
of WOW RAK – the 120-acre, complete family
entertainment destination.
WOW RAK, promoted by Polo RAK
Amusements LLC, is a joint venture between
Polo Amusement Park India, RAKIA and
RAK Properties. It includes an amusement
park, shopping mall and resort . Its name
is suggested by HH Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al
Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Ras
Al Khaimah himself, who is a keen supporter
of the venture.
The park is being developed as a family
aquatic centre, spread over 100,000 sq meters,
to tap a wide range of age, lifestyle and
culture groups.
40
2 With a panoramic view of the Al Hajjar
Mountains in the East and the Arabian Gulf
in the North, the venue blends the scenic
beauty of the mountains and the spirit of
the sea to provide a unique setting. With
a day design capacity of 10,000 persons,
the Ice Land Water Park would cater to the
resident population as well as tourists, both
domestic and international. Its theme depicts
the Arctic life and revolves around snow
mountains and penguins, with the penguin
as a mascot. Guests would experience snow
at the entrance foyer, an exciting start for a
memorable experience.
The park’s landmark attraction is called the
Polar Mountains (Water slides)
Bask in the sun, soak in the fun
Penguin Falls, the world’s largest man-made
waterfall that stands 120 feet tall and 540 feet
wide with 100,000 gallons of water cascading
down its contours each minute. The falls serve
as a befitting entrance to the zone which
accommodates the reception area, ticketing
counters and guest facilities, changing areas
and lockers. An extension of the mountains
along the western edge features the Slide
Zone of the water park, as 24 water slides
emerge from five towers from heights as much
as 110 feet giving the visitors a majestic view
and a unique experience as they slide down
snow clad mountains and mountain streams.
Two towers along the eastern side feature two
Dr Khater Massaad, CEO RAKIA
Tornado Spin Slides and the Boomerango,
completing the water slide experience. For those awaiting leisure experience of
Penguin Bay is an interactive water play spas and jacuzzis, the Tundra Baths carry with
area, the largest rain dance pool in the world them a legacy of therapeutic powers of hydro
measuring 30,000 sq feet, offering shaded massage. Kids Cove, a dedicated place for
discos, open discos, rain showers and the “Rock toddlers (who are often overlooked in facility
Hoppers Den” a fully - equipped stage with planning) has shallow waters, miniature slides
acoustics and theatre lighting for pulsating and sand pit. Other attractions include a Wave
performances. Rain dance and on -the- spot Pool measuring 38,750 sq feet, an Olympic
contests would be a regular feature there. size swimming pool and a Whirl Pool.
Melting glaciers and tidal waters find their The food and beverage caters to all
way to the lowlands and the mountain stream palates through The Platter, located at the
is tamed into a lazy river as it circumvents the Penguin Bay offering platter foods. The Food
Penguin Bay winding through dark caverns. Village, a full blown food court with 14 outlets
Novel attractions include Aqua Games; a and sea -side seating for 660 covers, and
regular soccer field with soft turf, shallow The Old Castle with 160 covers overlooking
water and rain showers to offer a fresh soccer the Arabian Sea, offers buffet and a la carte
experience; with the Coral Reef bringing a options.
real life snorkelling experience in a man-made In terms of infrastructure, the venue does
coral reef with live fish. it all in- house. This includes its 4mw in- house
 Kids Cove Food Court

power generation, running a 525,000 gallons/

day water desalination plants, water recycling
plants,horticulture etc. Highlights
The venue provides car parking for almost Penguin Falls, the world’s largest man-made waterfall (120 feet tall and 540 feet
2,500 vehicles and 75 buses. Keeping in mind the wide with 100,000 gallons of water cascading down each minute).
strong sun, shaded seating has been provided Penguin Bay, the largest rain dance pool in the world measuring 30,000 sq feet
for 2,000 guests. This also includes well- with shaded discos, open discos, rain showers and the “Rock Hoppers Den” -a fully
furnished wooden cabanas for those seeking equipped stage with acoustics and theatre lighting for performances
elite privacy. The entire walkway of the park Aqua games like aqua soccer played in a field with soft turf, shallow water and rain
is covered with synthetic turf, which not only showers!
prevents slips and falls but also provides comfort Coral Reef Snorkelling experience in a man-made coral reef with live fish.
to bare feet from the sweltering heat. The park is
covered by an integrated RFID system to include
ticketing, access control, lockers, food court and
merchandising transactions. Guest safety would
be monitored by trained life guards and a CCTV “As a Theme Park Indian Association
network covering all critical areas. designer and developer, of Amusement Parks
Work has already commenced on the second I was given a blank and Industries and
phase of WOW RAK. The 180-room seaside canvas and a challenge. Panel Member, Bureau
resort is likely to be completed in 18 months With the support of of Indian Standards
and would offer night stay options, conference Dr Khater Massaad, (BIS), for Development
facilities,charter fishing trips, day cruise, night we are looking at of Standards for
cruise with dinner, and on board recreation. The positioning ourselves Amusement Parks in
130,000 sq feet shopping mall is being built, and as among the Top 5 India.
so is the 25 acre Amusement Park – Planet Earth parks worldwide with Singh is slated as a
with five intensively themed zones. For more unique experiences,” ‘Theme Park Guru’ by
information, please contact info@wowrak.org or says, Balwant Singh, the press and is very
visit www.wowrak.org or call +971504321327. Managing Director Polo optimistic about Ras Al
RAK Amusements LLC, Past President Khaimah as a destination for the theme park.
41
3
Penguin Falls
“WOW RAK has been conceived to
be a complete family entertainment
destination as we say ‘Where the
Fun Never Ends’. The Iceland Water
Park, our first offering would
have a mix of traditional as well
as virgin concepts in water park
attractions. It would be what you
expect and more,” says Santokh
Chawla, Jt Managing Director,
Polo RAK Amusements LLC and Ist
Vice President Indian Association of
Amusement Parks and Industries.
 Interview
Mountain of Hope
The wise vision and leadership of HH Sheikh Saud is the main driving
force behind the continuous development of industries in RAK
“We have but our mountains,”
stated HH Sheikh Saqr bin
Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al
Khaimah and Member of the Supreme
Council of the UAE, when he opened the
region’s first cement plant in the seventies.
Continuing the spirit of enterprise,
and creating various free zones in the
emirate, thereby inviting vast industrial
development across various sectors, Sheikh
Saqr’s illustrious son, HH Sheikh Saud,
Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Ras Al
Khaimah led RAK towards industrialisation
by establishing free zones, while upgrading
its existing industries. Sheikh Saud
increased the capacity of the various rock
and cement plants and turned rocks and
limestone into an important industry. Today,
RAK is the biggest source for cement and
rocks in the UAE for a majority of the island
developments in the country - The Palm
trilogy, Al Marjan Islands, Mina Al Arab, Al
Nujoom Island, Dubai Maritime City etc.
42
2 Naser Bustami, Group General
Manager, Stevin Rock LLC, Ras Al Khaimah
Rock Company and Saqr Port Authority
states,“ We shall be maintaining current
selling prices, collecting payments on
time and maintaining the same volumes
of production as the years 2008 and 2009.”
Stevin Rock LLC, operational in RAK since
1975, produces and sells high-grade
limestone, Gabbro rock, concrete and
asphalt aggregates for the construction
markets.
Ask him how RAK’s legendary spirit of
enterprise continues to thrive despite the
current economic crisis, and he credits it
on our ability to produce products as per
international standards with value added
benefits and economical prices,” he states.
What about RAK’s several ports and
a host of free zone companies that
produce freight? Are there any steps to
increase the visibility of ports in RAK on
the world radar? “Saqr Port is the largest
bulk handling port in the region and we
are master planning further expansions,”
states Bustami adding “RAK Maritime City,
the new industrialised city near Saqr Port
with an initial investment of $200 million
Naser Bustami
will be operational in 2010 to serve as a dry
to the able leadership of HH Sheikh Saud. dock and shipyard/ship repair facility with
But what are the steps that the industrial emphasis on light to medium industry”
sector in RAK has taken to strengthen RAK’s USPs are several. “The emirate
its industrial base, operations as well as has a strong leadership that spearheads
distribution? “We have programmed and its development. It is a strong base in
executed investments in the infrastructure the UAE for the main industries, such as
of each company in the last few years to pharmaceuticals, ceramics, cement, glass,
ensure that future developments go as steel, construction aggregate and rock,
planned. In fact, some of those have been manufacturing, and processing. Now,
executed too. We have diversified markets tourism to RAK is increasing. The emirate is
to include local, regional and international becoming a preferred destination due to its
sectors, built a strong customer base that scenic views, amazing beaches and allied
appreciates quality and service, and rely infrastructure,” adds Bustami.
RAK Maritime
Maritime City,
City,the
thenew
newindustrialised
industrialised
city
city
near Saqr
Saqr Port
Port with
withan
aninitial
initialinvestment
investment
ofof
$200
US$
million,
200 will be
million willoperational in 2010
be operational to serve
in 2010 to as
serve
a dry
as dock and shipyard/ship
a dry-dock, shipyard/ship repair
repairfacility
facilitywith
with
emphasis on
on light
lightto
tomedium
mediumindustry
industry
 The Government of Ras Al Khaimah
Saqr Port Authority
The Government of Ras Al Khaimah Saqr Port Authority is ideally situated close to
the major shipping lines and the Strait of Hormuz.
Saqr Port is located at Khour Kuwair, Ras Al Khaimah’s modern and fast-growing indus-
trial complex. Imports of raw materials to support local industry are efficiently handled
and the port also offers a convenient outlet for manufactured materials for the
constructions industry, which are exported throughout the Middle East.
Saqr Port was built by order of HIS HIGHNESS SHEIKH SAQR BIN MOHAMMED AL
QASIMI, SUPREME COUNCIL MEMBER AND RULER OF RAS AL KHAIMAH. Open in 1977, it maintains the UAE’s
historical maritime connections.
Saqr Port offers modern facilities for the UAE. Importer and for transhipment, traffic to other Gulf countries, India
and Pakistan. The country’s excellent road network makes overland transhipment throughout the Middle East a
realistic possibility for shippers and importer. Saqr Port is also the closest port to Bander Abbas, for transhipment by sea to Iran.
In 2004, KGL PI signed a 21-year concession agreement with the Ras Al Khaimah government to develop and operate the Saqr Port
Container Terminal. With a total investment exceeding US$50 million, KGL PI is currently modernizing, developing and improving
operations at the container terminal with throughput expected to reach 300,000 TEUS per year in its third year of operations. The
geographical position makes it an ideal port for transhipment operations.
The Port has a positive approach to transhipment cargo, combining flexible traffic, professional supervision and minimal documenta-
tion to assist shippers and consignees alike.
Sea/Air cargo through Saqr Port to Ras Al Khaimah Airport, or any other international airport in the UAE, will save a minimum of 24
hours compared to using any other port in UAE.
Long-term storage areas are located close to the berths to minimize handling costs. Large ships can discharge in Saqr Port and cargo’s
can be reduced to convenient sized shipments for reloading and smaller vessels, to serve ports in the Gulf, India and Pakistan, where
severe draft and size limitation are imposed. Distribution and packing centres can be established within the Port at reasonable rates.
Saqr Port has eight deep-water berths, each 200-meter long and dredged to 12.2 meters at mean low water spring tide. Two Ro-Ro
ramps are available, plus specialized berths for handling bulk cement and aggregate.
The Port is well equipped to handle all types of cargo, with mobile cranes, forklifts, trailer and yard hustles. Bunkers supplies of fuel oil,
gas oil and blends are available ex-quay at most berths. Vessels bound for the Port should advise their Agent of ETA Saqr Port giving
draft, LOA and full cargo details, at least 48 hours prior to arrival. When in range, vessels should call Saqr Port control on VHF channel
14 or 16 for berthing instruction. Pilotage is compulsory. Pilots board in the vicinity of the “Saqr Port Approach Buoy” (R&W Sph.Iso.6
secs in position lat. 26 00.0’N long. 56 02.0’E; chart BA 3174 refers). A safe pilot ladder must be rigged for the pilot to embark.
Tugs, Mooring launches and mooring gangs are available. The Harbour and approach channel are dragged to 12.2 meters, although a
draft limitation of 12 meters is imposed. Health and Immigration officials board the ship after berthing. Shore leave is normally gener-
ated to crews, provided passport or seaman’s books are deposited at the Saqr Port immigration office.

Government of Ras AL Khaimah Saqr Port Authority

P.O.Box: 5130, Ras Al Khaimah, U.A.E.

Tel No: +971 7 2668444 Fax: +971 7
2668533 Control Tower: +971 7 2668051
E-mail: info@saqrport.com
Website: www.saqrport.com
 Industrious RAK
Building the Nation
Union Cement has been the pioneer on RAK’s industrial landscape for over three decades now
The first and the biggest cement
manufacturer in the UAE with
the world’s largest kiln, Union Cement
44 (UCC), was set up in 1972 in the Khor
Kwair Industrial Area by HH Sheikh Saqr
bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras
Al Khaimah and Member of the Supreme
Council of the U.A.E. The production
commenced with the first line in 1975
under the management of “Norcem A.S.”,
a member of HeidelbergCement Group.
The second line started in 1977 followed
by the third one in 1979. In 2006, UCC
commissioned its milestone “Plant 4”, a
10,000 tonnes per day clinker production
kiln that increased its capacity from 1.2
to 4.5 million tonnes per annum. In 2007,
cement mills 5 & 6 also contributed
to add up to the company’s grinding
capacity to 4.27 million tonnes per annum
and this made UCC the biggest cement
manufacturer in the UAE. This was after
Kiln 4 was opened in 2007 by HH Sheikh
Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince
and Deputy Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah
UCC has a wide range of products,
Ordinary Portland Cement, Low, Moderate
and High Sulphate Resisting Cement
and its own bulk tanker fleet. In 1980,
the Union Cement Norcem Company
(UCN), established jointly with Norcem
AS of HeidelbergCement Group, started
marketing and sales of American
Petroleum Institute (API) certified oil
well cement, produced in the UCC plant.
UCN’s “Norwell” brand Oil Well Cement
has been part of the UAE’s oil industry for
over 28 years now. Apart from these, UCC
fulfils all kinds of cement requirements of
the region.
With its proximity to the Saqr Port, UCC
has a logistical advantage to serve the
markets in the Gulf, Middle East and East
Africa. Client countries are Qatar, Iran, Iraq,
Sudan, Pakistan, Kuwait and Yemen. While
cement is transported mainly by road to
the other emirates of the UAE and Qatar,
other exports are done by sea.
UCC obtained its ISO 9000 certification
in 1994 as the first cement manufacturer
in the Middle East, in 1980, it added API
Spec Q1 certification and in 2000, added
ISO 14001 certification in line with its
dedication to the environment.
CEMENTING
GROWTH
Over the last 33 years UCC contributed to
the growth of the U.A.E. with its high quality
cement and customer care.

UCC shall continue cementing the growth

with its bigger capacity in future.

P.O. Box 170, Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates.

Tel: +971 7 266 8166, Fax: +971 7 266 8635
Email: uccrak@eim.ae www.uccrak.com
 RAK on a Roll
Two new labour offices
announced
T he Ministry of Labour has announced that it will open
two new labour offices in Ras Al Khaimah shortly, to
increase accessibility and improve the services rendered
to the people in the emirate. The offices will be opened
in the Nakheel area which is the busiest in the emirate,
with one to be located near the Central Post Office and
the other opposite the exhibition grounds. Saeed Askar Al
Nuaimi, Director of the Labour Office in Ras Al Khaimah,
said the new offices, which were proposed by the
ministry, would help ease work for traders and business
establishments in Nakheel and surrounding areas.
Besides being far from many business and commercial
establishments, the only Labour Office in the emirate
witnesses huge rush resulting in delay in transactions.
The economic growth being experienced in the emirate,
which includes business developments and industries,
has led to a growth in the emirate’s population which
requires more labour offices, said Al Nuaimi. The new
offices will operate for 12 hours from 8am daily. The
premises will have a cafeteria and a commercial bank too.
Airways Revived ?
T he UAE will get its third budget carrier shortly as RAK Airways
readies for an overhaul
Ras Al Khaimah’s carrier has turned focus to smaller aircraft with
capacities of 100 to 120 seats and will look to replicate Sharjah-
based Air Arabia’s low-cost model. As per Oussama El Omari, Chief
Executive Officer of RAK Free Trade Zone, “The feasibility studies
have been completed and the airline’s restructuring is almost
complete. It will not compete with the Emirates but rather with Air
46 Arabia’’.
“The aim is to target executives and economy passengers. The
Lawyers’ Affairs Panel Reshuffled
A n Emiri Decree towards reconstituting the Lawyers’ Affairs Committee
in RAK has been issued by HH Shaikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi,
Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah. According to Emiri
Decree 14 of 2009, issued pursuant to the Law of Organising of Legal
Profession of 2004, a new seven-member committee has been formed
under the chairmanship of Ahmed Al Khatri, Chairman of RAK Courts
Department. The other members of the Lawyers Affairs Committee are M.
Naji Derbala, Judge of RAK Cassation Court, Jihad Quzmar, Legal Advisor
to the Government of Ras Al Khaimah, Ahmed H. Hamdan, President
in the RAK Appeals Court, Ahmed Saleh Al Shehhi, Attorney General,
Hasan Muhaimed, Judge and Acting Director-General of RAK Courts
Department and Nada Mohammad Dallak, a woman lawyer practicing
in the emirate. The committee has been tasked to organise the lawyers’
profession in the emirate, including the registration of lawyers and
conduct of their advocacy affairs before the RAK Courts. It will have the
mandate to ensure good performance of legal practice in the emirate as
laid out in the Lawyers’ Profession Law of 2004 and to raise the levels of
legal service standards. As per the decree, the committee will also have
the right to grant special permission to one or more lawyers from foreign
countries, who are not registered in the local Lawyers Register, to conduct
a trial in one or more cases at the RAK Courts.
The committee has a renewable tenure or two years.
airline is being restructured to meet the market needs,” Omari said.
The Ras Al Khaimah carrier was created by the emirate’s
government in 2005 and started operations at the end of 2007.
The airline carried about 125,000 passengers in 2008 before
suspending services in December due to difficulties with its
aircraft.
It subsequently reduced its fleet size from three aircraft to
one, and terminated its services to Dhaka, Colombo, Calicut and
Chittagong. The airline also ran on a charter-only basis using its
only aircraft, a Boeing 757-200. The cost of operating an airline
with just one aircraft, besides logistics, was the key factor that
forced the airline to terminate operations last year.
RAK Airways has been in negotiations for sometime with
Boeing thereafter to lease and purchase up to four Boeing
single-aisle 737 aircraft, according to industry sources. With
these new aircraft, the airline is planning to launch services to
new international destinations such as Brussels, Dusseldorf and
Beirut as and when it restarts operations.
Besides, the airline has on order four new 737-800s worth
Dh1.65 billion (Dh6.06bn), for delivery by 2011. Omari said the
strategy would now be to acquire smaller capacity aircraft to
suit a low cost model.
The name to build on...

AL GHAYL INDUSTRIAL AREA, AL GHAYL, PO BOX: 4423 RAS AL KHAIMAH

E m a i l : c o n t a c t @ p i o n e e r c e m e n t s . a e
 Contemporary Art competition
R AK Hospital, a state-of-the-art healthcare facility jointly set up by the
Ras Al Khaimah Government and ETA Star Healthcare, will host a unique
contemporary art competition and exhibition on the theme ‘Tracking
the Emirates, under the patronage of Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi’ in
March, 2010. With an aim to support and strengthen the local and regional
art scene, the hospital has tied up with Swiss Art Gate UAE (SAGUAE) to
host the three-month long exhibition beginning March 22, 2010. The
registration to the competition closed on December 10.
RAK Hospital and SAGUAE together promise exposure to the unique
talent across the region. They intend to select artists who will create new
artworks depicting their roots and experiences with the past, the present
or future of life in the UAE. The artworks to be exhibited will include
paintings, prints, installations, sculptures, video art or photographs, created
especially for this exhibition. All entries will be judged by a professional jury
to shortlist up to 15 artists whose selected works will be displayed at the
exhibition.
New Transport System on Track
T he RAK Transport Authority, RAKTA is soon to introduce as
many as 75 new buses that will work within the boundaries
of RAK and connect the emirate with the rest of the UAE. A total
of 50 buses will be dedicated for routes in RAK and the rest will
connect RAK with other emirates. According to Jason Farhat,
Director of Commercial and Investment Affairs at the Transport
authority, five routes will be created within Ras Al Khaimah in
a circular fashion, and they will start form the emirate’s centre
moving out to the borders. He said the new buses will be
of various sizes, accommodating 14 to 30 passengers, and
are provided with the world’s latest standards for passenger
convenience. Farhat said by the beginning of October, more
than 90 per cent of the taxis owned by individuals will disappear
48
4 from the streets, and none will be left by the end of this year. A
total of 1,200 taxis, owned by three transportation companies,
Municipality swoops down on
errant stores
T he Public Health and Environment Department at the
emirate’s municipality have seized huge quantities
of different types of toy guns, which proved to be
extremely harmful for youngsters. According to Adel Al
Suwaidi, who heads the department, a fine of Dh2,000
was imposed on every violating shop along with official
warning letters instructing these shops, mainly small
groceries which are in different areas of the emirate, to
avoid selling such products which expose the little ones
to threats.Al Suwaidi said the municipal inspectors have
been given very strict instructions to seize all types and
shapes of these dangerous guns, impose fines and issue
warning letters to the violators. He said the aim of the
municipality was to ensure total public safety.
will meet the emirate’s needs. He added that the Transport
Authority has already started paying compensation to Emirati
owners of the number plates of the old taxis, and each of them
will receive Dh500. He said that 27 Emirati taxi drivers have also
been given Dh10,000 in compensation along with their monthly
payments and that those drivers have already received their
compensation. He stressed that the replacement of the old
taxis is currently on track and that the final target of replacing
all these taxis will be achieved as per the schedule set up by the
emirate’s authorities.
Farhat said the authority is currently working on setting up
60 family taxis that can be used by families and women. He said
that a study is under review to set up taxis that are dedicated to
driving children to schools and employees to their workplaces.
Families and employees can sign up for long-term contracts
with the authority. For the time-being, the RAK Taxi
Stand includes buses which take passengers to
Umm Al Quwain for Dh10 per passenger, Ajman for
Dh15, and Sharjah and Dubai for Dh20. Farhat said
the service will be extended to Abu Dhabi and Al
Ain. The Transport Authority will grant privileged
rights to companies from Fujairah to run the
service connecting the two emirates.
He said the RAK Transport Authority is currently
discussing with its counterpart authorities in the
other emirates to allow its buses to load passengers
from these emirates on their way back to Ras Al
Khaimah.
PWD to fine sewage dumpers
the sewage tankers

D rivers of sewage tankers, who are found dumping

sewage or waste in non-designated areas and
residential neighbourhoods, will risk stiff penalties,
and confiscation
of driving licence.
Johnny Nacola,
according to a warning issued by the municipality. director of
Adil Ali Al Deek, chief of the Environmental and Department of
Health Department, RAK Municipality, said scores of Public Works and
residents have been complaining that some drivers Services in Ras Al
were blatantly emptying their sewage tankers near Khaimah stressed
residential areas, posing a risk to public health. He noted that after the
that the dumping of sewage or other forms of wastes department received
in places other than the designated areas is a violation of law. complaints from residents, a special team was pressed into
“It is everyone’s responsibility to protect public health. Owners service and all garbage containers were emptied and the
of sewage tankers should monitor their operations and ensure surroundings cleaned. The official said that both his department
that their drivers comply with the laws,” he added. Violators and the municipality are keen on maintaining a clean
would risk stiff penalties, including hefty fines, impounding of environment and protecting public health

Consumer Court soon Police DG receives

T he Ministry of Economy (MoE) will
set up three consumer courts by the
French Consul-General
year-end in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Ras Al
Khaimah. Dr Hashim Al Nuaimi, director of
Consumer Protection in the ministry, said
D irector-General of Ras Al-Khaimah Police, Major
General Sheikh Talib bin Saqr Al-Qasimi, received at
his office French Consul General, Nada Yafi, accompanied
they will be the first of their kind in the UAE. by a number of staff of the French Consulate General.
The courts will specifically deal with During the meeting, they reviewed relations in the
consumer complaints, fraudulent activities areas of security and ways to boost those ties for the
of traders and other malpractices in the markets, Al Nuaimi said. These mutual interest of the two countries. They also discussed
courts will conduct speedy procedures and protect the consumer’s rights sharing of experience and expertise, encouraging
more efficiently. talents and training them to be able to face challenges.
The ministry recently wrote to courts in the three emirates and Sheikh Talib stressed the need to continue holding
urged them to facilitate setting up of these facilities. These courts will such a meeting, exchanging of visit and sharing of
49
5
look into cases brought directly by consumers and ascertain action experience between various French bodies and their UAE
against exploitation or fraud by any dealer or institution in the country. counterparts to achieve targeted objectives in various
Consumers would lodge complaints in their emirates, Al Nuaimi said. areas.
Complaints lodged through the MoE’s website or its 20 hotline numbers
in the country will be studied and referred to the relevant court, Al
Nuaimi said.
In taking this measure, the ministry seeks to strike a balance between
the privileges of consumers and traders and ensure equal rights. This will
promote investment in the country. The Ministry of Justice had issued a
decree in April this year for the establishment of specialised departments
in the Federal Courts of First Instance in different emirates of the country
to deal with the consumer rights issues.
The 10 courts include the Federal Courts of First Instance in Sharjah,
Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah, Khor Fakkan, and Kalba, and the District
Courts of Dibba Al Husn, Dibba Fujairah, Al Dhaid and Al Madam.
 RAK on a Roll

Hotels win EAWS certification

Al Hamra Hotels and Resorts and Khatt
Springs Hotel & Spa have been
awarded the European Wellness Certificates
bar of excellence
in the hospitality
sector and ensure
after successfully passing a rigorous audit a consistently
by the European Audit Institute Wellness & enjoyable and
SPA SCE (EAWS) - the only awarding body memorable
in Europe that offers a Wellness Quality experience for all
Certificate with a seal and guarantee of our guests.”
a publicly certified and sworn expert for Founded by
wellness concepts and wellness facilities. hotel and wellness
Al Hamra Beach Resort and Khatt Springs experts from
Hotel & SPA are the first hotels in the UAE Germany, Austria
to receive such distinctions. Michael El and Switzerland, The Wellness Quality Certificate awarded to the team
Nayal, Member of the Board, Hamra Hotels EAWS offers the
and Resorts states, “The stamp of approval Wellness Europe takes into account other facets of the hotel,
from the European Audit Institute Wellness Certificate in three categories: Wellness & including the range of its healthy food and
& SPA reaffirms our strong commitment SPA Europe Certificate, Golf & SPA Europe beverage products, value-added offerings
to deliver the highest quality in terms of Certificate and Medical SPA Europe for outdoor and nature activities and even
service and hotel facilities. We will continue Certificate. Aside from the quality of spa cultural events held within the hotel or in
to identify new ways to further raise the and wellness service, the certification also the surrounding area.

VLCC in RAK
VLCC , the region’s preventive
healthcare services and
beauty brand opened its branch at Ras Al
demand
spurred by a
burgeoning
Khaimah. This is the 10th VLCC centre in population
UAE and the 13th addition in its regional and a higher
network. It was inaugurated by HH Sheikh standard
Mohammed Bin Kayed Al Qasimi, Vice of living.
50 Chairman of RAK Economic Development We have
Department and attended by Mukesh observed a
Luthra, Chairman, VLCC Group and other crucial need
top officials from VLCC International. for a reliable
The newly opened centre is expected to solution that
provide a totally new weight management provides VLCC’s RAK unit
and health experience both for residents holistic
and tourists of RAK. The latest services health and complete wellness, which Al Ain and Bahrain, which is now followed
from VLCC: Waist and Tummy Trim (WTT) VLCC helps to address.” Sandeep Ahuja, by the RAK centre and our second outlet in
Treatment, Arms, Hips & Thighs (AHT) Managing Director, VLCC, added that Muscat,” he stated.
Treatment and hair treatments for hair loss despite irregular market conditions VLCC The centre will also showcase VLCC’s
and dandruff will also be available here. is continuing to keep up its aggressive comprehensive range of skin-care, body-
According to Mukesh Luthra, Chairman, growth plans through intensive expansion care and hair-care products. Patrons can
VLCC Group, “The new VLCC centre in RAK and investment in the UAE and the region. choose from over 100 herbal-based VLCC
is part of our strategy to meet growing “Last month VLCC opened new centres in Personal care products.
Musings from Saqr Park

51
 Education

AURAK brand of Scholastics

Tucked into the northern
emirate of Ras Al
Khaimah is a brand new university proudly
DNA fingerprinting. Biotech graduates
work in forensics, wildlife management
and all industrial sectors.
Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi and
have held numerous sports events.
Construction is well underway on luxury
bearing the name of the community it Supporting the academic programmes student accommodations and a state-
calls home. American University of Ras Al in place at AURAK is the English Language of-the-art student centre. Student rooms
Khaimah offers students of the UAE, the Program. The programme is designed to feature fully outfitted kitchenettes, tiled
Gulf countries, the greater geographic meet the varied needs of learners with showers, balconies, under-bed storage
region from Pakistan and India in the programmes for IELTS and TOEFL test- and individual desks. The university’s
East to the nations of North Africa top takers, students who need to improve development plans are designed to meet
quality higher education in a top of the their academic English skills in order to the needs of the region’s growing student
Emirates location. Students earning their continue their studies, the workforce of the population and educating them for the
four-year American degrees in Business community who need English for business jobs of the future. The university focus
Administration, Biotechnology and purposes and high school students. is on the greater community with social
Computer Engineering meander through All the activities and studies of the engagement and outreach programmes
shaded gardens between classes and American University of Ras al Khaimah aimed at all ages and interests. Like all
there is always a moment to look up to the are designed to stimulate thinking and great universities of the world, American
amethyst mountains of the Jebel Hajjar add quality to student life. Students University of Ras Al Khaimah is open to
in the distance with an appreciation and have visited the Global Village, the visitors and inquiring students.
respect for their rugged resilience.
52
2 What better environment in
which to study the exacting yet
creative science of Biotechnology
or Business or Computer
Engineering? AURAK students
are fully engaged in programmes
that lead to exciting and fulfilling
careers either in the UAE or in their
home countries. For example,
Biotechnology graduates will enter
a $30 billion a year industry that
develops diagnostic medical tests,
monitors and supports a healthier
environment, and even manages

RAKFTZ making new strides
New German desk launched
The newly launched German
Desk, is RAKFTZ’s value-
added service for German clients. It is
available at the RAK FTZ Business Park
and aims to assist all German partners
and companies within the free zone to
serve as an immediate and quick source
of information and an
extended service centre.
It is even manned by
a dedicated German-
speaking RAK FTZ
representative. The desk
is a welcome addition to
the long list of RAK FTZ
services, especially with
the increasing number
of German companies
within the free zone. For
the first half of the year
alone, 21 per cent of RAK FTZ registered
companies came from the European
Union, with over 250 originating from
Germany.
The specialised German desk will
complement the existing liaison and
promotion office in Cologne, Germany,
Free Trade Zone
as well as assist in client
relations and providing after-
sales services to new and
existing clients in RAK FTZ.
Seminar and road
show targets Syrian
SMEs
RAKFTZ’s recent roadshow
in Syria introduced its
cost-effective convenient
business solutions. As part of
the promotional campaign,
its representatives held a
seminar at the Four Seasons
Hotel Damascus. Owners
of family businesses and
other small and medium
enterprises attended the
event to discover different products
and services offered. RAK FTZ
highlighted promotional packages
specially tailored for Syrian companies,
one of which is the shared office
facility from $5,500.00, one of the
most convenient and cost-effective
entry-level packages consisting
of a networked desk that comes
with a telephone line, private email
address and office facilities. The zone
is also promoting the Executive
3
53
Office Package, a ready-to-use office
space fully equipped with IT and
telecommunication infrastructure, to
all interested Syrian companies.
Road-shows are a major part of
RAK FTZ’s strategy to attract more
investors into the UAE through their
customisable business set-ups. RAK
FTZ, which was named the ‘Best
Emerging Free Zone’ for the third
consecutive year during the 2009
Annual Middle East Logistics Awards
(MELA), also offers facilities in the RAK
FTZ Academy Zone and Industrial &
Technology Parks.
 Interview

Business and Life

Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone has achieved its target of enlisting over 2000
companies by the end of 2009, bringing in a more defined multicultural
environment to RAK

It is the best of times and it is the worst

of times, to quote Dickens. While the
recession has cut jobs and created a lull
across various segments, for several people,
the time offers a great opportunity to set up
businesses where costs are low and there
is a support of able leadership. “Aggressive
promotions and well chalked out marketing
strategies always help,” says Oussam Al
Omari, CEO of the RAKFTZ - one of the
fastest growing and most cost-effective free
trade zones in the UAE and home to some
7,000 companies. Established in 2000, Ras Al
Khaimah Free Trade Zone (RAK FTZ) tops the
list of fDi Magazine’s best free zones list in the
Middle East and earned the 17th position
of fDi magazine’s Top 100 Special Economic
Free Zone of the Future 2008/2009. Recently
it was awarded as ‘Best Website of a Free
54
4 Zone or Export Processing Zone’ from The
to go through various departments to
get work done. So, be it law, legislations,
procedures related to set up businesses,
everything is done under one roof. That
is the business part of it. But businesses
people have families too. What is the point
in having a free zone where the business
is great but the family back home have
no where to go to. So, a good free zone
is an entire programme that addresses
all the needs of the client who proposes
to set up business in RAK – be it his own
demands of office, space, paper work and
other legalities, or the personal needs
of his family – good schools, hospitals,
entertainment areas, hotels, cinemas etc.
Free zones get people together. If an
investor from a foreign country comes into
a free zone, he must feel welcomed and
included with the community there. He
Oussama Al Omari

World Free Zone Convention (WFZC) in
Hyderabad, India. Oussama Al Omari, CEO,
RAKFTZ explains how it is possible to be
a successful free zone, award the investors
a great space to do business without
compromising on lifestyle and family needs.
How do you weave business and
lifestyle through the RAKFTZ?
If you think that free zones are mere
territorial areas that do business and rope in
more businesses, you need to rethink. The
free zone is not an area but a programme to
get to business easily. Clients do not have
shouldn’t feel alienated where people look
down on him or his culture, but embrace
the diversity they see through him. The
more multicultural a people are, the more
open minded they become. By getting
people from across the world, free zones
facilitate that openness.
What are the core strengths of the
RAKFTZ?
Personal approach, getting close to the
clients, understanding their business and
related needs are one of the key factors
we focus on. Another major aspect is
innovation. We always go by ‘what is the
feel of the client’, ‘how can we help them’,
‘how can we think of solutions for them’?
By constantly innovating of better services
to our clients, we have been successful in
our endeavours. Businesses need costs,
clients, leads etc and our core strength is
helping our clients. For us, the entire process
is akin to watching a baby grow - till it is
independent to be on its own.
As for clients based outside RAK, we have
offices in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Germany, Turkey,
India, UK etc who use our services. We are
technologically advanced and connected
well to our clients and our credibility helps
them in their business too.
Has work been affected by the
recession?
We have met our targets despite the
recession. This is because we have planned
our recruitments, clients and targets
carefully. We have also been very active in
our extra marketing programmes across
the world.
space and flight education. We also have
the American University of Ras Al Khaimah,
RAKAAG School for girls as well as GEMS-
RAK.
What about the Press Club?
We have several people from the press who
visit RAK but lack proper infrastructure.
At RAK FTZ, we have opened a Press
Club for members of the press to
share information and help us in our
endeavour. It is located in our premises
and is fully equipped with the requisite
infrastructure.

Tell us about the IT Park as well as your

other expansion plans within RAK?
In terms of the Technology Park, we are
spread across 70 hectares and the space
generates its own cargo. It has some unique
industries like CD plants, armed vehicles
manufacturing with technology imported
from the US, UK and Canada. At Al Ghayl,
we have our base of heavy industries. We
are working on various parts of the airport
with the MRO programme catering to
special aircraft. We are also working on a
$350 million Navigator Business Centre.
This will be a business park by the sea, next
to the area near the New Hilton Hotel. All
facilities will be near on another and the
place aims to attract investors, tourists,
residents etc where people will work, live,
visit or invest. It will comprise 10 million
sq ft of development by the sea and be
connected to a marina – that makes it a
unique project indeed.
55
The RAKFTZ has brought several
educational institutions to the emirate?
Are there plans for more?
RAK has a thrust on tourism and industrial
services – and this is supported by its foray
into education. RAK has always been an
emirate that has supported the cause of
education. The French hospitality school
Vatel, located nest to the Hilton Hotel is
already operational and has about 250
students. We have the Royal College,
University of Bolton etc. We are also
negotiating an aerospace educational
university from South Africa that will have
 Interview
The Japanese Touch
RAK offers great prospects for Japanese businessman, says Kenji Saito,
Consul-General of Japan to the UAE
“In my interactions
with businessmen
and investors in the emirate
of Ras Al Khaimah, I have
found that the emirate
is extremely conducive
for setting up businesses.
The Japanese have been
part of the UAE for several
years now, but I think that
they need to come here
in huger numbers. I am
very impressed by Ras
Al Khaimah and its free
zones and I wish several
Japanese businessmen, set
up their facilities here,” says Kenji Saito Consul General of Japan to the UAE
Kenji Saito, Consul General
of Japan. We met him at the launch of
Oishii Nippon (A Taste of Japan), the first
dedicated store in Dubai selling premium
56
2 Japanese fruits, that officially opened its
doors today on the ground floor of the
Jumeirah Center, under the management
of Fit Fresh LLC, which he had inaugurated.
“The number of Japanese people in
the UAE is not as large as other South East
Asian communities, though there is a huge
potential for them here. I feel that their
numbers can be much more. There aren’t
too many Japanese businessmen who
have ventured into this region and I wish
they do,” he states. About 180 Japanese
companies are currently operating in the
UAE.
Saito has met up with the RAKFTZ
partnerships
involving sharing
of experience, and
exchanging of
bilateral visits.
In 2007, RAKIA
signed an MOU with
Japan Institute of
Overseas Investment
to promote Japanese
Direct Investments
in Ras Al Khaimah
during the UAE
– Japan Business
Forum held in Tokyo
in April 2007. “The
UAE’s economic
potential, stability,
CEO, Oussama El Omari and held with comfortable living conditions, advanced
him wide ranging discussions aimed infrastructure and excellent business
at boosting business and investment incentives have been attracting a number
relations between Ras Al Khaimah of Japanese businessmen and individuals to
and Japan. The visit aims to provide do profitable business there over the years.
opportunity to further promote In fact, the UAE hosts the largest Japanese
cooperation between Ras Al Khaimah and community in the Middle East and Africa
Japan, exchange of experiences between are presently operating in UAE,” he adds.
the two sides and establish coordination Eager to present the facilities in the free
with the Japanese Consul General to zones across the emirates, including RAK,
attract more Japanese investments to the to fellow Japanese businessmen, Saito calls
RAK FTZ.  for greater partnerships between the two
The Japanese Consul-General paid countries. “For a large number of Japanese,
a field visit to the RAK FTZ Industrial the countries they do business with are
Park, where he visited the venues of Thailand and China. The UAE offers them
key Japanese companies registered great prospects and I want more of them
within the zone. He added that Japan to come and set up base in its shores,” he
was looking forward to having new states.

Towards a Green World
RAK Ceramics strengthens portfolio of Green products as demand for sustainable
building solutions increase
RAK Ceramics, the world’s largest
ceramic manufacturer
has recently beefed up its portfolio of
environmentally friendly products with
the strategic addition of its energy saving
façade system to its “RAKSLIM,” brand,
in a move aimed at help addressing the
UAE’s increasing demand for sustainable
building and construction solutions. RAK
Ceramics pointed out that a key indicator
of the growing preference towards
building sustainability is the significant
increase in the growth rate of UAE-based
firms involved in green building.
RAK Ceramics also held a conference
on November 24 at the Atlantis, the
Palm Dubai; to discuss the energy-saving
qualities of RAK Ceramics’ new façade
system. RAK Ceramics’ ventilated facades
have been developed to reduce the
amount of heat and sound that buildings
absorb, which make them perfect
solutions for the hot weather conditions
in the UAE and the rest of the Middle East.
US-based Architect Richard P. Goldberg,
AIA, CSI, NCARB, an authority on energy
saving facades, will be the main speaker
at the conference.
Abdallah Massaad, Assistant CEO, RAK
Ceramics said: “The long-term strategy
of the UAE is based primarily on the
concept of sustainable development. This
has accordingly influenced the increase
in demand for sustainable building
solutions as developers and contractors
move to satisfy the stringent green
building standards being imposed by
the government. RAK Ceramics will act
proactively to support this initiative and
contribute towards achieving the UAE’s
mission of reducing its carbon footprint
through the use of a superior range of
green-certified products and techniques.”
‘RAKSLIM’ is a durable, yet ultra-thin
collection of large-format, fully-rectified
porcelain tiles. Measuring 4.5mm in
thickness, ‘Rakslim’ represents the
perfect blend of technical finesse and
design aesthetic. Offered in various
sizes, ‘Rakslim’ tiles are lightweight and
ideal to be used as indoor wall tile or
for exterior cladding projects, and may
also be specified for residential or light
commercial flooring.
Goldberg is the author of numerous
technical articles and books published
Product watch
worldwide. His most recent book is
titled Direct Adhered Ceramic Tile Stone &
Thin Brick Facades, which is considered
the authoritative text on this emerging
exterior building envelope technology.
Goldberg is a frequent speaker at global
technical conferences and trade shows
such as Construction Specifications
Institute, American Institute of Architects,
International Masonry Institute, Brick
Research Center Forum, Coverings /
International Tile & Stone Exposition, USA,
Qualicer, Spain and Cersaie, Italy.
RAK Ceramics and its joint venture
57
with Laticrete Inc., USA- a Global leader
in green building products, - have
joint focus on promoting innovative
technologies for tile and stone-fixing.
RAK Ceramics exports its innovative
products and designs in ceramic tiles,
Gres Porcellanato and sanitaryware to
over 135 countries, targeting architects,
project developers and retail customers.
The company offers a perfect blend
of technical finesse and aesthetics
through 6,000 designs in ceramic tiles,
Gres Porcellanato, and several models in
sanitaryware.
 Malls

Mall News
Manar Mall to develop into
a 130,000 square meter mall
over three levels

Nestled beneath the Hajjar mountains, the thicket of mangroves and the backwaters, basking in
natural light, Manar Mall is a delightful destination in itself. With its current plans at expansion, it
hopes to rope in more shoppers and leisure seekers to its vast precincts. RAK Today spoke to Benoy
Kurien, Mall Manager, Manar Mall
`What are your plans at sprucing up to come here for shopping, entertainment
Manar Mall? and events.
Manar Mall is one of the first shopping
malls in the Northern Emirates operational What has been the footfall in 2009?
since 2001. The mall will go in for a massive Do you see any difference due to the
renovation, expansion and redevelopment recession?
soon to meet growing demand for retail The footfall of Manar Mall has reduced
space in Ras Al Khaimah and to maintain by 6-8per cent compared to 2008; this
58
2 its position as the premier shopping and could be attributed to a number of factors
entertainment destination in the Northern including the economic slowdown or even
Emirates. to the opening of other malls in RAK.
From a single level mall, we will
develop into a 130,000 square meter Are you planning to rope in newer brands?
mall over three levels of which 100,000 Which are they?
square meters will be leasable space. Benoy Kurien We have already brought in Aldo shoes,
The design of the re-development has Aldo accessories, THM shoes, Carters and
been finalised and tenants are already Have you tied up with the Economic Accessorize in 2009. We cannot bring in
expressing interest in the project. We will Department for promoting tourism at more brands as there are no vacant spaces
be equipped with a brand new food court, RAK? In what capacity? in the mall and there is no possibility of
family entertainment centre and additional We are in talks and discussions with vacancies in the near future. Of course, we
anchors and a large variety of leading the Economic Department of the RAK are accepting expressions of interest from
retailers already present in the UAE and a Government to organise a summer festival leading brands for the expansion of Manar
number of new brands not seen in the UAE. in RAK to get people from other emirates Mall.
 Art & Design
Sagas Precious
So you think that stories are merely narrated, read or written down?
Sheikha Fatima bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, jewellery designer and member
of the Ras Al Khaimah royal family, gets people to wear them too
How would it be, to have your
life’s story embedded in
a jewellery piece? Your unique qualities
transformed into various precious
gemstone or pearls – each, carefully chosen
and put together, to represent you or your
relationship with your family members,
close relatives, friends or people you
admire?
HE Sheikha Fatima Al Qasimi, jewellery
designer and member of the Ras Al
60
2 Khaimah royal family, uses emotions to
thread her pieces of jewellery together. As
jewellery designer and a creative, out-of-
the box thinker, she uses stories to create
magic. Like stories have characters, the
characters in her ‘stories’ are the unique
qualities of the person wearing the
jewellery piece.
For instance, the memento that she will
soon present to HH Sheikh Mohammed
bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai,
Vice-President of the UAE and Member
of the Supreme Council of the UAE, is
quite unique and represents his charisma,
foresight and benevolence. “I started the
story of the jewellery piece with a gold
coin, since Dubai is known widely for its
gold. Since Sheikh Mohammed is a poet
and a patriot, I used words from his own
poem about the UAE and embedded it on
the coin. The piece has a diamond because
diamonds are forever and that is how I see
his personality. Since he is known to be
extremely kind to people and has a special
affection for children, the edges of the jewel
are softer. The piece also has elements of
cultural architecture as Sheikh Mohammed
is known to be extremely respectful of
culture, apart from being modern in his
sensibilities.
For her uncle, HE Sheikh Talib bin Saqr Al
Qasimi, who is the Director General of the
RAK Police, Fatima has made an interesting
piece. “My uncle was celebrating his 25th
marriage anniversary and wanted the
jewel to have his and his wife’s initials and
the number 25. I incorporated all of it in
a design that represented the qualities of
Sheikh Talib and his wife, I have known
them very closely since my childhood,”
she states. Yet another of her creation, is
the RAK ring, a chunky ring made of three
different coloured stones - blue to signify
the sea, brown to depict the mountains,
and yellow to symbolise the desert – three
aspects with which Ras Al Khaimah is
naturally and bountifully endowed.
Sheikha Fatima is also chief designer of
the Emirates Pearls Trading Company based
in Ras Al Khaimah – the first company to
have started cultured pearls production
in the emirate, besides owning Duwan,
her own designer store. “Abdullah Suwaidi
the owner of the Emirates Pearl Trading
Company has revoked a long-lost tradition
with Japanese expertise under Imura Daiji.
Both gentlemen hail from countries with
a flourishing pearl trading history. While
the UAE has been known for natural pearls,
Japan is famous for cultured pearls,” she
says. Extending the venture soon, Ras Al
Khaimah will have a pearl’s museum in the
corniche area and she will be in charge of
the souvenir shop. “The shop is being built
already and it shall also have various other
products made in the UAE,” she adds. The
place shall also have a Japanese restaurant
symbolising the coming together of two
cultures recreating pearling history again.
So, she has a natural affinity towards
pearls? “Because they were once the lifeline
of the UAE and responsible for the economy
of this country. We were raised in the culture
of pearls since they represent our history and
our history is important to us. Also pearls
have a classic and timeless quality about
them,” she adds.
Sheikha Fatima’s creative streak was quite
evident from her early childhood years. “I was
always into art right from Grade 2; I won my
first competition at the Shankar’s Painting
Competition. My teacher encouraged me
and I had posted my entry to India,” she
reminisces. By Grade 6, she had started
designing her clothes. “It started off with
designing clothes for my dolls and painting
and drawing were always part of the deal.
Also, I collected stones since an early age.
Maybe, there was a trace of prophecy there,”
she states. After school, she attended the
University of Sharjah for a course in Business
and Management and then went on to
study Jewellery Management in the Higher
Colleges of Technology and Jewellery design
at the IGI before her foray into business.
How much did her illustrious royal
lineage help her in her life? “From my grand-
father HH Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammed Al
Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah and Member
of the Supreme Council of the UAE, I have
learnt how to be down-to-earth and have
empathy towards people, from my father,
who is a very religious person, the right
sense of judgement and compassion. When
he was with the RAK Courts department, we
often had many people living in our home.
Photos are from the new collection titled Sakura (Cherry blossom tree in
Japanese). Made using RAK pearls, the collection is a true amalgamation of two
pearling cultures, the UAE and Japan.
As for her mother, Sheikha Fatima feels that
she dedicated her life to her six children,
their education and upbringing. “My mother
has been educated abroad but has always
been a cultural person. Education has
been a top priority for her. We all topped
our school grades and university as well.
After school in RAK, we lived in Sharjah in
dormitories during the course of our studies
and managed ourselves quite well, even
after living a sheltered and protected life at
home for 16 years.”
What about advice and help from her
uncle, HH Sheikh Saud bin Saqr bin Qasimi,
Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Ras
Al Khaimah? “My uncle has always given
me good business advice. He made me
learn from my own mistakes. Whenever
I met him, he asked me many questions
regarding my business and his questions
were enlightening. They really were the
answers to many problems I encountered
at work”.
However, did her background of
being a royal family member work to her
advantage? “No,” she says emphatically. “On
the contrary, people thought that since I am
a Sheikha, it will be easy for me. If I scored
well in my exams, the credit would always
go to my position as a royal family member
than my own merit as a student. Also,
people thought that I was doing this to pass
my time and did not take me seriously.”
She was met with the same attitude
when she started her business. “I worked in
the Dubai Gold Souk to learn the practical
side of the trade, and whenever I ordered
something, people would quote three
times the price, knowing that I was from a
royal family. But it was a great learning
experience and I faced tough times too. I
was shouted at, I had water from the AC
dripping on my head in some places etc,
but it was challenging – in the bargain,
I learnt to say no, that helped me in my
business hugely,” she adds. Today Sheikha
Fatima has a list of clients from across the
UAE as well as the GCC countries.
Does she have any favourites among
designers? “Yes, I am extremely inspired
by Ambaji Shinde, the late Indian
jewellery designer,” she says. Shinde who
was principal designer of Harry Winston,
the New York jeweller who often lent his
pieces to Hollywood stars for important
events way back in 1943. They include
$175,000 necklace that Gwyneth Paltrow
wore to the Academy Awards ceremony
in 1999; the 45.52-carat blue Hope
Diamond reset by Mr. Shinde and worn,
at different times, by Michelle Pfeiffer and
Georgette Mosbacher. “Ambaji Shinde
blended his Indian cultural heritage to his
western customer’s demands and created
distinctly western pieces. He was rooted
to his traditions, started off in a small way
and achieved great heights,” she adds.
“I am a culture enthusiast,” says
Sheikha, who derives inspiration from
the places around her, the deserts, the
beaches, the mountains etc. “I merely
translate them into design,” she adds
humbly.
Simple, focussed, down-to-earth,
ambitious, yet real, Sheikha Fatima’s
outlook embodies this saying by Francis
61
3
Bacon, “Virtue is like a rich stone, best
plain set.”
 Art
Culture Canvas
Ras Al Khaimah’s rustic natural beauty caught the eye of Canadian writer and artist
Michael Kluckner
Impressed by the
Hajjar
mountains rising so close to the sea,
Canadian writer and artist Michael Kluckner
set his canvas on Ras Al Khaimah when
he came visiting his daughter who works
there. The result - a series of paintings that
adorn his blog, along with sketches and
paintings of the places he has visited from
all over the world.
62
2 Kluckner lives in Australia has written
several books on the history of Canadian
cities, heritage, planning
issues and art,
some of which include Vancouver
The Way It Was, Vanishing Vancouver,
Paving Paradise, and British Columbia
in Watercolour. The books have won
numerous awards, including the Duthie
Prize, the Vancouver Book Prize, the Toronto
Book Prize (shortlist), the Hallmark Society
(Victoria) Award of Merit, and the Heritage
Canada Medal of Achievements. He speaks
to RAK Today on what he found most
impressive about RAK
When did you first visit
RAK? Tell us about what
are the aspects of
RAK that made their
impressions on you?
I visited RAK in February
of 2009. My daughter
was working there at
a university and had show us all the different areas. I was most
been living there impressed at first by the mountains rising
for several months, up so steeply so close to the sea and, of
so she was able to course, the beautiful colour of the Gulf of
take us around and Arabia.
 Envisioning RAK

Did you associate or engage with local
people in RAK because some of your
paintings have local people in activity?
We were staying at a house near the lagoon
and the old port and every morning, I
would go out very early, just after sunrise,
and watch the activities of the fishermen.
It seemed very tranquil and quite timeless
compared with all the construction and
hustle-bustle elsewhere in RAK. Later, I met
a few of the local people who worked along
the shore.
the mountains and ocean were the most
spectacular.
Do you view a country, its landscape and
its people in contrast to other countries or
see it separately as an individual entity.
I can’t help but compare countries with
each other. In my case, I had just been
to India and found RAK very spacious
by comparison. RAK’s rocky mountain
landscape reminded me very much of
parts of southern Spain and also of Crete.
RAK is an interesting combination of the
old and the very new and I might have
done more artwork of the old parts of
town with the silhouettes of modern
buildings in the background if I’d had
more time.

What has been your experience as an

artist in RAK?
In the all-too-brief time I was there, I
focused on the wadis and mountains and
could have spent a lot more time painting
scenes there at different times of the day.
The colours change very quickly depending
on the sun angles. I would love to have
spent more time studying and drawing the
63
3
goats – they are the great comedians in the
landscape and are fascinating to watch as
they range so quickly and smoothly over
the rough, steep ground.
I was travelling with just a sketchbook
and some pencils and watercolours, so I
wasn’t trying to do any big paintings – the
sort of things you would hang on a wall.
Maybe another time.

Is there anything specific about RAK that

you found missing in the other emirates?
I only visited Dubai briefly so I don’t know
much about the other ones. I enjoyed
the sand dunes and camels but I thought
 Tourism

Bliss is This!
Adrenalin sports, culture trails, eco-tourism ventures, RAK has it all in abundance
Camel Racing Festival
The Ras Al Khaimah Annual Festival of Camel Racing is held at the Al Suwan
camel race track. Two golden cups have been allotted for the competition -
the first from His Highness Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammed Al-Qasimi, Member
of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah allotted for camels
of (Yatha’a) age and the second cup allotted for the camels of Lagaya age.
Round off the visit with a look at the stalls selling sticks, muzzles, rugs,
harnesses and other paraphernalia. The races usually start from mid-
September to end of April and last for about six days.

Relay Run
Held every year since 1993, the Wadi Bih Run is the oldest regular expatriate
sporting event in the UAE. It crosses the Hajjar mountains from RAK to
Camel Racing Dibba, climbing over 1,000 mts and covering a distance of 70km. The run
is for teams of five runners, with each runner completing about 15km to
Bird Watching give a total distance of about 72km. Each team of five must include one
RAK offers a great diversity of birdlife since it plies in the female or a veteran male 50+. Hardy individuals can run the entire distance
migratory path between Asia and Africa. During spring alone. The 18th Wadi Bih Run is now scheduled for Friday, 12 February.
and autumn, thousands of birds pass through RAK. The
emirate hence has a wealth of birdlife this season and
offers an exciting opportunity to see many birds that are
not usually seen in Europe or other parts of the Middle
East. The numerous lagoons and wetland areas in Ras Al
Khaimah offer very interesting viewing points. Some of
these species include Black-Crowned Finch Lark, Hoopoe,
Crab Plover and the Greater Flamingo. Other prime bird
watching areas are the mangroves along the creek and
64 the mangrove wetlands and mudflats north of Al Rams, Al
Jazirah Khor, Dhayah, Hamraniyah, Digdaga and Wadi Bih.

Bird watching

Horse Power
Equine Trails
People keen on horse riding and related activities can
enjoy themselves at the Al Halifi Equestrian Club, open
between 6am -11am & 3pm -8pm each day, except
Fridays. You can also try out the Al Awadi stables at the
Al Ghayl area.
 Water sports in RAK waters

Water Sports An eagle’s view of the emirate

While private tour operators offer several opportunities at scuba diving,
water skiing as well as sailing is available in RAK. The RAK Water Skiing Club
is located in a lagoon behind the RAK Hotel & Resort and offers instruction
for all levels, including slalom and jumping, while the RAK Sailing
Association in Al Maarid has a private beach set within a harbour with boats
and windsurfers for use by members and guests.

Aviation
Geared for micro-lite, ultra-light and paragliding, the Al Jazeera Aviation
Club is located at the Saqr field aerodrome, close to the coast and is an
official member of Emirates Aviation Association, equipped with modern
facilities and a spacious hanger. The club is accredited by the Civil Aviation
General Assembly in the UAE and it is a number of USA Aviation Assemblies.

Camping in the mountains Camping RAK Shooting Club

Though there are no Located in Al Dehaisah area, at 20 minutes driving
official camp sites in RAK, distance from Ras Al Khaimah International Airport,
the Hajjar mountains and the RAK Shooting Club has over 1,500 members of
65
3
its numerous wadis offer different nationalities frequenting its modern and
great arenas for camping, highly sophisticated world class ranges. The club
mountain biking, hiking offers an impressive array of weapons from the
and trekking. conventional to a collection of M-16 Assault Rifles.
A branch
RAK shooting club has been
established
in Shouka
too.
 Envisioning RAK

Dome at Jazeerat Al
Hamra

Hot water springs

The Khat Village at RAK is well known for its warm mineral
water (40-45 degrees) known to cure illnesses such as
rheumatism and muscle stiffness. Now, the place has its
own Khatt Springs Hotel and Spa for guests willing to
enjoy the hot water springs.

National Museum RAK

Open all year round, the National Museum RAK is a slice of
National Museum RAK
local culture. Closed on Tuesdays and public holidays, its
timings vary. From September to May between 9am-5pm
Old mosque in RAK and from June to August, from 8am to 12pm and 4pm to
7pm. During Ramadan, it is open from 9am to 1pm and
closed on Fridays.

Al Jazeera Al Hamra village

Dhayah Fort in the distance
This abandoned village, situated in the Al Hamra area,
reflects the architecture of the region in the 1950s. Various
myths surround the place, but it is an interesting area to
romp past if you are not particularly concerned about
orderliness.

66 Dhayah Fort
A significant fort that has a colonial history as a backdrop,
the Al Dhayah Fort at RAK situated on a hilltop witnessed
the last battle between the local and British troops in 1819.
When you drive towards the cement factories near Saqr
Port, you are sure to see the fort by the right side of the
road.

Kuwaiti Souq
The souq takes its name from the Kuwait Hospital and
has more than 50 shops. Open from 8am to 11pm, it has
different kinds of shops selling clothes, perfumes, jewellery
and roastery items. It also has sewing shops and salons
as well as traditional goods such as clothes, herbs and
crockery.
Bin Majid Museum Library at the Zayed Heritage Village

Fishing boats
Private Museums
Do visit the Zayed Heritage Village, located in the Gilailah area and
the Bin Majid Centre for Traditional Crafts, on the way to the New
Hilton – both are private museums that offer a good glimpse of
RAK by the mountains and RAK by the sea.

Picturesque RAK
You can drive around RAK and treat yourself to natural sights
- farm animals like cows and goats in the villages grazing near
the mountains and villages near the mountains, camels in the
wild, date farms, agricultural farms, fishing boats, traditional dhow
building areas, old mosques etc.

67
 Media

Media City with a difference

Not merely a media and film city, the RAK Media City encompasses
the Hindi film industry and the Pakistani film industry

RAK Media City,

that belongs to
the Government of Ras Al
Khaimah, is the only media
free zone in the world backed
by diversified media and film
professionals who are known
for having colossal expertise of
68
2 international standards. The CEO
of RAK Media City, Junaid Shaikh
ensures that the place supports
its investors with a prestigious
panel of Board of Directors
which consists of highly
prominent names of Bollywood Junaid Shaikh, CEO of RAK Media City
(the Hindi film industry) and Lollywood (the
Pakistani film industry). Their names include
stalwarts like Manmohan Shetty, Ramesh
Sippy, Boney Kapoor, Qavi Khan and Javed
Sheikh.
RAK Media City ascertains the support
of the Film Federation of India, and National
Film Development Corporation of India,
Broadcasting, state-of-the art studios
and picturesque locations for shootings.
Moreover, RAK Media City shall facilitate
and support internet streaming. The RAK
Media City authority shall also be a focal
point for the distribution of films from India
and Pakistan in the Middle East and to the
international markets.
along with the Film Producer’s Association
and Federation of Pakistan, all of whom
work in full association with the National
Media Council – Federal Authority, UAE.
It is intended to provide the investors
with excellent infrastructure of Media &
Film, IP based technology with down-
to-earth costs, Uplink Teleport for
 Health

Sheikh Khalifa Specialised

Hospital for RAK
T he new hospital is coming up near the Banyan Tree
resort in Ras Al Khaimah and can be approached
easily from Exit 119 from the Emirates Road. At the
construction stage currently, it is built to cater to the rural
and urban population living around the area. The hospital
is being constructed upon the instructions of President
His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler of
Abu Dhabi to meet the medical needs of people of the
Northern Emirates .The 248- bed Sheikh Khalifa Specialist
Hospital being built with an investment of Dh600 million,
is designed to the highest tertiary care standards and
expected to be the most advanced medical facility in the
emirate. It is scheduled to open in 2011. The six-storey,
65,000 sq m hospital, would have specialty sections for
oncology, cardiology, a trauma centre, and an emergency
department. Dr Hanif Hassan, UAE’s health minister
visited the hospital recently and was briefed on its
construction. He was accompanied by Dr Ali Ahmed bin
Shakar, Director-General at the ministry, Nasser Khalifa Al
Budur, Director of Health Minister’s Office, and Abdullah
Al Shaheen, Director of RAK Medical Zone.

Ward Revamp at Saqr Hospital

T he Premature Infants Department at Saqr Hospital was
inaugurated by Dr Hanif Hassan, Minister of Health. The
department was undergoing extensive maintenance and
Premature Infants Department has been divided into four main
sections with the capability to expand it according to the hospital’s
needs.
renovation for the past few months following a fire that had Dr Hassan said the eight new rooms which had been sealed
destroyed many parts. The department was eventually shut off off due to the shortage of nursing staff were now open and being
and infants were referred to other used. The minister of health
hospitals and medical centres in the pledged to provide the
70
2 emirate. department and the hospital
The Ministry of Health has with the necessary nursing
provided the Ras Al Khaimah staff. He said the Ministry of
Medical District with all the Health is currently studying
necessary equipment and the issue of enhancing the
machinery to replace those infrastructure of all medical
that were burnt in the fire. The facilities which belong to
number of incubators has been the ministry, as a part of its
increased to 17. According to Dr strategy of renovation. He
Hassan, the department is now said the instructions the
operational again and has started ministry received from the
receiving premature infants. It is UAE leadership stated that
well-equipped and well-prepared medical services should be
to handle all kinds of cases to the made available for people
highest possible standards. The everywhere in the country.
 First Cath Lab in the Northern Emirates
R AK Hospital launched the first Catheterisation Laboratory (Cath Lab)
of the northern emirates. The Cath Lab was officially inaugurated by H
H Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Ras
Al Khaimah. The launch was in conjunction with the second anniversary
celebrations of RAK Hospital. Commenting on the launch of the cath lab,
Mr. Raza Siddiqui, Executive Director, ETA Star Healthcare, said, “We are
pleased that RAK Hospital now has the full capabilities and technology to
offer cardiovascular treatments that require the catheterisation procedure
to the residents of Ras Al Khaimah and all the northern emirates. The RAK
Centre for Interventional Cardiology is the first of its kind initiative in the
northern emirates. This is a groundbreaking step forward for RAK Hospital
considering we have been around for two years.”
“In cases of heart-related diseases, time is of utmost importance
making every minute crucial. This is an exceptional breakthrough for
emergency heart patients who need this medical procedure done
immediately in the northern emirates. Before the opening of this lab,
patients had no options available to them and as such had to travel to
Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Sharjah to get the procedure done.”
Dr. Rajeev Lochan has been appointed as the chief cardiologist
associated with the Cath Lab at RAK Hospital, with 40 years of medical

Omran Hospital nearing completion experience which include over 30 years of cardiology experience out
of which 24 were in senior positions. According to Dr Lochan, :“This

W ork on the Abdullah Rashid Omran Hospital, coming

up in the Hamrania area, is nearing completion. It will
have about 60- beds and an investment of Dh100 million.
treatment is imperative and a crucial requirement for several cardiac
conditions. As such, it was highly essential to have this available to the
residents of Ras Al Khaimah. We are happy to have this opportunity
to provide critical emergency solutions to heart patients, and thereby,
A Cath Lab is an examination room with control the growing rise of fatal incidents in the northern emirates.”
diagnostic imaging equipment used to support
the catheterisation procedure. This procedure
involves a catheter (thin tube) being inserted
71
3
into a large artery. This allows for fluid drainage,
fluid injection and various surgical instruments
and devices to be inserted through the body via
the catheter.
The Cath Lab at RAK Hospital will employ
state-of-the-art facilities and equipment and
will be staffed by a multi-disciplinary team
including a physician, cardiac physiologist,
nurse and radiographer. RAK Hospital is the only
hospital in the world that has been awarded
the accreditation from both Joint Commission
International (JCI) and by the Swiss Leading
Hospital (SLH Accreditation) which is based on
European Foundation for Quality Management.
 Health
Unswerving Commitment
Equipped with superior healthcare facilities, RAK Hospital is now
focussing on specialised care
RAK Hospital is a 65-bed multi-
specialty private hospital
founded in 2007. It is a joint venture
between the RAK Government, the ETA Star
group and managed by Sonnenhof Swiss
Health, a leading name in healthcare and
72
2 hospitality. The hospital recently celebrated
its second anniversary in November 2009
and is now embarking on a new phase
by focussing on specialised care. The
specialised departments launched in the
hospital are Obesity Management/Bariatric
Surgery, Joint Replacement Program and
Cardiac Catheterisation.
The hospital offers the latest advances
in orthopaedic care, which includes after
surgery rehabilitation, pain management
and surgical techniques such as minimal
invasive surgery, and total knee and hip
replacement surgery. The comprehensive
care offered, uses the latest joint implants
and devices, surgical techniques,
dedicated operating room
staff, physiotherapists and pain
management to help patients who
are in need of treatment.
The hospital is built on
the foundation to provide
modern healthcare facilities
in a ‘premium hospitality’
environment. Recognised by the
Joint Commission International
Accreditation and Swiss Leading
Hospitals Accreditation, RAK
Hospital highly emphasises on
the quality of the comprehensive Dr Jean-Marc Gauer, CEO
medical services and patient safety.
The hospital offers a wide
“The model results in low complication rates
range of services in Obstetrics, following surgery and less time spent in
Internal Medicine, Cardiology,
Surgery, Urology, Ophthalmology,
the hospital.The majority of patients return
Otorhinolaryngology, Paediatrics, home three to four days after surgery”

Orthopaedics, Intensive Care,
Dermatology, Dentistry, Cosmetology and
Physiotherapy. The hospital also has a 24-
hour accident and emergency facility.
“The hospital is built on the
foundation to provide
modern healthcare facilities
in a ‘premium hospitality
environment”
Mr Raza Siddiqui, Executive Director
Obesity Management
Program/Bariatric Surgery
At RAK Hospital, bariatric surgery is
performed as a part of the comprehen-
sive Obesity Management Program. It is
recommended for patients in whom other
methods for fat reduction, like exercise or
diet control, have failed to produce the
desired results. Bariatric Surgery involves
reducing the size of the stomach, leading
to lesser food intake and gradual weight
loss. Surgical treatments recommended for
obesity:
Gastric Banding: This operation
reduces the functional size of the stomach
(with a gastric band, silastic ring or staples).
This restricts the amount of food one can
eat at one meal. By reduction of calorie
intake, weight loss is induced.
Sleeve Gastrectomy: Sleeve gast-
rectomy is a procedure in which the size
of the stomach is reduced by 15 per cent,
by removing a large portion, following
the major curve. The open edges are then
attached together (often with surgical
staples) to form a sleeve or tube with a
banana shape.
Gastric Bypass: This type of surgery
helps reduce the amount of eaten food
that can be absorbed in the digestive tract.
So, not only does one consume lesser
amount of calories, but there is also less
absorption of calories. This is why gastric
bypass surgery tends to produce greater
weight loss than other bariatric operations.
RAK Hospital is poised to become a
specialised centre for Obesity Manage-
ment Program, which is a comprehensive
program, including diet counselling,
bariatric surgery and dedicated patient
follow-ups.
Dr Anup Kr. Panigrahi is a distin-
Dr Anup Panigrahi
“With use of Bariatric Surgery
as a part of the overall obesity
management programme, we
can improve the overall quality of
life for the UAE population.”
Lead Programs
Obesity Management/Bariatric Surgery
Program
Joint Replacement Program
Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratory
Medical Specialties
Accident and Emergency
Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Unit
Cardiology
Dental and Orthodontics
Dermatology
General Surgery
Gastroenterology
Internal Medicine
Minimal Access Surgery
Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Ophthalmology
Orthopaedics
Otolarynogology
Paediatrics
Preventive Health and Nutrition
Pain Management Clinic
Support Services
Laboratory
Pharmacy
Radiology
Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy
guished surgeon with more than 15 years
of experience in performing laparoscopic
surgeries. He heads the Obesity Manage-
ment Program, performing the bariatric
surgeries and coordinating with the hos-
pital nutritionist to chalk out a tailor-made
comprehensive weight loss programme for
73
3
every patient.
According to Dr Panigrahi, “The
incidence of obesity is increasing in the
UAE. The most dangerous issue is that of
young age obesity. It is a well-known fact
that obesity increases morbidity manifold,
along with being a significant contributory
factor in worsening the prognosis of other
metabolic ailments such as diabetes and
heart disorders. By developing RAK Hos-
pital as a ‘centre of excellence’ for Laparo-
scopic Bariatric Surgery, we shall be able to
address this pertinent healthcare issue in
UAE, and thereby, work towards our vision
of improving the quality of life for people.”
 Joint Replacement
Program
RAK Hospital has a centre of excel-
lence for joint replacement surger-
ies, providing superior orthopaedic
care to the people of UAE and posi-
tion itself as a premier orthopaedic
facility. Orthopaedic surgeons at
the hospital are richly experienced
in complex procedures, such as hip
and knee joint replacement.
The department is fully equipped
to provide a full spectrum of ortho-
paedic care. Our capabilities and
services are broad and comprehen-
sive and they include the finest care
for fractures, joints, hands, shoulders,
elbows, knees, hips, feet, ankles, liga-
ments, cartilage, tendons and other
elective procedures associated with
a high-end orthopaedic facility.
Equipments:
• Operation Theatre equipped
with Laminar Air Flow, Image
Intensifier, high quality theatre
lights with uniform focal lengths
• State-of-the-art Instrumentation
and Intra-operative Monitoring
 Dr John R. Bera is a renowned
joint replacement surgeon who has
a rich experience of more than 15
years, having performed many such
procedures at AIIMS, a world famous
institute. He has specialised exper-
tise in knee and hip joint replace-
ment, having many similar surgeries
in his career. He is heading the Joint
74 Replacement Programme at RAK
Hospital, with a dedicated focus on
developing the department into
a centre of excellence. According
to Dr Bera, “Joint replacement is a
technically complex procedure. Hip
joint replacement is difficult surgery
since the plane of movement at the
joint is 360 degrees. Latest advances
in techniques and instrumentation
have made it possible to extend
these complex procedures to larger
patient base and provide good
results by continuous patient follow-
up.
What is Total Joint Replacement?
Total Joint Replacement is a surgical process to
treat joints that have been damaged by injury or
arthritis. RAK Center for Total Joint Replacement
specialises in treating painful joints. A total joint re-
placement reduces joint pain, corrects the deform-
ity and means a return to pain-free movement.
Benefits of Joint Replacement
Relief from pain is the single most important
reason for joint replacement surgery. It also
ensures that you stop taking pain killer tablets,
which ultimately harm your kidneys. It also helps
you to lead a normal life away from long suffering,
discomfort and depression.
Preparation for surgery Dr John Bera
• Your surgeon at RAK Hospital will advise
you a series of tests prior to the surgery, “Given the infrastructure at RAK
including lab testing, urine analysis, ECG,
and X-rays. Hospital, it is imperative that the
• Remember to inform your surgeon about
all your medications. Your surgeon may
department will be able to deliver
stop some of your medication prior to the the high-end surgeries with
surgery.
• You should not eat or drink anything eight long-term results comparable
hours before surgery.
• Your surgeon will suggest some strength-
to the best healthcare facilities
ening exercises prior to the surgery. in the world, and thereby be
Post-surgery rehabilitation able to position itself as a
• Rehabilitation physiotherapy is started im-
mediately following surgery and contin- Centre of Excellence for Joint
ued for at least one year.
• Your surgeon may advise joint movement
Replacement.”
precautions and any limitations you may
have for range of motion.
• After knee joint replacement, your surgeon may advise knee bending exercises from the
third day and walking from the fourth day post-operatively.
• After hip replacement, you may be advised to sit up the next day and walk on the sec-
ond day post-operatively.
• After hybrid hip replacement, weight bearing is forbidden up to eight weeks. In this
period, you may walk with crutches or a walker.
Post-surgery appointments
Your surgeon will schedule post-operative visits to ensure that your joint is healing well. The
usual time-frame is 4-6 weeks, following your joint replacement surgery.
It is important to comply with the schedule given by your surgeon to ensure safe and
effective recovery from total hip replacement.
Risks associated with Joint Replacement Surgery:
Being a major surgery, total joint replacement has some risks associated with it. These
may include:
• Blood clots/Infection
• Injury to nerves and blood vessels
• Fracture/Weakness/Dislocation
• Stiffness or instability of the joint
Patients with Type 1 diabetes, malnourishment, haemophilia, and those who have had
previous artificial joint infections are at higher risk.
Joint replacements usually last for 10-15 years. Joint revision surgery may become neces-
sary when an artificial joint becomes painful. Several variables affect the ultimate success of
joint replacement surgery. These include the strength of the patient’s bones and muscles
and his or her general health and lifestyle and also commitment to a rehabilitation program.
RAK Centre for Interventional
Cardiology
What is a cardiac catheterisation?
Cardiac catheterisation is an invasive imaging
procedure that is used to:
• Evaluate/confirm the presence of
coronary artery disease, valve disease or aorta
disease
• Determine the need for surgery or
angioplasty.
During a cardiac catheterisation, a long,
narrow tube called a catheter is inserted
into a blood vessel in your groin or arm. It
is guided through the blood vessel, over a
very soft, thin wire, to the coronary arteries
and visualised with the aid of a special x-ray
machine.
Contrast material is injected through the
catheter and x-ray movies are created as the
contrast material moves through the coro-
nary arteries and heart’s chambers, valves
and major vessels. This part of the procedure
is called a coronary angiogram and ventricu-
logram (or coronary angiography).
Coronary artery disease is the narrow-
ing or blockage of the coronary arteries. In
an interventional procedure, the coronary
artery is opened, increasing blood flow to
the heart muscle.
The digital photographs of the contrast
material are used to identify the site of the
narrowing or blockage in the coronary
artery.
What is an interventional procedure?
An interventional procedure (also called
angioplasty) is a non-surgical treatment
used to open narrowed coronary arteries to
improve blood flow to the heart.
It can be performed during a diagnostic
cardiac catheterisation when a blockage is
identified, or may be scheduled after the
presence of coronary artery disease has
been confirmed.
Interventional procedures might include
balloon angioplasty, stent placement, rotab-
lation or cutting balloon.
Where is the catheterisation performed
and who performs it?
Cardiac catheterisations are performed by
an interventional cardiologist in the Cardiac Catheterisation
Laboratory (also called as Cath Lab). The cardiac catheterisation
procedure is a routine procedure, which
nevertheless makes an in-hospital stay
necessary.
What are the possible risks?
The benefits of cardiac catheterisation
procedure far outweigh the minimal risks
associated with it. The risks associated
with it may include allergic reaction to the
contrast material, irregular heart rhythm and
chest pain during the process.
Importance of a Heart-Healthy Lifestyle
Your doctor will help you achieve your
goals, but it is up to you to be committed to
leading a heart-healthy lifestyle. It is impor-
tant to take your medications as prescribed,
make dietary changes, quit smoking,
Dr Rajeev Lochan exercise regularly, keep your follow-up
appointments and consult your physician
“A timely intervention is essential regularly. Following this schedule ensures
in preventing major complications prevention of heart disease as an ongoing
process even after treatment and also in
or fatalities” healthy individuals.
The first-ever interventional procedure to be performed at the recently
opened RAK Center for Interventional Cardiolog was an angioplasty
carried out on a 38-year-old Bangladeshi national, Sultan Ahmed by the
expert cardiac team at RAK Hospital headed by Dr. Rajeev Lochan, Chief
Cardiologist and Dr. Margit Oremek, FMCS, Medical Director. A resident of
Ras Al Khaimah, Ahmed was suffering from a heart condition that required
immediate intervention and had a right coronary angiography with stent
placement procedure carried out at RAK Hospital. Discharged from the
75
hospital feeling healthy on Thursday, he is on his path to full recovery.
“Even though this was the first angioplasty carried out at RAK Hospital,
I was completely at ease in the hands of the practiced doctors and team
here. As time was critical in my case, my family and I am very thankful that
a hospital close to us was equipped to handle my case. The RAK Hospital
team has provided me with great care. I was up and walking around the
next day,” he says.
Commenting on the breakthrough surgery, Dr. Rajeev Lochan said, “We
are very proud to have successfully performed this in Ras Al Khaimah. As
we all know, in matters of the heart, even minutes matter. . By making this
procedure available to the residents of the Northern Emirates, people no
longer have to travel to Sharjah or Dubai for treatment. As such, we save
those crucial minutes that may have an effect on the deteriorating condi-
tion of the patients.”
 Baby Boom
RAK Hospital cradles its one-thousandth baby
R AK Hospital
recently
celebrated a new
milestone since its
launch in 2007 with
the announcement
of the birth of the
one-thousandth baby
at the hospital. The
bundle of joy was
welcomed by her
beaming mother,
Diala Assaf, father Eyad
Assaf, and the proud
team at RAK Hospital.
The ecstatic father,
Eyad Assaf was all
praise for the hospital.
“It was a pleasant
surprise that Christel
is the 1,000th baby
born at RAK Hospital.
Parents with the RAK team – Dr Indira, Dr Rama, Dr Avril
Our experience at
the hospital was wonderful and very
comfortable. The team here made it very excellent team of doctors and support staff. and obstetrics, for prevention and early
special for us.” During the past two years, the department detection of disorders. The department
The baby, Christel Assaf, was born has handled many complicated pregnancy also offers antenatal care, painless labour,
through natural birth at 1.30am on cases.” laparoscopic and hysteroscopy surgeries,
December 13, 2009, weighing a healthy The obstetrics and gynaecology coupled with conventional gynaecology.
2.9kg. Christel is the second child of her department at RAK Hospital runs The department is fully equipped to deal
76 Syrian mother and Swiss father. The first programmes, in both gynaecology with high-risk pregnancies.
baby at RAK Hospital was an Emirati boy
who was born on September 20, 2007,
through normal delivery.
Commenting on the milestone, Dr.
Arpan David, COO, RAK Hospital, stated:
Preventive Health and Nutrition
“The hospital is delighted to receive its Preventive Health & Nutrition covers all aspects of wellness, including genetic varia-
one-thousandth baby. Within the two tion, diet and nutritional awareness, physical fitness, stress management and gain-
years since the inception of this hospital, ing a sense of responsibility for lifestyle choice and their effects on one’s health. The
we have seen many milestones, with department offers various health check packages catering to different age groups
this being the latest one. The state-of- and therapeutic conditions. These include RAK Basic Health Check, RAK Executive
the-art maternity department of the Health Check, RAK Heart Check, RAK Well Woman Check and RAK Whole Body
hospital is fully equipped to deal with all Check for Women, RAK Whole Body Check for Men, RAK Adult Diabetic Check, RAK
pregnancies, including high-risk cases. The Paediatric Diabetic Check, and RAK Child Check.
gynaecology department boasts of an