The Middle East

The tourism sector is growing and changing rapidly. Not only are more tourists travelling to the emirate, tourism infrastructure is also being expanded. The government has recognised the importance and potential of transforming the sector and has recently taken steps to ensure continued and steady growth. In May 2011 the government set up the Ras Al...

With passenger traffic on the rise and new routes earmarked for its flag carrier, Ras Al Khaimah is strengthening its foothold in the regional aviation market despite facing tough competition from airlines in the other emirates. The carrier, RAK Airways, has faced a challenging few years, having first been grounded at the height of the global...

As cars are the primary mode of transportation in Ras Al Khaimah, the emirate’s growing population means an increasing number of vehicles are taking to local roads, affecting traffic patterns and creating jams. Both the local and federal governments have recognised the importance of upgrading road infrastructure, and a number of projects are in the...

Several factors, including an expanding population, a growing industrial base and the increasing number of tourists visiting the emirate are driving Ras Al Khaimah’s transport industry forward. RAK’s population jumped from 258,000 in 2008 to 279,000 in 2010, according to the most recent figures from the RAK Department of Economic Development (RAK...

While the overall economy is currently benefitting significantly from an increase in expatriate companies that are operating out of Ras Al Khaimah, the emirate’s health care industry also stands to profit from the arrival of these newcomers.

As the government of Ras Al Khaimah makes the necessary changes to drive growth forward and transition to a knowledge-based economy, one thing is clear: education and educational reform are of prime importance. Many of the firms that are today moving into RAK or that the government hopes to attract are in need of employees with specialised skill...