The emirate of Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) offers a blend of authentic cultural experiences and archaeological wonders in the UAE. It provides a promising landscape for entrepreneurs looking to venture into the tourism industry in the UAE. One of the key tourist destinations in the UAE, RAK is known for its beaches, historical sites, and scenic landscapes.
The opportunity to set up business in RAK’s tourism sector is enormous. Recently, the emirate expanded its reach in global markets such as the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Europe, India, and China. It has helped position the RAK tourism business as a global tourism destination.
Back to topWhy Choose to Set Up a Tourism Business in RAK?
Tourist sites in UAE are attracting people from all over the world. RAK’s competitive business environment makes it an ideal investment destination for tourism businesses of all sizes. Here are several reasons why RAK is an excellent choice for a tourism venture:
Gateway to Major Markets
With its strategic positioning, RAK offers entrepreneurs a promising gateway to the Middle East, Europe, and Asian markets. Its proximity to Dubai makes it easily accessible for international tourists already visiting Dubai.
Natural Beauty and Tourist Attractions
UAE tourist sites give you an authentic Emirati cultural experience. RAK is home to breathtaking natural landscapes, including beaches, mangrove forests, terracotta desert dunes, and Hajar mountains. Adventure tourism, luxury resorts, wellness retreats, boutique hotels, and desert camps contribute majorly to the tourism industry in RAK. The Dhayah Fort, RAK National Museum, Al Jazirah Al Hamra, and the Mohammed Bin Salem Mosque are some of the major RAK tourist attractions.
Niche Tourism Opportunities
RAK offers a variety of niche tourism options, such as desert safaris, high-end spa retreats, cruise tourism, and golf tourism. It opens up new business opportunities for people who want to invest in RAK.
Government Support
Business setup in RAK is easier due to friendly government policies. The UAE government actively supports the tourism industry through various incentives and promotional campaigns. It includes tax benefits, ease of doing business, and initiatives of the RAK Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA).
Free Zones and Tax Incentives
RAK has several free zones. This makes it an attractive destination for entrepreneurs who are planning to invest in the RAK tourism business. Benefits like 100 per cent foreign ownership, tax exemptions, minimum regulations, and full repatriation of profits are attracting businesses from all over the world.
SelectRAK Initiative
SelectRAK is a high-impact investment initiative introduced by the Government of RAK in collaboration with Arton Capital. Starting a tourism business in RAK has become convenient with SelectRAK’s business-friendly policies. The effort focuses on providing several benefits to investors, including long-term residency.It also plays a significant role in endorsing RAK as an ‘authentic escape to affordable luxury’ , thereby attracting the tourism business to RAK.
Back to topHow to Excel Tourism Business in RAK?
UAE tourist sites are attracting a global population due to their diverse landscapes, heritage sites, high-end fashion stores, adventure tourism, and many more. You should take some major steps to be a part of the booming tourism business in RAK.
Step 1:Choose a Business Type and Activity
To succeed in the tourism business in RAK, you must first choose the right business type and activity that suits your needs. It is a significant step in forming a company in RAK. You can register your tourism business as a limited partnership, general partnership, limited liability company, joint stock, branch, or sole proprietorship company. You must also choose the right tourism activity that will bring you profits in the long run.
Step 2:Choose a Strategic Location
RAK gives you many options when choosing a location for your tourism business. You have several investment locations to choose from, such as RAK Mainland, RAK free zones, and offshore. Setting up your company in the right location will help generate profits but also save you from incurring unwanted costs. For example - setting up a tourism business in the RAK free zone can be beneficial for non-Emirati entrepreneurs.
Step 3:Invest in Niche Tourism Activities
RAK offers numerous niche tourism products that are diverse and native to the UAE. Therefore, you must identify and target the right niche for your tourism business. You can specialise in one area or create an integrated tourism experience by combining various elements. The key to excelling in this area is ensuring you create unique and personalised experiences that stand out in the competitive market.
Step 4:Build a Strong Network in the Tourism Industry
Networking is crucial in the RAK’s tourism sector. . Major RAK tourist attractions thrive on partnerships with local businesses, travel agencies, hotels, and resorts. As an entrepreneur, it is necessary to establish strong relations with tourist sites to build your brand. Attending networking events, trade shows, tourism expos, and conferences helps expand your reach.
Step 5:Market your Business
Successful marketing is essential to excelling in the tourism business at RAK. Online marketing, social media marketing, influencer collaborations, and clean websites can help spread awareness about your services. You must invest in high-quality content by sharing stories about RAK’s cultural heritage, natural landscapes, and adventure activities. You can then distribute it across social media platforms, blogs, and tourism websites.
Step 6:Provide Customised Packages
Providing customised tourism packages and services will help you grab a broad audience. Collaborating with hotels, airlines, adventure camps, among others. will help create comprehensive packages at great rates. This will help you target more tourists who come to the UAE.
Tourism business setup in RAK is a lucrative opportunity for budding and established entrepreneurs. The RAKTDA is responsible for issuing tourism business licenses in RAK. If you are an entrepreneur who wants to invest in RAK to be a part of the tourism business ecosystem, we are here to help. Commitbiz experts will guide you through the entire business formation process. Connect with our experts to begin your entrepreneurial journey in RAK.
Back to topWhat is RAKEZ?
Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone is a dynamic business and industrial hub. It offers customisable solutions to both free zone and non-free zone businesses. It caters to all forms of businesses. Starting a tourism business in such an economic zone will have many benefits.
What is the process for obtaining a tourism license from RAKTDA?
Step 1: Reserve the trade name. Then, identify required activity and legal type.
Step 2: Get initial approval through RAKTDA inspection appointment
Step 3: Issuance of license after submitting Memorandum of Association attested by notary public
Other than core tourism activities, what other licenses does RAKTDA issue?
RAKTDA issues licenses for the following activities:-
- Permits for counters or kiosks, event and entertainment, artist permits, massage and relaxation permits inside hotels, and water games permits inside hotels.
- Permits for night clubs and tourist camps
- License for wholesale or retail sale of liquor
- License activities like mountain adventures, tourist voyages, excursion boats and ship rentals, and tourist guide services
