Ras Al Khaimah's Bold New Adventure Project

Ras Al Khaimah Gets a New Face: 100 km Hiking and Biking Trails Built in the Mountains

Ras Al Khaimah, located in the northern part of the United Arab Emirates, has been gaining increasing attention in recent years with its developments focused on sustainable tourism and an active lifestyle. The emirate has now reached another significant milestone: over the next five years, a 100-kilometer long hiking and biking trail network will be established in the mountainous areas to boost active tourism and showcase the beauty of the natural landscape.

Active Tourism Takes Center Stage

The project aims to make Ras Al Khaimah a leading destination for hiking and sports tourism in the region. The mountains, especially Jebel Jais, the highest point in the UAE, are already popular destinations for hikers and adventurers. However, the planned 100-kilometer network will make nature exploration accessible in a much more organized, safe, and sustainable manner – both for beginners and experienced hikers.

The development not only offers new opportunities for health-conscious residents and tourists but also strengthens the emirate's green image. The trails are designed to have minimal environmental impact while providing visitors with the greatest possible experience.

The Merger of Marjan and RAKHH: A New Era Begins

The developments are led by the Marjan company, which has announced a strategic merger with RAK Hospitality Holding. This new, unified organization will further expand the range of real estate development, hospitality, and lifestyle experiences, all with a common goal: transforming Ras Al Khaimah into a more livable, intelligent, tourism-oriented emirate.

According to the announcements, the purpose of the merger is not only to coordinate infrastructural developments but also to create new jobs, diversify the emirate's economy and nurture the talents of the young people of the Emirates. The project aligns with the RAK Vision 2030 strategy, which aims to attract 3.5 million visitors annually to the emirate.

New Masterplans, New Opportunities

Marjan's plans go beyond hiking and biking trails. The company has announced several large-scale projects aimed at the complete transformation of Ras Al Khaimah. These include Al Marjan Island, RAK Central, Marjan Beach, and the newly launched Jebel Jais masterplan.

Especially notable is the development of the Wynn Al Marjan Island integrated resort, bringing one of the most well-known international hotel chains to the emirate. The goal is to create a modern, livable district that combines smart city technologies, sustainable development, and tourism.

Marjan Beach: New Residential Area, New Guest Capacity

The Marjan Beach project is one of the most ambitious plans for the near future. The 85-million-square-foot development will accommodate 22,000 residential units, 12,000 hotel rooms, and a population of 74,000 people, with infrastructure capable of serving an additional 32,000 workers and up to 180,000 annual visitors.

Along the 3-kilometer beach, eight separate residential neighborhoods will be built with a total of 6.5 million square feet of green space. The project not only serves housing purposes but also provides integrated services – such as healthcare facilities, schools, recreational centers – thus contributing to the realization of the "livable city" concept.

Tourism, Economy, Quality of Life

The goal of the new developments is for Ras Al Khaimah to remain competitive with other emirates in the region over the long term. While Dubai is known as the center of luxury and innovation, Ras Al Khaimah offers an alternative by focusing on nature, tranquility, and an active lifestyle.

The hiking and biking trails, new residential and hospitality units, as well as event tourism (with over 20,000 festival participants expected annually) all contribute to the economic diversification of the emirate. The aim is for tourism to not only provide seasonal income but to become a long-term, stable economic pillar.

The Future Starts in Ras Al Khaimah

The developments initiated by Marjan and its partners perfectly align with the UAE's long-term strategy, which prioritizes sustainability, innovation, and economic development. The 100 kilometers of trails and biking paths to be created in the mountains of Ras Al Khaimah not only encourage physical activity but also provide an opportunity for visitors to discover the natural treasures of the emirate from a new perspective.

Thus, the future is being built not only in the cities but also in the mountains – and Ras Al Khaimah can become one of the most exciting key players in this future.

(The article is based on an announcement by the leadership of Ras Al Khaimah.)