Hospitality News
Ras Al Khaimah, a Nature-Centric Gem in the Middle East, Highlights Tourism Industry
The Integrator had an exclusive interview with Alka Winter, Vice President of Destination Marketing and Communication for Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority.
What strategies are being implemented to attract leisure travelers to Ras Al Khaimah?
We are pleased to report that our visitor numbers in the past year have surpassed pre-pandemic levels, reaching a record of 1.13 million. The growth momentum has continued into the first quarter of this year, with a 13% increase in visitor numbers.
Our strategy is focused on balanced tourism, meaning that we not only aim to drive visitor numbers but also pay attention to the development of our tourism community. It is crucial for us to ensure that the destination’s infrastructure, supply chain, and livability are well-established alongside the growth of visitors.
The Middle East is renowned for its tourism and hospitality industry so what sets Ras Al Khaimah apart from other regions?
Tourism plays a significant role in the UAE, contributing to 12% of the GDP. In Ras Al Khaimah, tourism accounts for 5% of the GDP, and we aspire for it to grow to one-third. Ras Al Khaimah identifies itself as the Northern Emirate. We take pride in our remarkable diversity, encompassing mountains, deserts, and the sea.
Unlike other emirates, Ras Al Khaimah offers a less congested experience, with abundant natural areas and 64 kilometers of pristine beaches. We boast the highest mountain peak in the UAE, Jebel Jais. What truly sets us apart is the combination of a nature-centric experience with renowned hotel brands such as Emaar, Accor, Marriott, and Hilton.
What steps or initiatives is Ras Al Khaimah taking to become a sustainable destination in the region?
We have recently launched a program called Responsible RAK, which includes the participation of approximately 20 hotels and attractions. While our partner hotels already have excellent sustainability practices in place, we wanted to scale it up. To accomplish this, we have collaborated with EarthCheck, a leading advisory firm specializing in sustainable destinations.
As part of Responsible RAK, all the participating hotels provide data against 10 performance metrics, covering various aspects such as energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, waste diversion from landfills, and social factors like gender parity in the workplace. It is not a race to be the fastest, but a collective effort to reach our destination.
What initiatives have been undertaken to enhance tourism and attract more investments?
Ras Al Khaimah presents significant growth potential and opportunities. Last year, we announced the upcoming Wynn Resort on Marjan Island, an integrated resort with impressive credentials as a luxury operator. With 1,500 rooms, 24 restaurants, and various entertainment concepts, the Wynn Al Marjan Island will significantly enhance our destination’s allure.
We are focused on expanding our range of attractions and enhancing the development of our mountains. We have recently created 65 kilometers of hiking trails, making us the destination with the most developed hiking trails in the country.
Ras Al Khaimah is known for its collaboration with neighboring Emirates to promote the country. We benefit from having our own airport and thanks to the proximity of other airports, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah International Airport.
We recently announced a partnership with Qatar Airways, set to commence charter flights in November, adding to the excitement and activities happening in Ras Al Khaimah.
Hospitality
voco Bonnington Dubai Targets UAE Staycation Seekers with Flexible 36-Hour Hotel Experience

No Plans, No Problem: voco Bonnington Dubai Makes the Last-Minute Escape Easy
Voco Bonnington Dubai is proving that a proper break doesn’t need weeks of planning, a packed itinerary or even a flight. Tucked into Jumeirah Lake Towers, the hotel is positioning itself as the escape that’s ready whenever guests are, whether that’s a spur-of-the-moment staycation or an easy Friday night out.
At the centre of the offer is a new 36-hour staycation, designed for anyone who wants more than a rushed overnight stay without the effort of organising one. Guests check in from 9am and check out at 9pm the following day, unlocking a full day and a half at the hotel for the price of one night, with breakfast included on both mornings and children staying free with complimentary kids’ menu meals throughout. It’s a format built for whatever the moment calls for: a long lie-in, an afternoon by the pool, or simply a comfortable space to work from before heading back into the city. The offer is bookable for stays until 6 September 2026, part of a wider IHG Hotels & Resorts initiative across more than 190 properties in the Middle East, Africa, India and South Asia.

For guests looking for something shorter and closer to home, Author’s Lounge offers its own no-planning-required escape with Friday Plot Twist, a weekly evening offer running every Friday from 6pm to 10pm. For AED 99, guests can enjoy three drinks and their choice of bites in the lounge’s stylish surroundings, an easy way to unwind after the week without needing to book ahead or go far.
Location adds to the ease. voco Bonnington Dubai sits minutes from DMCC Metro, Dubai Marina and JBR, giving guests quick access to the beach, marina walk and the city’s business districts, while the hotel itself, complete with pool, gym and food and beverage outlets, offers enough to make staying in just as tempting. Whether it’s a full staycation or a Friday evening out, the hotel is there to be dropped into, no advance planning necessary.
Hospitality
Bobi Bowl Celebrates Hari Kemerdekaan Indonesia with Free Dessert on August 17
Dubai-based Indonesian restaurant Bobi Bowl is marking Hari Kemerdekaan Republik Indonesia, or Indonesian Independence Day, on August 17 with a sweet thank-you to the UAE community that has supported its journey.

Guests dining in at Bobi Bowl on August 17 will receive a complimentary serving of Klepon Merah Putih, a special edition of the traditional Indonesian dessert created for the occasion. The chewy glutinous rice balls are filled with palm sugar and coated in freshly grated coconut. While klepon is traditionally green, Bobi Bowl has coloured this special version red to reflect the colours of the Indonesian flag.
The celebration comes as Bobi Bowl reflects on the past few months, which have not always been easy, but were made possible by the incredible support of the UAE community. As part of the occasion, Bobi Bowl also hopes to continue sharing the flavours of Indonesia with more people across the country.
Among its Indonesian best sellers are Beef Rendang, tender beef slow-cooked in a rich blend of spices and coconut; Beef Empal Gepuk, a sweet and savoury Indonesian beef dish cooked for 18 hours until exceptionally tender; and Nasi Ayam Geprek, crispy fried chicken served with fiery sambal.

This August 17, Bobi Bowl invites the community to celebrate Indonesia’s independence, one bowl and one sweet ending at a time. Bobi Bowl is located at Ground Floor, Shop No. 12, Wasl Port Views Building 5, Al Mina Street, opposite the Port Police HQ, Dubai.
Hospitality
Address Jabal Omar Makkah Enhances Summer Pilgrimage Experiences with Night Umrah Stays
As the summer evenings bring cooler temperatures to the Holy City, Address Jabal Omar Makkah invites pilgrims to experience the tranquility of Night Umrah, where worship, reflection, and comfort come together in one of Makkah’s most sought-after locations.
Located just steps from Al Masjid Al Haram, the spiritually centered luxury hotel offers guests the opportunity to perform Umrah during the peaceful evening hours before returning to refined hospitality, panoramic Haram-view accommodation, and thoughtfully designed experiences that place spirituality at the heart of every stay. Drawing on its exceptional location and guest-focused hospitality, the hotel continues to offer an experience centered on ease, comfort, and meaningful spiritual connection.
A Peaceful Time for Night Umrah
As temperatures become more comfortable after sunset, many pilgrims choose to perform Umrah during the evening, when the atmosphere around Al Masjid Al Haram becomes calmer and more serene. With its unrivalled proximity to Al Masjid Al Haram, Address Jabal Omar Makkah allows guests to move effortlessly between worship and rest, making the Night Umrah experience both convenient and deeply meaningful.
Whether preparing for evening prayers, returning after Tawaf and Sa’i, or embracing quiet moments of reflection, guests are welcomed into an environment thoughtfully designed around the rhythm of pilgrimage, allowing more time to focus on what matters most.
Moments Above the Holy City
Among the hotel’s most remarkable experiences is the iconic Sky Musallah, an elevated prayer hall set on a skybridge between the 36th and 38th floors. Recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s highest suspended prayer hall overlooking the Holy Kaaba, the Sky Musallah offers panoramic views of Al Masjid Al Haram, providing an extraordinary setting for prayer and quiet contemplation above the city.
As evening falls and Al Masjid Al Haram is illuminated, guests can experience moments of serenity in one of Makkah’s most distinctive spiritual landmarks, creating memories that remain long after their pilgrimage has ended.
An Experience Rooted in Comfort and Spiritual Connection
Following moments of worship at Al Masjid Al Haram, guests can retreat to elegantly appointed Haram-view rooms and suites, thoughtfully designed to offer comfort, tranquility, and uninterrupted views of the Holy Kaaba and the city skyline. Dining experiences at The Restaurant and the Lobby Lounge celebrate Saudi and Hejazi flavors, with menus thoughtfully structured around prayer and fasting schedules.
Combining exceptional proximity to Al Masjid Al Haram, refined hospitality, and experiences inspired by the spiritual rhythm of Makkah, Address Jabal Omar Makkah provides an ideal setting for pilgrims seeking a meaningful Night Umrah experience this summer. The hotel’s recent international recognition at the 2026 Haute Grandeur Global Excellence Awards further reflects its commitment to delivering exceptional hospitality and memorable guest experiences.
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