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
LADURÉE CROWNED BEST CAFÉ AT THE BBC GOOD FOOD MIDDLE EAST AWARDS 202
The iconic Parisian tea room is recognised for culinary excellence and refined dining across the UAE
Ladurée, the iconic Parisian maison celebrated for its French pâtisserie and refined dining, has been awarded Best Café at the BBC Good Food Middle East Awards 2025. One of its Dubai Mall locations has been recognized as a standout destination among the city’s finest dining experiences.
Founded in 1862 on Rue Royale in Paris, Ladurée brings over 160 years of French culinary heritage to the UAE. From its beginnings as an intimate Parisian tea room to its evolution into a globally renowned maison, the brand has remained synonymous with elegance, craftsmanship, and classic French flavours—both sweet and savoury.
Ladurée has firmly established itself as a restaurant-led concept, offering far more than a traditional café experience. With a strong presence across the UAE, including its flagship restaurant at Dubai Mall Fashion Avenue and its elegant tea room at Mall of the Emirates, each venue offers guests an immersive and refined dining experience through a carefully curated expression of French indulgence. Iconic macarons are complemented by refined savoury classics, all executed with the meticulous attention to detail that defines the maison.
Globally recognised for its signature macarons, Ladurée continues to honour recipes perfected over generations. The menu also features beloved classics such as the iconic French toast, the Ladurée club sandwich, and comforting French dishes that reflect the brand’s culinary depth and savoir-faire.
The Best Café title for 2025 builds on Ladurée’s continued recognition by the BBC Good Food Middle East Awards, following its nominations for Best Café and Best Casual Dining Restaurant in 2024, reinforcing its consistent excellence in the region’s competitive dining landscape.
“This recognition reflects the hard work and discipline of our restaurant teams in the UAE, who bring Parisian heritage to life in every detail. From impeccable consistency to an unwavering commitment to quality, their efforts ensure that every guest experience upholds the maison’s standard of excellence,” said Kieran Mallon, CEO of the F&B Division at Scope Investment.
As of January 2026, Ladurée proudly holds the title of Best Café, reinforcing its status as a leading destination for authentic French cuisine and sophisticated café culture in the UAE.
Hospitality
LADURÉE TURNS VALENTINE’S GIFTING INTO A WINNING AFFAIR WITH PARIS FLIGHTS HIDDEN INSIDE EVERY MACARON BOX
Ladurée elevates Valentine’s Day gifting with a luxury-led campaign where every macaron box from its Valentine’s collection includes a Love Ticket with a guaranteed prize. Available across three curated box options, each purchase unlocks an instant reward ranging from exclusive Ladurée in-store experiences such as afternoon tea or signature treats, to luxury prizes, including return flight tickets to Paris for two, redeemable anytime in 2026.
Love is in the details, and this year, Ladurée celebrates it where it beats strongest: Paris, the city of love. Bold, sweet, and unapologetically luxurious, the limited-edition Valentine’s collection, illustrated by Guillaume Sardin, invites you to savor life and macarons with audacity.
What’s on the menu for love:
- Heart-Shaped Macaron Caramel Ginger Black Tea | 15 AED
- Macaron Gift Boxes:
- 8 Macarons | 158 AED15 Macarons | 289 AED
- Valentine French Toast | 72 AED Brioche, raspberry lychee jam, rose Chantilly, chocolate hearts, and macaron powder
- Valentine Gift hamper | Starting from 599 AED, Macarons, chocolates, and marshmallow teddy bears tailored for your beloved
- Valentine cake for 2 | Priced 119 AED, A romantic, heart-shaped creation featuring a delicate rose macaron shell, layered with rose buttercream, fresh lychee and raspberry. Finished with a handwritten chocolate love note, this elegant dessert is perfectly sized for two ideal for Valentine’s Day gifting or sharing.
Whether gifting, indulging, or simply celebrating life’s sweetest moments, Ladurée Dubai turns Valentine’s Day into an unforgettable luxury experience. Because love, like a perfect macaron, is meant to be bold, beautiful, and utterly irresistible. Available exclusively in the UAE and KSA.
Hospitality
IFTAR AT PURANI DILLI – SHEIKH ZAYED ROAD, FOUR POINTS BY SHERATON
Celebrate the holy month with an indulgent Ramadan Iftar at Purani Dilli, Sheikh Zayed Road, featuring a thoughtfully curated buffet that brings together authentic North Indian flavours with Arabic and Moroccan inspirations. The menu highlights include traditional Ramadan juices and dates, comforting soups, flavourful kebabs, signature curries, slow-cooked meats, freshly baked breads, and an extensive selection of classic and Middle Eastern desserts.
Crafted by Head Chef Mohammad Afzal Qureshi, the Iftar experience reflects culinary authenticity, balance, and festive generosity, making it ideal for family gatherings and corporate Iftars.
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