The Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) is excited to unveil an enticing initiative for Indian visitors: complimentary visas for MICE and wedding events. Launching in July 2024 and running through March 2025, this initiative offers a unique opportunity for Indian groups to host their weddings or corporate events in Ras Al Khaimah, experiencing the emirate’s stunning landscapes and world-class facilities. RAKTDA will provide free visas for Indian groups booking a minimum two-night stay in any of Ras Al Khaimah’s luxurious hotels, catering to groups with at least 100 guests per night. Iyad Rasbey, Vice President of Destination Tourism Development at RAKTDA, highlighted its potential to enhance Ras Al Khaimah’s appeal as a premier destination for Indian MICE and wedding events.
Ras Al Khaimah, located in the northernmost part of the UAE, is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, world-class hotels, and state-of-the-art facilities, making it a preferred wedding destination for Indian couples. The emirate offers a variety of stunning venues, from beachfront resorts like Waldorf Astoria and Movenpick Resort Al Marjan Island, to desert oases such as the Ritz Carlton Al Wadi Desert. The newly opened Sofitel Al Hamra Beach Resort and Anantara Mina Al Arab provide luxurious settings, including Maldivian-style overwater villas. Unique venues for bespoke celebrations include over 8,000 keys in world-class hotels and resorts, with properties like Anantara, Sofitel, and Waldorf Astoria offering impeccable MICE facilities and expansive grounds. The Al Hamra International Exhibition & Conference Centre, a flagship venue by the beach, caters to gatherings of up to 3,000 attendees. Historical sites like Al Jazeera Al Hamra and Dhayah Fort, along with the adventurous Jebel Jais Viewing Deck, offer memorable locations for celebrations.
India remains a key market for Ras Al Khaimah’s tourism growth, consistently ranking among the top five visitor source markets worldwide. In 2023, the emirate recorded a 20% increase in Indian visitor numbers, a trend likely to accelerate with this new initiative. Accessibility to Ras Al Khaimah has improved with direct flights from major Indian cities like Mumbai and Hyderabad via IndiGo, and its proximity to Dubai International Airport ensures excellent connectivity. Additionally, new laws governing civil marriages and a streamlined wedding planner certification program introduced in 2023 have simplified the process for local and international planners to arrange wedding ceremonies for couples residing outside the UAE.
