Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) has introduced complimentary visas for Indian MICE and wedding celebrations, which launches this month till March 2025.
Under the initiative, RAKTDA will provide free visas for Indian groups booking a minimum two-night stay in any of Ras Al Khaimah’s hotels. The offer is open to groups with at least 100 guests per night, with visa costs being covered by RAKTDA, offering groups an even greater incentive to stage their wedding or corporate event in Ras Al Khaimah and experience the emirate’s beauty while making use of its world-class facilities.
Nestled in the northernmost part of the UAE, Ras Al Khaimah features accommodation from beachfront resorts like Waldorf Astoria, Movenpick Resort Al Marjan Island and Intercontinental Ras Al Khaimah Resort and Spa to desert oases like Ritz Carlton Al Wadi Desert. Recently opened properties include Sofitel Al Hamra Beach Resort and the Anantara Mina Al Arab.
The Nature Emirate also boasts venues that provide locations for bespoke celebrations. With over 8,000 keys available, the emirate offers hotels and resorts with MICE facilities, sprawling grounds and public spaces for outdoor celebrations.
Al Hamra International Exhibition & Conference Centre is the only stand-alone and flagship venue by the beach. Boasting a capacity of 3,000 attendees and 4,500m² of flexible event space, it caters to a diverse array of gatherings.
Meanwhile, couples can hold their celebrations amid sites on the UNESCO’s tentative list of Global Heritage Sites – Al Jazeera Al Hamra and Dhayah Fort. For the more adventurous bride and groom, they can consider the Jebel Jais Viewing Deck, located 1,250 metres above sea level with vistas across the Hajar Mountains and Arabian Gulf.
India has proven key to Ras Al Khaimah’s tourism growth plans, with the country consistently ranking among its top five visitor source markets worldwide. There are direct flights from major Indian cities like Mumbai and Hyderabad with IndiGo to Ras Al Khaimah, and the emirate’s proximity to Dubai International Airport also ensures seamless connectivity.
In 2023, Ras Al Khaimah introduced new laws governing civil marriages and a streamlined wedding planner certification programme, making it easier for local and international planners to arrange wedding ceremonies on behalf of couples living outside the UAE. Certified planners can secure fast-tracked permits and arrange ceremonies at unique venues across Ras Al Khaimah, providing event organisers and wedding planners with information and assistance in planning their events.
Iyad Rasbey, vice president of destination tourism development at RAKTDA, said: “We are delighted to launch this incentive, which will enhance Ras Al Khaimah’s appeal as a premier destination for Indian MICE and wedding events. We saw a 23 per cent growth in MICE revenue and 103 per cent increase in wedding-related revenue in 2023 and are eager to build on this success.”
