Hilton Ras Al Khaimah, Hilton Worldwide’s very first property in the emirate that opened 14 years ago, is for example undergoing a complete transformation. As Mohab Ghali, country manager, Ras Al Khaimah, Hilton Worldwide, explained, the property will open as Hilton Garden Inn at the end of the fourth quarter of the year.

“Hilton Worldwide is driving Ras Al Khaimah as a diverse destination forward with exciting new marketing activities throughout the year,” said Ghali, adding that DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa, Marjan Island has also almost completed the extension of the new Bay Club rooms.

Al Marjan Island, the 2.7 million square metre manmade destination is envisioned to host a total of 30 hotels, entertainment, food and beverage and shopping outlets along with theme parks.

One of the latest hospitality giants on the island is AccorHotels that has taken over an already operational establishment in 2015, bringing international standards and a trusted name to the destination.

“The business of Marjan Island Resort & Spa, managed by AccorHotels is improving continuously since the signing of the management agreement with AccorHotels,” explained Saif Mseis, director of sales, Marjan Island Resort & Spa.

“We are expecting to see constant growth and the exploitation of new markets during the coming months.”

Meanwhile, Golden Tulip MENA is gearing up for a new launch. Owned by Action Hotels, the 102-room Tulip Inn Ras Al Khaimah is expected to welcome its first guests in March.

Talking about the three-star property, Amine Moukarzel, president, Golden Tulip MENA, said, “We are adding a budget hotel in Ras Al Khaimah to our existing four-star hotel, Golden Tulip Khatt Springs, offering local and incoming businessmen and tourists the opportunity to explore Ras Al Khaimah at their convenient budget.”

Marriott International is the newest hotel heavyweight to join the emirate’s hospitality scene with the five-star 300-key Ras Al Khaimah Marriott Resort scheduled for a 2019 launch.

All these projects are set to help better indentify Ras Al Khaimah’s key strengths and attract one million visitors by the end of 2018. Yet, the emirate does not want to compete with other destinations.

“Dubai and Abu Dhabi are wonderful destinations and already well-known and established in the minds of travellers around the world,” said Kaplanci. “We do not see Ras Al Khaimah as a competitor to other emirates, rather the perfect complement to an enhanced UAE experience.”