The northern emirate of Ras Al Khaimah plans to invest US $ 100 million in tourism and hotel projects over the next four years in order to increase the flow of tourists. Ras Al Khaimah, whose GDP provides about 1.5% of the UAE economy, intends to increase the share of tourism in its economy to 20% by 2021, positioning itself as an inexpensive alternative to vacation in relation to its luxurious neighbor, Dubai.
The Office for the Development of the Hotel and Tourism Business of the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah relies on attracting foreign investment to the emirate's tourism industry and creating more government tourism projects.
In October 2010, the main airline of the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah - RAK Airways - resumed its flights, temporarily suspended due to economic difficulties in May 2009. Among the projects this year aimed at attracting tourists to the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, the opening of the Waldorf Astoria hotel, as well as the new shopping centers Ras Al Khaimah Mall and Al Naim Mall.
