Could Ras Al Khaimah be a substitute for Dubai? Israeli airline Arkia has submitted a request to operate direct flights to Ras Al Khaimah, the northernmost Emirate in the UAE.
Arkia Israeli Airlines currently operates direct flights to Dubai, but as Passport News in Hebrew first broke yesterday, flights between Israel and Dubai may be suspended due to a security dispute, and Israeli airlines have already been notified.
About an hour’s drive from Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah is known for the highest mountain in the UAE, the longest zip line in the world, all-inclusive hotels, family-friendly attractions, and spectacular beaches.
It is also one of the fastest developing Emirates. As we reported recently, Wynn Resorts announced its plans to build a multibillion-dollar integrated resort on the artificial Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah. This will be the first Middle Eastern Resorts by Wynn, a US-listed developer specializing in luxury hotels and exclusive resorts.
Oz Berlowitz, CEO, Arkia Israeli Airlines, confirmed the news to Passport News, saying: “We view Ras Al Khaimah as a strategic objective for our company in the Emirates. Ras Al Khaimah offers new and fabulous hotels and resorts at affordable prices. We have no doubt it will become the next big thing for Israeli travelers to the UAE. We will offer a variety of packages, with accommodations in Ras Al Khaimah and a day trip to Dubai.”
Dov Kalmann, the Marketing & PR Representative of the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, welcomed the possibility that Arkia may soon fly to the Emirate neighboring Dubai, and told Passport News this morning: “A direct route between Israel and the United Arab Emirates is the key to sustainable and long-term tourism between the two countries, and Ras Al Khaimah International Airport is in a prime location to receive Israeli tourists to an Emirate that is so connected with nature.”
Thinking of visiting Ras Al Khaimah? Here’s some further reading:
Wynn Resorts is coming to Ras Al Khaimah
