There are few places in the world that offer the unique blend of history, culture, and outdoor adventure that can be found within Ras Al Khaimah. One of the seven United Arab Emirates, Ras Al Khaimah is found in the northernmost section of the UAE. One of the only emirates not to find its vast fortune from oil reserves, RAK leader Saud bin Saqr al Qasimi has instead focused on the flourishing and rapidly improving tourism and manufacturing sectors, instead.
While the COVID-19 pandemic has obviously changed the material makeup of human plans for 2020 and beyond, Ras Al Khaimah is already preparing for life post-COVID thanks to the momentum behind vaccinations. In doing so, more talk has been generated surrounding Ras Al Khaimah’s bid to host the 2023 World Athletics Road Running Championships, another indicator that RAK is one of the most adventure-filled and dynamic destinations in the United Arab Emirates.
Explore the Adventure Filled Ras Al Khaimah
An exploration of the many offerings available to visitors in Ras Al Khaimah would likely take all day. With historic cultural hotspots, stunning views from atop Jebel Jais, and renowned luxury found in RAK City, there is something for everyone who chooses to make a trip. With that being said, let’s shine a light on a potential major athletics event that could bring new eyes and attention to a nation that has flourished beneath it before.
The 2023 World Athletics Road Running Championships seeks to bring a new level of excitement to global collaborative sporting events. Earning a bid into the major event allows athletes to put their nation on the map and that is exactly what Ras Al Khaimah is hoping to accomplish by hosting the event. Were Ras Al Khaimah to win the bid to host the 2023 World Athletics, visitors would get to experience an emirate that has been growing by leaps and bounds under the leadership of HH Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi.
After investing more into the tourism sector, the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Authority Board has been significantly swinging its focus to more outdoor events and activities. Sports and adventure-based tourism have long been part of the overarching development strategy put in place by RAK leadership. The Road Running Championships will seek to build upon already sky-high international traveling numbers, particularly with folks from the U.K., Germany, and the U.S.
Outdoor Sports Adventure Destination
This isn’t the first time that Ras Al Khaimah is making a foray into the world of exciting outdoor sports. The last time an opportunity arose, RAK took it by landing an agreement to host the Bear Grylls Explorer Camp upon the Jebel Jais, the highest peak in all of the UAE. Jebel Jais is often a tourism highlight for visitors to the region and the stunning view and mountainous terrain make it particularly ideal for outdoor adrenaline-fueled adventure.
One of the big selling points for Ras Al Khaimah, when it comes time to earn the 2023 World Athletics bid, is the climate of the emirate. Demonstrably different from the climate expected from its UK counterparts, Ras Al Khaimah provides a warm environment with challenging terrain that includes a wild wilderness setting. Were RAK to earn the bid, challengers competing in the event will be forced to adjust to these dry and warm conditions, including making sure to fight dehydration as well as heat stroke along the way.
Events after COVID-19 May Lead Economy
Another one of the major reasons these iconic sporting events are so important is that they can lend a real boost to tourism at the time and for many years after. The world’s fastest marathon is known as the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon. The race would set a world record and in doing so bring further media attention and coverage to the emirate. This same process plays out with the 2023 World Athletics competition, bringing both valor to the winners as well as media attention to the nation that hosted the event.
While Ras Al Khaimah is confident that they can secure major events, they are also depending on them to continue propelling the economy forward. As COVID-19 continues to combat the world, expect more information from the Ras Al Khaimah government regarding this event.
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