Al Hamra International Exhibition & Conference Centre
Al Hamra is a world-class destination for residents and visitors in southern Ras Al Khaimah. The modern village is home to a championship 18-hole golf course, a plethora of delicious international and local cuisine, and some of the finest hotels and resorts, including Ritz Carlton, Waldorf Astoria, and the soon-to-be Sofitel.
Ras Al Khaimah is the fastest-growing destination in the region. The Gulf Cooperation Council named Ras Al Khaimah as the Gulf Tourism Capital in 2020 and 2021. The Emirate has also set the global benchmark in becoming the first city to secure the Bureau Veritas Safeguard Label and World Travel and Tourism Council’s Safe Travel Stamp. Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority was also certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ in the Middle East in 2021 for its progressive policies that promote employee wellbeing.
The impressive Al Hamra International Exhibition & Conference Centre is unique to the United Arab Emirates with enviable flexibility. The vast 4,500 square metre space houses a staggering 2,700 square metres of exhibition space and two exclusive majlises for more intimate meetings or networking spaces. The centre imposingly lies on the shores of the Arabian Gulf, overlooking the Emirate's Marjan Island and affording attendees elegant outdoor spaces for entertainment or even team building. Dubai International Airport is an hour away from Al Hamra along the easily accessible E611 Emirates Road or E311 Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road.
Ras Al Khaimah hosted world leaders to make change in The Global Citizen Forum
The Global Citizen Forum took place at Al Hamra International Exhibition & Conference Centre on 12 and 13 December 2021. GCF attracted inspiring global leaders, activists, philanthropists, current and former country leaders, filmmakers, human rights journalists, and tourism specialists. The forum was hosted by household names, including CNN's Richard Quest, The UAE's Serial Entrepreneur Sara Al Madani and TV presenter Rebecca McLaughlin-Eastham.
The two-day forum was held in partnership with Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority. Innovative leaders connected and provided vital dialogue on global citizenship and how to reimagine ‘The Future in Motion — A New Momentum for Human Mobility.'
The Future in Motion theme successfully ignited global conversations. There was much dialogue about the post-pandemic world, the definition of global citizenship, and stories from the ever-increasing population of refugees. Respected world leaders delivered pertinent topics about human mobility, how to deliver a resilient and sustainable future, and the steps needed to restore the world’s oceans.
Progressive world sustainability pledge agreed upon in Ras Al Khaimah
Under the royal patronage of His Highness Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, various governmental entities, hospitality, and private sector industries came together and pledged to deliver the Ras Al Khaimah Sustainable Tourism Destination Strategy. Ras Al Khaimah is set to become a regional leader in environmentally conscious tourism by 2025.
Ras Al Khaimah is one of the fastest-growing sustainable tourism destinations in the UAE. Sustainable tourism developments, authentic experiences, and green construction align with Ras Al Khaimah's overarching vision for a sustainable future. The diverse activities and the guiding principles of the forum will protect Ras Al Khaimah's unique culture and natural heritage for upcoming generations. Partnerships between businesses, government entities, and community partners will ensure minimal water usage and waste generation. The forum highlighted the importance of Al Hamra International Exhibition & Conference Centre as the most sought-after MICE and adventure destination in the Middle East.
Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, said, “We have taken an important step towards a more sustainable future for Ras Al Khaimah. Ras Al Khaimah is committed to enhancing its sustainable management charters, building an improved tourism industry, and safeguarding local culture and communities. As government and tourism stakeholders collectively pledge to work together in order to establish Ras Al Khaimah as a regional leader in sustainable tourism by 2025, we are also signaling that environmental considerations are necessary for long-term investment and hospitality development in a destination. The Global Citizen Forum in Ras Al Khaimah was the perfect platform to make a collective commitment to deliver a more sustainable and resilient future, not only for Ras Al Khaimah but also for future generations of global citizens”.
The Global Citizen Forum provided a platform for top-tier economists, heads of state, civil society leaders, philanthropists, and entrepreneurs to expand their reach, network, and strive to establish a foundation for a better world by shaping future policies. The forum emphasized the lack of defining borders, regions, and nationalities by sharing a social conscience.
