RAS AL KHAIMAH - Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, RAKTDA, has received a positive response to the launch of its product concept competition "Think for the Peak".

The competition drew in applications from university students to entrepreneurs of start-up incubator organisations across the UAE, inclusive of sketches, illustrations, photographs, paintings, write ups and graphic design. Given the volume of interest the "Think for the Peak" Jebel Jais concept competition has been extended to all UAE residents, thus providing the wider UAE community a chance to be part of the creation of an iconic attractions on Jebel Jais.

Interested applicants can submit their concepts and ideas to www.jebeljais.ae/think-for-the-peak/ until 15th December 2019, to be considered for a chance to win AED100,000 grand prize. Given the gravitas of the competition, the immense prize and the magnitude of applicants, the submitted entries will be judged by a panel comprising some of the top leaders in the travel & tourism, real estate and hospitality industries.

Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, will head the committee, supported by Abdulla Al Abdouli, CEO of Marjan; Alison Grinnell, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Hospitality; Christopher Hewett, Vice President of Al Hamra Group; and Radek Strejcek, Managing Director of Holiday Moments, one of the largest partners of the Tourism Development Authority.

Speaking on the occasion, Raki Phillips said, "Ras Al Khaimah is one of fastest growing tourism destinations in the region, which can be attributed to the growing popularity of its cultural and adventure tourism offering as well as its diverse landscape. The judging panel eagerly anticipates reviewing the entries shared by the participants from across the UAE and Ras Al Khaimah in particular, to better understand their creative thought process and vision for the Emirate’s next iconic adventure attraction on Jebel Jais. The panel will review concept submissions based on the unique appeal, as well as their cohesiveness with the overarching Jebel Jais attraction proposition. Judges will also be looking for concepts that highlight the local culture and heritage, while also being environmentally sustainable. The winner of the AED100,000 prize will be announced on 20th January 2020."

Commenting on the competition, Abdulla Al Abdouli said, "One of the defining strengths of Ras Al Khaimah is the breadth of innovation and creativity that drives its tourism promotion initiatives. Such year-round initiatives by the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority have placed the Emirate on the global map as a must-visit destination. The launch of this new concept creation competition, centered on Jebel Jais, the natural crowning glory of Ras Al Khaimah, offers the platform for all to create new adventures that will further add to the appeal of Jebel Jais. We look forward to bright, innovative ideas that can be nurtured into new and iconic attractions, adding more diversity to Ras Al Khaimah’s tourism offering." CEO RAK Hospitality Holding, who also will be among the judges for the competition, said, "We see this as an opportunity to engage with new audience and visitors as well as to broaden the base of development creativity. Jebel Jais is such a distinctive proposition for the destination RAK and we support and love seeing all these new initiatives."

"Adventure travel is one of the differentiating strengths of the tourism offering of Ras Al Khaimah. ‘Think for the Peak’ is an innovative initiative that underlines the focus of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority to develop a sustainable tourism offering and enhance the appeal of the Emirate as the UAE’s and the region’s leading adventure destinations. Furthermore, by engaging with the UAE residents, this competition taps into the deep knowledge pool of the UAE and ensures that the next phase of Ras Al Khaimah’s development is truly homegrown. As a key stakeholder in Ras Al Khaimah’s tourism sector, we are honored to be a member of the judging panel and we look forward to reviewing and ultimately awarding the best concepts and ideas UAE’s young talent has to offer," said Christopher Hewett, Vice President of Al Hamra Group.

Radek Strejcek, Managing Director of Holiday Moments, said, "I am genuinely honoured to be part of this project. It is exciting to see what new approaches are being created to evoke innovation. The direct cooperation with local entrepreneurs and institutes is of great importance for the development of the tourism industry and ultimately of the entire Emirate. There is a lot of creative potential existing in our people and this competition is the perfect way to awaken it."

© Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2019.