Delegates attending the 15th annual Arabian Hotel Investment Conference (AHIC), held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, are being offered the chance to build something extraordinary in Ras Al Khaimah.

The competition, which aims to create a new resort that is unique to Ras Al Khaimah and the Middle East, is open to delegates registered to attend AHIC 2019, which is taking place from 9-11 April at the AHIC Village in Ras Al Khaimah.

His Highness Sheikh Saud said: “We support projects and concepts that spark creativity and place Ras Al Khaimah at the forefront of the tourism sector.

Sustained growth is already the hallmark of Ras Al Khaimah’s tourism industry and we seek to ensure this continues by utilizing our strategic tourism plan to reach well-defined targets.”

Working in teams combining hotel designers and operators, entrants will have three months, up until July 2019, to prepare a preliminary concept vision supported by a high-level feasibility appraisal. Full details of the competition process will be announced during AHIC 2019.

Entries will be judged on commercial feasibility, innovation and sustainability. Three shortlisted operators will receive USD 25,000 each as a contribution towards their final submission, due in November 2019, when the winner will be announced at an exclusive event.

The winning project will be allocated a coveted beachfront location.

The esteemed judging panel for The Grand RAK Project includes Abdullah Al Abdooli, Managing Director & CEO, Marjan, David Daniels, Director of Architecture, SSH, Filippo Sona, Managing Director, Global Hospitality, Drees & Sommer and Kevin Underwood, Principal, HKS Hospitality Group.

For more information on The Grand RAK Project, please visit: https://www.arabianconference.com/grand-rak-project

AHIC 2019, featuring 100 speakers from around the world and expecting to attract more than 900 delegates in total, has been curated around the theme Synchronised for Success. The program will uncover innovative approaches to business, analyse market trends, foster harmonious relationships between all stakeholders and help them future-proof against evolving demands.