Ras Al Khaimah unveils pet-friendly programme
Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) has introduced Ras Al-K9, a pet-friendly programme running across 25 hotels, restaurants, pet friendly-festivals, outdoor parks and beaches in the Emirate.
Ras Al Khaimah is the perfect getaway for exploring the great outdoors with dogs. From spectacular wadi walks and mountain hikes on Jebel Jais to chilled out beachside café lunches, desert adventures and overnight stays, there is plenty of experiences on offer across its stunning landscapes – the sea, desert and spectacular mountains – especially this season with milder temperatures.
Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, commented: “Ras Al Khaimah’s natural typography alongside its spirit of genuine hospitality appeals to both travelers and their four-legged friends. We understand how hard it can be to leave a beloved pet at home while on holiday so we made it as easy as possible for guests to bring their pawsome family members with them. Ras Al-K9 is a community initiative, tapping into the Emirate’s affinity for dogs and providing hassle free options to explore, engage and stay in Ras Al Khaimah.
“Teaming up with Ras Al Khaimah Animal Welfare Center, hotel partners and others committed to animal welfare, we aim to create an inclusive and supportive community for both visitors and their canine companions.”
The Emirate is famed for its pristine white sandy beaches, most of which are open to dogs and their hoomans and offer up the ideal spot to spend the day snoozing under a beach umbrella, catching a frisbee or splashing around in the water. Firm favourites include Al Jazeera and Flamingo beaches, where pooches can explore, frolic and play.
Inland, explore the largest open-air dog park in the UAE, located at the Ras Al Khaimah Animal Welfare Center. With over 7000 sq m of landscaped areas for your pet to run free off-leash, the park also features a fully equipped Agility Park and dedicated doggy swimming pool, as well as a café area where dog owners can socialise while their dogs are playing.
Other pet-friendly venues for those looking to grab a bite to eat, include delicious Japanese Cuisine at Ruzo, which offers pet friendly outdoor seating area at Flamingo Beach. The Club House located within Al Hamra, also welcomes guests to bring along their dogs, as do its neighbouring dining venues Marina Muse, Tucano Coffee and Bread& Barrel.
If staying overnight, there are an array of choices including the luxe offerings of Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Beach Resort with their recently launched dog-friendly rooms, featuring direct access to a 500m-long private back beach area and a special ‘Bone Appetit’ room service menu, featuring grilled boneless chicken with white rice, beef and veggie stew, beef burger with potato brioche bun, and chicken sausages with mashed potato.BM Beach Resort has reserved a block of 48 chalets for dogs and their owners as well as an outdoor and beach area.
Dogs also get a large selection of in-room toys with communal outdoor toys also available to play within the courtyard. The newly opened Banan Beach Resort has also dedicated a selection of its tents and lofts to welcome furry friends to enjoy its carefree vibe and beachfront setting. For a self-catering accommodation, AMWAJ by Al Hamrah as a dedicated kitchenette to allow guests to whip up their pooch’s favourite meal to fuel up for a day of exploring.
The Emirate will be kicking off its first pet-friendly festival, Paws by the Beach on Marjan Island on February 26 & 27.Designed to be an educational platform to raise awareness about animal welfare and educate pet owners about their animal's well-being, the festival will feature fun competitions and entertainment for dogs, cats, and pet owners throughout the two-day festival. In addition, local pet groups, vendors, training schools, pet relocation companies, rehabilitative organisations and veterinarians will give insightful presentations on caring for your beloved pet. (www.rakcalendar.ae)
Pet owners can also pay a visit to The Pet Shop when in the Emirate, where they regularly host events and adoption days in support of the Ras Al Khaimah Animal Welfare Center. Furthermore, from February 1st – August 31st, The Pet Shop will pick one lucky shopper each month to win AED500 to spend in store, with the same amount will also be given to Ras Al Khaimah Animal Welfare Center to support their adoption efforts and help animals in need. Complimentary grooming and prizes will also be on offer for shoppers. – TradeArabia News Service