MEDIA RELEASE PR36405
America's Cup to Highlight Ras Al Khaimah's Popularity as a Safe Destination
RAS AL KHAIMAH, Oct. 4/PRNewswire-AsiaNet/ --
RAK Investment Authority, the government agency responsible
for attracting economic development and promoting the emirate of Ras Al
Khaimah, issued a statement today addressing the concerns raised about
security for the upcoming 33rd America's Cup to be held in February 2010.
"The UAE and specifically Ras Al Khaimah is an extremely safe
venue for the America's Cup. The Emirate of Ras al Khaimah has peaceful and
friendly relations with all of its neighbours. The venue and all the visitors
to Ras Al Khaimah in the coming weeks and months will be received in a
similar friendly, peaceful and security conscious way," said Dr Khater
Massaad, CEO of RAK Investment Authority and Special Advisor to Ras Al
Khaimah's Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler, H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi.
Massaad went on to say that: "It is quite reasonable to state
that security for the America's Cup would be significant no matter where the
event is held and in Ras Al Khaimah this event will receive the same level of
importance with full cooperation from the Navy, Coast Guards and the Police
services to ensure the safety and well being of all visitors to the Emirate."
Internationally, the UAE has a well regarded reputation as one
of safest holiday destinations and for maintaining one of the lowest crime
rates in the world. The country annually welcomes international events of all
sorts: academic, diplomatic, sporting, business... and has never had any
problems, particularly in terms of safety. We are familiar with hosting
sports personalities - including Americans - who compete in events with
worldwide acclaim.
Ras Al Khaimah and the UAE is a multicultural and forward
looking country, there are, for example, 87 American companies which
represent approximately 8% of the new companies that have commenced business
in the Emirates over the past few years. These figures grow in to the hundreds
when you look at the UAE as a whole.
"More than 80% of the total numbers of new companies in Ras Al
Khaimah are foreign-owned, further proving that the Emirate is a very safe
and productive place to do business and to live. The local and federal
governments have worked hard to transform the Emirates in to an investor's
haven, with security as a core element," concluded Dr Khater Massaad
The Emirate has been working for the past two months
installing infrastructure on Al Hamra Island, the base for both teams, and is
reaching the final stages of delivery for Alinghi. However, Dr Massaad said,
Ras Al Khaimah is still waiting for direction from BMW Oracle in regards to
their requirements.
In addition, Ras Al Khaimah offers close to 3000 hotel rooms
and is situated less than one hour north of Dubai, where there are in excess
of 10,000 hotel rooms available to visitors and fans of the event.
Local and international experts and officials concur that Ras
Al Khaimah is one of the safest destinations for the 33rd America's Cup. "We
hope BMW Oracle will reconsider their position and join us in Ras al Khaimah
for what will be one of the greatest sporting spectacles in the history of
yachting," said Massaad.
SOURCE: RAK Investment Authority
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