In the press today
RAK Airways no longer in service: Sheikh Saud
RAK Airways is no longer in service, according to Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah .
In an exclusive interview with Emirates Business, Sheikh Saud said: "RAK Airways is no longer in service. To the best of my knowledge, RAK Airways is working on a plan regarding what will happen now."
He said the decision regarding the airline is a purely commercial matter. "In my opinion, the commercial benefits were not there and there was no point keeping it [RAK Airways] in business."
Sheikh Saud said Ras Al Khaimah is coping well with the ongoing global crisis, and pointed out that projects are on schedule and efforts have ensured that the flow of visitors has remained steady.
"We had to stand beside many businesses in the emirate to let them know we are involved in this process. The number of tourists coming to Ras Al Khaimah remains steady, despite the difficult times. And, several luxury hotels are on schedule to open in time. Our industrial projects are going well."
Sheikh Saud said Ras Al Khaimah has concentrated on becoming a "base for a range of industries".
Saqr Port has expanded 10 times in terms of trade volume. A port on the Creek has been set up, apart from Thara and Holeila ports and work is in progress on Mina Al Arab near Al Hamra.
He also pointed to tourism as a key driver of growth. "We have devoted a great deal of attention to tourism in recent years to make the most of the emirate's natural resources."
Sheikh Saud referred to the major projects that will improve the lifestyle option. Gateway City project will house 200,000 and Bab El Bahar, a Dh1.2 billion 280-hectare reclaimed project on Marjan Island, will be completed in the second quarter of 2010.
Asked about Virgin Galactic's interest in Ras Al Khaimah, Sheikh Saud said he welcomed them but that there is no agreement with Virgin until now.
On power supply, the Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler said the issue has gone to the UAE Federal National Council, which has set up a committee to discuss the issue with the Federal Electricity and Water Authority and that steps are being taken to find a solution.
Source