19 June 2016
· First in-depth research into the quality of life of Ras Al Khaimah residents commissioned by the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority

· Overall quality of life in Ras Al Khaimah scores 72 out of a possible 100

· The Ras Al Khaimah Quality of Life Study results reveal that residents consider the emirate to be naturally beautiful and believe the traditional ambience adds to the charm

Ras Al Khaimah - UAE - Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Member of the Federal Supreme Council and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (TDA) has spearheaded the first study revealing residents' quality of life in the emirate - The Ras Al Khaimah Quality of Life Study.

Working with world-renowned market research company, Nielsen, Ras Al Khaimah TDA commissioned the research to examine and evaluate the quality of life amongst local residents. The study was conducted in a bid to determine any areas of development required to bolster the destination's offering and ensure efforts are maximised to contribute towards making the UAE one of the happiest countries in the world as per the World Happiness Report. The country currently ranks 28th, out of 156 countries worldwide.

The research offers a qualitative as well as quantitative evaluation of five indicators including: work and material well-being, physical infrastructure, public services / utilities, emotional well-being and social environment, and geography. These factors are key determinants of quality of life, and were selected to provide a holistic view of residents' lifestyles within the emirate.

Interviewing more than 1,500 residents across 35 different nationalities, and 5 zoness in northern and southern Ras Al Khaimah, the survey showed that respondents are very satisfied with the quality of life in the emirate, scoring an average of 72 out of a possible 100.

A staggering 91 percent of respondents claim the emirate is a safe city to live in, and 79 percent are satisfied with their work-life balance. Both safety and work-life balance play an important role in ensuring a high quality of life, providing Ras Al Khaimah with an edge over other metropolitan areas globally.

The emirate's efforts to preserve its culture and heritage, one of its core attributes, is reinforced by survey respondents sentiments - 68 percent of which believe the architecture and building design in Ras Al Khaimah depicts the heritage of the emirate, with one of the Emirati focus group participants stating: "Ras Al Khaimah is beautiful.. it feels like you are still in an Arab country."

Haitham Mattar, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah TDA said: "Ras Al Khaimah's natural assets clearly shape a high quality of life for our residents, as we continue to develop a leading destination worthy of attracting not only professionals looking to live and work in the emirate, but also global travellers. The emirate offers a peaceful alternative to the hustle and bustle of other cities, providing good value for money and an enviable lifestyle. Access to beautiful beaches, nature, mountains and desert in an authentic Arabian setting is a draw for expatriates, residents and tourists alike". .

As we welcome increasing visitor numbers year-on-year, we are equally keen to ensure that we are constantly enhancing the quality of life of our residents. It is this quality way of life that sets the benchmark in Arabian hospitality, as well as acting as a major draw for international hospitality professionals, eager to sample a taste of life in the emirate."

The research findings were revealed at an event at the Waldorf Astoria, Ras Al Khaimah with more than 20 heads of government entities in attendance, including the RAK Municipality, Environmental & Development Agency,, Civil Defence, RAK Police, , RAK Transport Authority, Ministry of Public Work and the Department of Economic Development amongst others. Based on the findings, each government entity and private stakeholder has been provided with an action plan to support Ras Al Khaimah's development by implementing a strategic plan to enhance the quality of life. The research will be conducted again in two years to ensure continuous improvement and to measure the success levels of plans put in place. Areas of focus include urban planning, infrastructure development, education and tourism facilities.

The research findings on quality of life in RAK also revealed:

·         82 percent of respondents believe state of the art healthcare facilities are available

·         79 percent say they are satisfied with the balance between work and other aspects of life

·         74 percent believe it is easy and convenient to avail government services in RAK

·         80 percent agree that 'RAK is strategically located and is well connected to other emirates'

*1,500+ computer assisted interviews were conducted with residents living in Ras Al Khaimah for at least three months, above the age of 18.

-Ends-

About Ras Al Khaimah
One of the fastest growing tourism destinations in the world, Ras Al Khaimah boasts a rich culture and long-standing history, dating back 7,000 years, showcased by an array of archaeological sites and breathtaking natural vistas, from golden sand beaches, awe-inspiring terracotta dunes and a green belt of date palms to Jebel Jais, the highest mountain in the UAE.

To learn more about Ras Al Khaimah, visit us at:

·         www.rasalkhaimahtourism.com

·         www.facebook.com/visitrasalkhaimah

·         www.youtube.com/visitrasalkhaimah

·         https://twitter.com/raktourism

About Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (TDA)
The Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (TDA) was established in May 2011 under the government of Ras Al Khaimah. In order to achieve target growth of one million visitors by the end of 2018, the authority aims to develop the emirate's tourism infrastructure and establish Ras Al Khaimah as a world-class destination for leisure and business travel, creating sustainable investment opportunities and enhancing the quality of life for its residents. In order to achieve its goals, the Ras Al Khaimah TDA has a government mandate to license, regulate and monitor the emirate's tourism and hospitality industry.

Follow Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority on twitter: @RAKTourism

For further information, please contact:
Grayling for Ras Al Khaimah TDA
+971 (4) 390 1630  
+971 (0) 52 867 2048

Neda Carrillo
Director of Corporate Communications & Public Relations
Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority
mediarelations@raktda.com  

© Press Release 2016