When the government of Ras Al Khaimah announced that it would be hosting the 2021 Half Marathon, locals and international visitors alike were less than surprised. Ras Al Khaimah is a member of the United Arab Emirates, nestled in the northernmost area of the region as the ‘cap’ of the so-called area. Bereft of oil stores traditional to the other members of the UAE, Ras Al Khaimah has been led by RAK leader Sheikh Saud to explore growth in other areas, including growth in extreme sports.

The 2021 Half Marathon would, of course, get postponed due to the COVID-19 outbreak that saw much of the world completely shut itself down. With vaccinations on the rise and a post-COVID world taking shape, Ras Al Khaimah is once again back on track to host the Half Marathon in 2022. A statement from the RAK government would opine on the postponement, “This is a necessary measure to protect the well-being of our participants, spectators, and staff (…)”

RAK Half Marathon Delayed Until 2022

While delaying the Half Marathon would ultimately cost Ras Al Khaimah in 2021, it would further set up what appears to be a booming industry after the world returns to normal. Ras Al Khaimah has been making waves in other areas of sport and competition, including targeting the exceptionally profitable virtual gaming industry through a 3-year UAE residency visa program.

Outside of the famous Half Marathon, Ras Al Khaimah has also seen itself become a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and adrenaline lovers alike. In fact, the allure of the great outdoors, beautiful mountain vistas, and unbeatable trails have led to people like Bear Grylls working within the region. In 2020, Bear Grylls would open the Ultimate Survivalist Adventure Camp on the highest mountain in the UAE, Jebel Jais – home of the Jebel Jais Zipline.

Explorers and enthusiasts alike can attend Bear Grylls Survival Academy to learn key survival skills for use out in the wild. Some of the included lessons at the academy incorporate medical treatments, emergency shelter, proper knife use, and learning to navigate while enduring extreme conditions and terrain.

Extreme Sports to Virtual Gaming: Welcome to RAK

In a move that looks set to prepare Ras Al Khaimah for future endeavors, the Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) has developed a gaming setup package to support competitors while working on UAE residency visas. The new gaming support package will seek to help gaming business owners to obtain their visas, find support services, and establish their businesses with help from the RAKEZ Compass Coworking Centre. This comes at a time when the Esports Market is set to reach a global revenue of $1.6 billion by 2024.

While the announcement of the new gaming visas may come as a surprise to those not paying attention to the sector, Ras Al Khaimah’s economic sector has been incredibly focused on this topic. Ras Al Khaimah would announce its gaming visa initiative almost in response to a similar movement made by Abu Dhabi last year with their ‘AD Gaming’ hub. Ramy Jallad is the Group CEO at RAKEZ and he spoke through a statement to the press following the E-Gaming Visa package. Jallad would go on to say, “The Middle East has a fast rising online gaming population” and that, “Our aim is to be the launchpad for the gaming enthusiasts.”

Let’s take a moment to better understand the core components of this gaming visa package for e-gaming enthusiasts and entrepreneurs.

– Supports 18 E-Gaming Activities / Support Activities

– Provides Access to Compass Coworking Centre

– Provides FREE Three-Year UAE Residency

– Three Activities Selected by Investors For Primary License

As Ras Al Khaimah continues to operate as one of the more unorthodox members of the UAE, they continue to keep pace by focusing on innovation and staying ahead of the curve through diversification. Is Ras Al Khaimah the next hotbed of professional gaming? The world will get to wait and see!