Raki Phillips appointed CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority

June 20, 2019: Hospitality veteran Raki Phillips has been appointed the CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA). The authority says Phillips' appointment marks the commencement of a new phase of tourism development for the Emirate. Phillips will replace Haitham Mattar, who served as CEO for four years.

Phillips will be responsible for delivering the authority’s recently announced Destination Strategy 2019-2021, which aims to attract 1.5 million visitors to the Emirate by 2021 and 3 million by 2025.

“Mattar’s four years leading Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority has resulted in a tourism strategy that has grown the reputation of Ras Al Khaimah internationally and put the Emirate firmly on the world map. I woud like to thank Haitham for his leadership of the authority and for presiding over a phase of tourism and hospitality development that has seen exceptional levels of growth. With his groundwork, we are very well placed to move forward to the next phase of development in our thriving tourism industry under Raki Phillips, who I welcome to his new role,” said Sheikh Saud.

Phillips has previously worked for Ritz-Carlton Hotels, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts and Universal Studios Orlando.

As the new CEO, Raki Phillips will implement RAKTDA’s Destination Strategy 2019-2021 and supervise a number of key projects, with notable development projects on Jebel Jais including multiple zip lines, adventure park hiking trails, the Bear Grylls Survival Academy and a luxury camp.