RAK blueprint to develop southern areas

The blueprint tackles issues such as land use, development planning, efforts for stimulating economic growth, housing, transportation and tourism development for the southern areas of the emirate, which covers an area of around 1,300 square kilometres.

Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, reviewed the final draft of the structure plan at a meeting attended by experts from AUS and top government officials at the Al Dhait Palace.

During the meeting, Sheikh Saud said the initiative was part of the overall strategy for the development of the emirate with the view to create economic development opportunities across all its regions.

Varkki Pallathucheril, associate professor and co-ordinator of the Graduate Programme in Urban Planning at AUS, said: “The southern areas of Ras Al Khaimah have enormous potential for development due to their strategic location with connections from Dubai and Sharjah and to the East Coast. The master plan intends to present a planned development programme to take full advantage of the

opportunities existing in the region.”

He added the final version of the structure plan would be submitted to the RAK Municipality after incorporating suggestions and recommendations made by Sheikh Saud.

Meanwhile, Amer Moustafa, associate professor at the School of Architecture and Design at AUS, said the structure plan has identified development opportunities for industries, residential, tourism and mountain developments and natural preserves to be developed in the southern areas.