The new programme, titled ‘Ras Al-K9’ makes it easier for travellers to bring along their pets on vacations.

For any pet parent, leaving their pets behind while they’re travelling is an upsetting process to go through. While you look forward to the most-awaited vacation, your pet thinks otherwise.

Even though many hotels now allow pets, it isn’t always feasible for every vacation, where your pet can tag along. However, to keep the happiness of pets and their parents, Ras Al Khaimah has introduced a new dog-friendly programme that consists of various activities.

The new programme, titled ‘Ras Al-K9’ makes it easier for travellers to bring along their pets on vacations. From wadi walks to mountain hikes and from beachside excursions to desert adventures, the program has tied up with 25 hotels, restaurants, pet-friendly festivals, outdoor parks and beaches to provide the facility.

Parents and their four-legged babies across the emirate, through this program, have got a sigh of relief as they no more have to think of leaving their pets behind while they are having fun.

“We understand how hard it can be to leave a beloved pet at home while on holiday so we made it as easy as possible for guests to bring their pawsome family members with them, shared Raki Phillips, chief executive of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, adding, “Ras Al-K9 is a community initiative, tapping into the Emirate’s affinity for dogs and providing hassle-free options to explore, engage and stay in Ras Al Khaimah.”

The tourism development board has teamed up with Ras Al Khaimah Animal, hotel partners and others committed to animal welfare to make it inclusive and supportive for pets out there.

EXCLUISVE PET FESTIVALS

The initiative is introducing many interesting activities for pets and their parents. For instance, Ras Al Khaimah Fine Arts Festival is dedicating one weekend for pets. The ‘pet-friendly weekend’ on February 18-20 will feature workshops, pet adoption and pet yoga.

There will also be a pet festival for the first time in Marjan Island hosted by Paws by the Beach on February 26 and 27. The festival will raise awareness about animal welfare and educate pet owners about their animal’s well-being among other things. It will also feature competitions and entertainment for dogs, cats, and pet owners throughout the two-day festival.

OPEN-AIR DOG PARKS AND BEACHES FOR THE RUN

While most of the beaches in Ras Al Khaimah are open to dogs, major beaches like Al Jazeera and Flamingo beaches have also been added to the list.

Dogs love an open space for their “zoomies” to be taken care of and the Ras Al Khaimah Animal Welfare Centre has come to their rescue. The centre has over 7,000 square metres of landscaped areas dedicated to the fur kids.

SPOILT (PETS) FOR CHOICE

Apart from these, mountain and wadi trails at Bear Grylls Explorers Camp, Wadi Shawka, Jebel Jais etc. are some of the pet-friendly options to go on a hike or trek with your furry best friend.

Overnight options have also been made available with Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Beach Resort recently launching dog-friendly rooms, Banan Beach Resort, BM Beach Resort among others.

Who doesn’t like a glamping experience? And when you bring your pet along, the fun gets double. The initiative has RAK Glamping that lets dogs of all sizes snuggle in traditional Arabic Bedouin Tents.