Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon Returns for its 18th Edition on February 1, 2025

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on July 20, 2024

The Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon is set to return for its 18th edition on February 1, 2025. This event, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, will take place on Al Marjan Island and feature four different races.

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Hosted by the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), the marathon is a popular event for both community runners and international elite athletes. The main race is the 21.1km half marathon, but there will also be 10km, 5km, and 2km runs available, catering to athletes of all ages and abilities.

"We are excited to announce the return of one of the most highly anticipated global sporting events in the Nature Emirate for the 18th year. The race never fails to produce world-class champions and we look forward once again to welcoming back an incredible line-up of elite athletes, sporting enthusiasts and tourists from across the globe.”

Raki Phillips, CEO of RAKTDA

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Registration is now open, and participants can take advantage of early registration promotions until September 30. The entry fees for early registration are USD 50 (AED 185) for the Half Marathon, USD 30 (AED 110) for the 10km race, USD 20 (AED 74) for the 5km race, and USD 10 (AED 37) for the 2km race.

"With six months to go, we are pleased to be able to launch an early registration promotion for those runners who want to secure their places in the race of their choice. The running community will have over three months to take advantage of the Early Registration Promotion before prices revert on October 1, and we look forward to welcoming early registrations from regular runners as well as from those keen to test themselves for the first time on the fast and flat roads of Al Marjan Island.”

Peter Connerton, Managing Director of Pace Events and Race Director of the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon

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In the previous edition held in February 2024, Kenya’s Daniel Mateiko and Ethiopia’s Tsigie Gebreselama claimed the men’s and women’s titles, respectively. Mateiko finished with a time of 58:45, narrowly beating his compatriot John Korir. Gebreselama set a personal best of 65:14, defeating the 2020 champion Ababel Yeshaneh. Tanzania’s Jacklin Sakilu finished third, also achieving a personal best.

The Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon is known for its fast and flat course, making it a favorite among runners aiming to set personal records. The event also holds a high ranking in World Athletics’ Competition Performance Rankings for half marathons.

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For more information and to register for the event, visit the official registration page at rakhalfmarathon.com.

About Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA):

Established in May 2011, RAKTDA aims to develop Ras Al Khaimah’s tourism infrastructure and position the Emirate as a top destination for leisure and business travel. The Authority is responsible for licensing, regulating, and monitoring the tourism and hospitality industry in the region, fostering sustainable investment opportunities, and enhancing the quality of life for its residents.


MakeMyTrip Partners with Tourism Ministry to Attract Global Indian Diaspora

By Nishang Narayan

Published on August 19, 2024

On the eve of India's 78th Independence Day, MakeMyTrip, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, launched a heartfelt campaign titled "India: The Homecoming." This initiative calls upon the global Indian diaspora to rediscover the beauty, diversity, and transformation of their homeland. At the center of this campaign is an evocative online film featuring the legendary poet and lyricist Gulzar Saab. Through his powerful words and distinctive voice, the film captures India's evolution and invites the Indian community across the globe to experience the country's transformation.

The campaign is a continuation of MakeMyTrip's commitment to connecting the global Indian community with their roots. Rajesh Magow, Co-founder & Group CEO of MakeMyTrip, expressed his excitement about the initiative, stating, "We are thrilled to launch 'India: The Homecoming,' inviting the Indian diaspora to rediscover a transformed India. By showcasing the progress, beauty, and rich heritage of our country, we aim to inspire pride and nostalgia, encouraging the global Indian community to visit and explore."

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The campaign also supports the Ministry of Tourism's efforts to enable the Indian diaspora to become Incredible India Ambassadors through the "Chalo India" initiative. Union Minister of Tourism & Culture, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, emphasized the importance of re-engaging with the Indian diaspora, stating, "This Independence Day, we call upon the global Indian community to take a trip back home, experience Incredible India in all its richness, and share that experience with the world."

As India celebrates another year of independence, this campaign serves as a powerful invitation for the Indian diaspora to return and rediscover the ever-evolving landscape of their homeland.


Medusa Beverages and Warner Bros Discovery Launch Exclusive House of the Dragon Edition

By Nishang Narayan

Published on August 17, 2024

Medusa Beverages, the renowned home-grown beer brand, has partnered with Warner Bros Discovery Global Consumer Products to unveil an exclusive House of the Dragon inspired edition. This collaboration artfully merges Medusa's brewing expertise with the captivating world of the acclaimed HBO Original drama series, offering fans a unique and immersive experience.

Drawing inspiration from the fiery essence of dragon fire and the bold, adventurous spirit of the brand, this limited-edition collection is crafted in celebration of the series' return. The partnership marks a pioneering moment in India's beverage market, promising an unforgettable experience for both fans and beer enthusiasts alike.

Each brew in this collector's series is presented in exclusive, limited-edition cans, meticulously designed to reflect the dramatic landscapes of House of the Dragon. From scorching infernos to icy realms, these cans embody the pivotal elements of the series' epic narrative, making them a must-have for collectors.

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Expressing his excitement about the collaboration, Avneet Singh, Founder & CEO of Medusa Beer, said, "We are thrilled to partner with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products to unveil the exclusive House of the Dragon-inspired limited-edition cans. This collaboration epitomizes the rich tradition, bold innovation, and epic storytelling that define both our brand and the iconic series."

This innovative partnership not only highlights the creativity and boldness of Medusa Beverages but also celebrates the rich storytelling that has made House of the Dragon a global phenomenon. Fans can now indulge in a brew that truly embodies the spirit of the series, offering a taste of the epic world of dragons and adventure.


Hilton India Relaunches ‘Wedding Diaries’ with a Fresh Approach

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on August 5, 2024

Hilton India has reimagined its flagship initiative, Wedding Diaries, first introduced in 2021, with a renewed focus on simplifying the wedding planning process. The revamped initiative introduces the concept of a Wedding Ambassador, an expert who serves as a dedicated liaison between the family and the hotel. This role is designed to provide personalized service and manage every detail from the initial consultation to the final celebration, ensuring a seamless and stress-free experience for couples.

To promote the refreshed Wedding Diaries, Hilton has launched a comprehensive digital campaign featuring a new video film shot at Conrad Pune, one of Hilton’s flagship luxury properties in India. The campaign, created by MagicCircle Communications, showcases the playful competition between a bride and groom, emphasizing the role of the Wedding Ambassador in curating surprise elements for the celebrations. The videos, accompanied by an original wedding song, capture the festive spirit and vibrant essence of grand Indian weddings.

Culinary excellence, a key component of Indian weddings, is a major focus of the Wedding Diaries initiative. Hilton has partnered with celebrity chefs to create custom culinary experiences that reflect each couple’s preferences and cultural traditions. Additionally, the brand’s festive gifting concept, Khushiyan by Hilton, now includes a team of expert halwais who prepare premium sweets, offering customizable options that cater to both local and international tastes.

Hilton is also committed to sustainability through its Wedding Diaries offering. Guests can opt for a carbon-neutral event by purchasing carbon offsets in partnership with ClimeCo. The Meet with Purpose initiative allows couples to reduce the environmental impact of their wedding by incorporating sustainable practices, such as using locally sourced ingredients and collaborating with vendors who adhere to strict environmental standards.

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Manish Tolani, Hilton’s Vice President and Commercial Director for South Asia, highlighted the importance of this relaunch, stating, “The launch of Wedding Diaries is a pivotal moment for us, underscoring Hilton’s commitment to providing exceptional wedding experiences in the country. Our goal is to simplify the process and deliver a personalized experience that reflects each couple’s unique style and preferences. With Wedding Diaries, we are committed to overseeing every detail to ensure reliability and excellence in execution.”

Gaurangi Mathur, Senior Creative Director at MagicCircle Communications, added, “Our goal with the Wedding Diaries campaign was to capture Hilton’s signature warmth and hospitality, highlighting the meticulous care they offer to families and couples.”

The campaign officially launched on July 31 across major digital platforms. Hilton is also pursuing strategic co-branding partnerships to extend the campaign’s reach and visibility in key markets. As part of its continued investment in India, Hilton plans to roll out additional collaborations with prominent figures from entertainment and sports, further enhancing its Wedding Diaries offering.

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