The Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (TDA) licenses department has launched the Electronic Tourism Licenses and Permits System in order to simplify and facilitate registration procedures.

The system which has been introduced in accordance with the Electronic Government Authority (EGA) will also enhance the experience of customers and investors in the services field, improve the operational capability for running the daily licenses and permits, and meet the high standards and needs of customers in a sufficient manner.

By utilising the new system, applicants will be able to get approvals for tourism licenses and permits, as well as easily apply for license and permit renewal, amendments, and annulment, a statement from TDA said.

It will allow applicants to know the initial approvals of the tourism licenses and permits, inspection requests as well as updating on the status of receipts payment, the granting of licenses and permits as well as allow applicants the convenience of printing the documents accordingly.

Victor Louis, general manager of Ras Al Khaimah TDA, said: "Opportunities to attract investment to Ras Al Khaimah abound with our strategic location, free zone, as well as specialised industrial areas to name as just a few examples that are in addition to the enormous help and support the authority provides to Ras Al Khaimah’s tourism sector, including assistance such as the provision of advice and assisting with the creation of various feasibility studies.”

“This is in addition to the stability and security experienced within the UAE as a basic fundamental which has led to the current economic prosperity that we witness in Ras Al Khaimah today.”

“To further enhance these factors the department has managed to implement a systemised policy that encourages investors through the provision of incentives, as well as facilitating and streamlining procedures as much as possible,” he added.

“By launching the Electronic Tourism Licenses and Permits System, we are taking a great step towards simplifying and facilitating procedures for investors who in increasing numbers are choosing to invest in this rising emirate based on solid analysis of the facts and factors that have made Ras Al Khaimah such an attractive destination for investment."

Ahmad bin Said AlSayah, general manager of EGA, said: “This project was created following the guidelines laid down specifically for the tourism and investment sectors, as well as the electronic government programme by HH Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah.”

“The electronic system will enhance the emirate’s trademark and its ability to attract investments as well as encourage increased electronic communication between investors, users and the relevant parties,” he said.

The authority has trained employees to follow the correct procedures in issuing licenses and permits, trained inspectors to carry out inspections of travel agencies, entertainment facilities, and hotel establishments.

Additionally, it has also developed the way tourism licenses are issued and renewed, and shortened the time it usually takes to obtain licenses, while maintaining complete transparency and cooperativeness, the statement said. – TradeArabia News Service