OUR TEAM

As CEO for Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), Raki Phillips is responsible for the continued growth of the Emirate as a world-class tourism destination. In addition to improving the performance of the tourism sector, Raki is tasked with the economic and social prosperity of the Emirate. This includes collaborating with key partners, regulating standards, developing tourism infrastructure and creating sustainable investment opportunities. Raki is an award-winning hospitality veteran and a serial entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience working with Ritz-Carlton, Fairmont Raffles Hotels International (FRHI) and Universal Studios Orlando. His previous role with International Hospitality Consulting Group saw him develop hotel project pipelines exceeding $5 billion in assets and negotiate valuable hotel deals in over 25 markets worldwide. He is the pioneer of the dessert concept SugarMoo. Raki is recognised by Hotelier Middle East as one of the ‘Top 20 Most Powerful Arab Hoteliers’. He is a fluent Arabic speaker, and he has a great understanding of the region. Raki holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Central Florida, an MBA in Organizational Management from the University of Phoenix, and is a member of the Executive Board of RAK Airport and the Pacific Asia Travel Association.

As Executive Director of Destination Tourism Development for Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), Iyad Rasbey is responsible for the continued tourism growth. He is responsible for strategic partnerships with global partners, including tour operators, destination management companies, global agencies and airlines. Iyad joined RAKTDA in 2018 as Director of MICE, playing a pivotal role in bringing blockbuster events to Ras Al Khaimah, including Arabian Hotel Investment Conference, the World Travel & Tourism Council Leadership Summit and the Pacific Asia Travel Association Annual Summit. His knowledge in business travel management has played a key role in the Emirate’s ongoing success and continued recovery. With more than two decades of experience, Iyad leads the authority’s tourism development strategy and in his role has demonstrated forging robust partnerships in Ras Al Khaimah’s major source markets, effectively putting the Emirate firmly on the global map. Before joining RAKDA, Iyad worked for several major global tour operators, including TRAVCO, Alpha Tours and Kuoni, and consulted several tourism boards and committees.

As Vice President, Destination Marketing & Communications for Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), Alka is responsible for spearheading the authority’s multi-faceted communications strategy at a time when effective multi-channel messaging and storytelling is critical. With an 18-year track record in strategic planning, Alka specialises in corporate communications, brand and tactical marketing, media relations, reputation management and stakeholder communications. Alka’s career has taken her from Fairmont, Raffles and Swissotel to Accor. At Accor, one of the world’s largest hospitality companies, she was the custodian of 30 brands. She oversaw a portfolio of over 350 hotels across 36 countries. She is the recipient of numerous awards, including PR Week Middle East’s Brightest & Most Influential PR Professional, Hotelier Middle East Magazine PR & Marketing Person of the Year and Green Hotelier of the Year. Alka advocates diversity and inclusion in the workplace and is a member of the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPS) in association with UN Women and the UN Global Compact. She is also a MEPRA strategy board member helping shape the region’s overall standards in communications and PR practices. Alka holds a Bachelor’s Degree from McGill University in Canada.

As Director of Tourism Licensing and Quality Assurance for Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), Mohamed Loojab has over two decades of experience in the business sector, specialising in licensing, quality assurance and classification standardisation. Mohamed is a member of the RAKTDA Licensing Committee and has been vital in developing e-portals, regulating change, introducing best practices and overseeing quality assurance. His role at the tourism authority is diverse, and he’s responsible for the voice of Ras Al Khaimah through the federal tour guide, concierge and mountain guide training programmes. He also heads up the Events Committee and the Head of Happiness and Quality of Life Committee. He has played a key role in directing the tourism authority into the future since 2011. He’s a member of the Cyber Future Leaders, the Uses of Artificial Intelligence in the Tourism Sector, part of the UAE Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain Counsel, Vital Facilities Security Project Team, Crisis and Emergency Committee in the Tourism Sector and Economic Activities Committee in the UAE. Mohamed holds Diplomas in Business Administration and Professional Executive Management from the Association for Young Mediators (AYM), United Kingdom.

As Vice President of Finance & Corporate Services for Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), Abeer Shoujaa has a key role in driving the financial performance and achieving the vision and strategic targets of the Emirate. She works closely with stakeholders, government entities and the destination's expansive collection of hotels. Abeer joined RAKTDA in January 2022. The role is pivotal in leading, enhancing and developing medium and long-term operational strategies that optimise efficiency and mitigate risk to the authority. She strategically promotes the destination and ensures that the economic revival is adequately supported. She is hands-on, navigating the complex post-pandemic roadmap with excellent business acumen and a blend of hospitality and corporate experience. Abeer's experience encompasses hotel operations and corporate services. Her career spans more than two decades in the hospitality sector. She's worked extensively with Marriott Hotels, Hilton and most recently, IHG Hotels. Abeer spent most of her career with Fairmont Raffles Hotels International (FRHI) Management Office in Dubai, leading the corporate and regional finance division for MEAI. Abeer holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and Finance from Beirut Arab University.

As Director of Investments and Special Projects for Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), Mohamed Belkhodja ​is responsible for leading the key investment related strategies and increase global awareness of the Emirate. He aims to enhance the existing destination product portfolio and develop new tourism attractions and to enhance the current infrastructure. He strives to develop a conscious ecosystem for entrepreneurs, tourists and residents with projects that blend health, sustainability, and technology. He also implemented the first Bureau Veritas Safe Guard Programme in Ras Al Khaimah. He is a true hospitality professional who brings over 15 years of hospitality and management consulting experience to the team. Mohamed’s hospitality career has taken him from Renaissance Hotels and IHG Hotels & Resorts to Grand Heritage Hotel Group in the capacity of the Hotel Manager at Grand Heritage Doha. Prior to joining RAKTDA, Mohamed held the Managing Partner position in the International Hospitality Consulting Group. Belkhodja​ holds a Master's Degree in International Hotel Management from Vatel Hotel & Tourism Business School and a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Management Information Systems from the Université Pierre Mendès-France.

Farah started her journey at Ras al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority in 2013 as Head of Events. Bringing more than 15 years of experience, Farah was responsible for bringing and executing a wide range of successful events that helped raise the profile of the destination. In 2017 Farah was appointed Director of Community Engagement and Outreach at the Authority. She is responsible for joint projects with local authorities, entities and communities in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. She works closely with event management companies to ensure each event's smooth execution and success. Farah has worked on many of the biggest Authority events, including Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon – the world’s fastest half marathon, The UAE Tour, Tough Mudder and the Desert Warrior Challenge, attracting thousands of visitors to the Emirate.