Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, 1 April 2019:   Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) broke ground last week on the construction of a new, dynamic skatepark at Saqr Park, in attendance of Haitham Mattar, Chief Executive Officer, RAKTDA and Eng. Ahmed Mohammed Ahmed Al Hammadi, the Director General of Public Works and Services Department (PWSD). 

As part of the ongoing initiatives by RAKTDA to cater to the different interests of the Emirate’s visitors and the local community, the development of the skatepark facility will further expand the recreational offering of the largest public park in Ras Al Khaimah. 

Scheduled to open in May this year, the 620 square metre skatepark will feature a unique design, as the only skatepark within a park in the UAE, built around greenspace in a Ghaf Tree reserve at Saqr Park. The concept incorporated the Ghaf trees in the design to ensure the trees provide natural shading and are well protected.   The skatepark will also include various obstacles for skaters of all levels, including a bowl, pyramids, ledges, banks and round rails, that are envisaged to make Saqr Park a one-of-a-kind leisure venue for skateboarding, roller blading and BMX bike riding.  

Commenting on this occasion, Haitham Mattar, Chief Executive Officer, RAKTDA said: “The development of the skating facility at Saqr Park is a key addition to the largest public recreational area in Ras Al Khaimah. We believe that the new skatepark will offer visitors and most importantly residents of Ras Al Khaimah a new and well equipped outdoor space to enjoy skating in all its forms. This will also give the growing skating community across the UAE another reason to come down to Ras Al Khaimah and enjoy everything it has to offer. “

Ahmed Mohammed Ahmed Al Hammadi, the Director General of Public Works and Services Department, Government of Ras Al Khaimah said: “We are proud to announce the commencement of construction on the Emirate’s first professional skatepark, which will add value to the existing community focused facilities available for the visitors and residents of Ras Al Khaimah. The skatepark located at the renowned Saqr Park will offer a fun outdoor destination for skaters looking for a well-equipped park to practice the sport, and an ideal venue for skating competitions and social events”.

Aiming to attract skaters from around the country and beyond, the dedicated state-of-the-art facility will host an inaugural event to celebrate its launch in May. As skateboarding makes its Olympic debut in 2020, the street sport has successfully emerged and transformed into a globally recognized sport and is now being acknowledged for its positive impact on the youth.