Our Team

Haitham Mattar

CEO

Haitham Mattar was appointed CEO of the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority in April 2015. Haitham is spearheading RAK’s strategic 2018 goal of one million annual visitors, through forging partnerships and attracting global investment. He has over 25 years’ experience in global destination and hospitality management, having held senior roles with leading global brands, including Marriott, Hilton Worldwide and InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG).

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Rizwan Chowdhury

Executive Director of Finance & Corporate Services

Rizwan joined the Authority in 2013 and has been instrumental in the development of Internal Controls, Governance Policies and Financial Compliance. In this time, he has successfully helped to transition the organisation into an efficient and effective entity. Rizwan brings over 25 years’ experience in Corporate Financial Management, having worked in the Global Finance Division at Marriott World Headquarters USA.

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Neda Carrillo

Director of Corporate Communications & Public Relations

Working with industry and media partners in source markets across five continents, Neda elevates international awareness of RAK's tourism and investment proposition to key stakeholders worldwide.With over 15 years of communications experience in travel and tourism organisations across the UK, Spain and UAE, including senior roles with Emirates Airline, Opodo and Amadeus, Neda's insights have become a vital resource to the Authority.

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Matteo Prato

Director, Destination Marketing & Promotion

Matteo Prato joined Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority with a remit to originate and develop destination marketing strategies to promote tourism to the emirate. Matteo has held similar roles over the past 10 years with Tourism Australia, Jordan Tourism Board, Tahiti Tourisme, Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority and Las Vegas Tourist Bureau.

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Paarth Mathur

Director of Human Resources

Having held senior Human Resource Management roles across the region, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha, Paarth is well equipped to manage the multi-cultural dynamic of the Authority’s international team. His experience includes influential roles with Starwood Hotels & Resorts and a number of other leading hospitality brands.

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Shaji Thomas

Director Destination Tourism Development

Shaji Thomas brings experience from hotel and destination sales and marketing roles with global hotel groups, including Hyatt and InterContinental Hotels Group to his position as Director of Destination Tourism Development for Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority.

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Erik Johansson

Director of Strategy, Product Development & Investor Relations

Erik Johansson brings over 15 years of experience in global investment and tourism promotion across 30 countries, to his role as Director of Strategy, Product Development and Investor Relations for Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority. His remit is to promote sustained growth of tourism infrastructure to accommodate Ras Al Khaimah TDA’s ambitious target of attracting 1 million visitors by the end of 2018.

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Mohamed Loojab

Assistant Director of Tourism Licensing & Classification 

Mohammed joined RAKTDA in 2011 with an experience of nine years in all types of licenses, permits and classification and has been a key figure in this vital area. He was responsible for the most important major changes related to the department of Tourism Licensing and Classification in addition to developing the licensing and Classification system as well. As part of his responsibilities, he also oversees all aspects of the essential area of Quality Assurance.