Record-breaking Tourism in Ras Al Khaimah: Over 654,000 visitors in the first half of 2025, generating a 9% revenue increase
Ras Al Khaimah on Track to Become a Leading Tourism Destination
Ras Al Khaimah, one of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is aiming to attract over 3.5 million visitors annually by 2030 and double its hotel capacity to support this growth. This ambitious target is part of the emirate’s strategy to position itself as one of the fastest-growing tourism destinations in the region.
To achieve these goals, the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) is implementing several key strategies.
Expanding Hotel Capacity and Infrastructure
The emirate is pursuing one of the region’s fastest growth trajectories in hotel key count, doubling hotel capacity by 2030 to accommodate the increasing number of tourists. High-profile hotel developments, including Four Seasons, Fairmont, Taj, and NH Collection hotels, are already underway.
Enhancing Air Connectivity
Improved connections by air facilitate easier access for international visitors, helping to broaden the emirate’s appeal and increase arrivals. New direct flights to Ras Al Khaimah International Airport boosted the arrivals from Central and Eastern Europe, with significant growth observed in Romania, Poland, Uzbekistan, and Belarus.
Strategic International Market Focus
Ras Al Khaimah is actively developing tourism ties with India, a fast-growing outbound travel market. Focused roadshows and partnerships help target Indian travelers seeking luxury vacations, weddings, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) events. In 2025 alone, Indian visitors increased by 25% from the previous year, underscoring this market’s importance.
Diversified Tourism Offerings
The emirate promotes a unique mix of pristine beaches, adventure activities, desert landscapes, luxury resorts, and versatile conference facilities to cater to both leisure and business tourists, enhancing overall visitor experiences.
Growing MICE and Events Sector
There has been a reported 36% surge in revenue from MICE and weddings, driven by high-value events, which aligns with the strategy to attract affluent travelers and corporate groups. The 18th Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon, UAE Tour's Jebel Jais stage, DP World Tour's RAK Championship, highlander hiking series, and Jais Ride cycling challenge attracted global attention and participants.
Calendar of Experiences and Events
A diverse and expanding events calendar is designed to enhance the emirate’s tourist appeal year-round.
These efforts combined are creating sustainable value for Ras Al Khaimah’s economy, communities, and tourists, firmly placing it on track to reach its 2030 tourism growth objectives. In the first half of 2025, Ras Al Khaimah welcomed 654,000 visitors, marking a 6% year-on-year increase.
Ras Al Khaimah is on a clear path to achieving its 2030 tourism vision and cementing its status as a leading regional destination. Azza Al Ali, a reporter from Ras Al Khaimah, is dedicated to sharing stories that bring the community's voices to life and is passionate about connecting with people and highlighting what truly matters to them. The airport's strategic expansion is underway to handle larger aircraft and enhance the visitor experience. RAKTDA has also signed agreements with Fujairah Adventures, Trip.com, Tongcheng, and four major Saudi travel websites to attract more visitors.
Air connectivity to Ras Al Khaimah strengthened with new routes from Poland, Romania, Russia, Uzbekistan, and the Czech Republic. Ras Al Khaimah is aiming to increase its hotel inventory from 8,321 to 15,798 keys by 2030, as part of its widened branded hospitality space with new projects. Tourism revenues in Ras Al Khaimah rose by 9% in the first half of 2025, and the UK, China, and Russia also posted their highest-ever half-year numbers in terms of arrivals to Ras Al Khaimah.
- To cater to the rising number of tourists, Ras Al Khaimah is increasing its hotel capacity, with high-profile establishments like Four Seasons, Fairmont, Taj, and NH Collection under development.
- The expanding tourism industry in Ras Al Khaimah is also fostering stronger business ties, as evident by the 36% surge in MICE and wedding revenue and the growth in high-value events.
- In line with its growth objectives, Ras Al Khaimah is actively targeting the Indian market, a fast-growing outbound travel market, through focused roadshows and partnerships.
- As part of its efforts to diversify offerings, Ras Al Khaimah promotes a mix of leisure activities, such as pristine beaches and adventure sports, and business facilities, including versatile conference venues.
- To attract more visitors, Ras Al Khaimah is also focusing on improving air connectivity, establishing new routes from countries like Poland, Romania, Russia, Uzbekistan, and the Czech Republic.
