The tourism sector in Ras Al Khaimah experienced unprecedented growth in 2025, welcoming 1.35 million visitors and achieving an annual growth rate of 6%. Concurrently, the sector’s revenues rose by 12%, as reported by the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority.
Philippa Harrison, CEO of the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, stated that 2025 marked a pivotal point in the emirate’s tourism journey. “We have seen significant growth in visitor numbers, alongside enhancing the quality of tourist experiences through high-profile events, the launch of new hotel projects, and a range of strategic partnerships,” she added. Harrison emphasized that the authority is committed to executing an ambitious vision that aims to establish Ras Al Khaimah as a comprehensive global destination by 2030, thereby providing sustainable value for visitors, investors, and the local community.
This record performance was supported by a series of accomplishments in infrastructure, investment, events, and sustainability, along with robust growth in key markets. The revenues from meetings, incentives, conferences, exhibitions, and weddings rose by over 25%, complemented by a continuous expansion of luxury hotel offerings and the attraction of prestigious global brands.
Domestic and International Growth
Harrison noted that Ras Al Khaimah witnessed a noteworthy local market growth of 7%, while visitor numbers surged from several key international markets. Notable increases included a 14% rise from India, 19% from China, 10% from the UK, and 20% from Russia. Enhanced direct air connectivity significantly boosted visitor numbers from Romania (41%), Poland (22%), Uzbekistan (19%), and Belarus (26%).
In the business tourism sector, Ras Al Khaimah continued to strengthen its position as an emerging regional hub, driven by its strategic location and developed infrastructure, which resulted in increased demand for international conferences, incentive trips, and luxury weddings.
Leadership Changes Supporting the 2030 Goals
The appointment of Philippa Harrison as CEO marks the beginning of a new phase in the development of the tourism sector, leveraging her prior experience leading Australia’s national tourism strategy. This appointment reinforces the emirate’s ambition to attract over 3.5 million visitors annually by 2030.
Hospitality Expansion
Harrison explained that 2025 saw the opening of the “Rove Marjan Island” and the “So/ RAK” hotel and resort from Accor, expanding contemporary accommodation options along the waterfront. New hotel projects from prestigious global brands, including “Janu,” “Four Seasons,” “Fairmont,” “Taj,” and “NH Collection,” were also announced, supporting the emirate’s aim to double the number of hotel rooms by 2030.
Additionally, the “Wynn Marjan Island” project, the first integrated resort in the region, made notable construction progress, with its tower reaching a height of 283 meters. When completed in 2027, it is expected to feature around 1,530 rooms and suites, 22 dining options, and extensive entertainment and retail facilities, with investments totaling $5.1 billion, creating over 9,000 job opportunities.
This year, the emirate also unveiled the “Marjan Beach” project, the largest coastal development in the region, covering 85 million square feet and including 12,000 hotel rooms and 22,000 residential units, with 30% of the area designated for green spaces. The “RAK Central” mixed-use commercial area achieved remarkable success by selling all commercial land plots within a year of its launch, reflecting investor confidence in the emirate’s economic vision.
Global Events
Ras Al Khaimah solidified its cultural and sporting stature through a series of major events, including the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon, which attracted over 10,000 participants, the UAE Tour on the Jebel Jais route, and the “Highlander” mountain trek challenge. Culturally, the Ras Al Khaimah Art Festival featured over 100 international artists, while the “Exotic Wedding Planning Conference” returned for its second edition. The emirate also hosted the inaugural Global Real Estate and Investment Summit, ending the year with a grand celebration to welcome 2026, setting a Guinness World Record with 2,300 drones followed by a six-kilometer fireworks display.
Expansion of Air Connectivity and Maritime Tourism
In 2025, direct flights were launched from several markets, including Saudi Arabia, Poland, Romania, Russia, Belarus, Uzbekistan, and the Czech Republic, in partnership with airlines like Indigo, Air India Express, and Air Arabia. Plans were also announced for a dedicated VIP terminal and private aircraft hangars at Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, with sustainable design, scheduled to open in 2027.
In maritime tourism, the emirate established a long-term strategic partnership with Celestial Cruises to enhance the appeal of luxury cruise ships and solidify its position as a premier port in the Arabian Gulf.
International Partnerships
Harrison indicated that the authority enhanced partnerships with online booking platforms in China and Saudi Arabia, while also joining the luxury travel networks “Virtuoso” and “Serendipians,” reinforcing its status as a high-end global destination. In a human-centric approach, the authority launched the “Be RAK” app to increase workforce engagement in the sector and organized the first edition of the Tourism Excellence Awards. The authority also won the “Best Workplace in the Government Sector” award across the Gulf Cooperation Council, highlighting the significance of investing in human resources as a foundational element of a world-class tourism experience.