Ras Al Khaimah welcomed 1.35 million overnight visitors in 2025, representing a 6% increase compared to the previous year, while tourism revenues grew by 12%. Phillipa Harrison, CEO of the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, noted that the emirate had expanded its offerings across events, hotels, partnerships, and infrastructure, with a focus on long-term value for visitors, investors, and the community. The authority aims to reach 3.5 million visitors by 2030.
Tourism growth was recorded across both domestic and international markets, with arrivals from India increasing by 14%, China by 19%, the United Kingdom by 10%, and Russia by 20%. Expanding direct flight connectivity also contributed to significant growth from Romania (41%), Poland (22%), Uzbekistan (19%), and Belarus (26%). Revenue from MICE and weddings increased by 25%, driven by high-value weddings, international conferences, and incentive travel, reinforcing Ras Al Khaimah’s appeal as a regional hub for business and group travel.
The appointment of Phillipa Harrison as CEO in August 2025 marked a strategic step in the emirate’s tourism development, drawing on her experience leading Tourism Australia’s national strategy.
The hospitality sector continued to diversify, with new openings including Rove Al Marjan Island and SO/ Ras Al Khaimah under the Accor portfolio, adding beachfront and lifestyle-led experiences. Major announcements from international luxury brands such as Janu, Four Seasons, Fairmont, Taj, and NH Collection support the goal of doubling hotel keys by 2030. The Wynn Al Marjan Island, the UAE’s first integrated resort, achieved a construction milestone with its 70-storey tower topping out at 283 metres. Set to open in 2027, the USD 5.1 billion development will feature 1,530 rooms and suites, 22 F&B venues, a theatre, luxury retail, and a marina, and is expected to create over 9,000 jobs while attracting international tourism.
Ras Al Khaimah also advanced major master-planned developments, including Marjan Beach, spanning 85 million sq. ft. with 12,000 hotel keys and 22,000 residential units, and RAK Central, a mixed-use commercial district where all plots were sold within a year of launch. A VIP private aviation terminal targeting LEED Gold certification is planned at RAK International Airport, while cruise connectivity has been enhanced through a multi-year partnership with Celestyal Cruises.
The emirate’s cultural and sporting profile grew with events including the 18th Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon, which attracted over 10,000 participants and spectators, the UAE Tour Jebel Jais Mountain Stage, and the HIGHLANDER long-distance hiking challenge. The 13th Ras Al Khaimah Art Festival brought together more than 100 regional and international artists, while the Exotic Wedding Planning Conference returned for a second year. The inaugural International Real Estate Investment Summit reinforced Ras Al Khaimah’s growing role in high-level investment dialogue. The year ended with a New Year’s Eve celebration that set a GUINNESS WORLD RECORD™ for the largest aerial phoenix drone display with 2,300 drones, followed by a six-kilometre coastal fireworks display.
Air connectivity expanded with new direct routes from Saudi Arabia, Poland, Romania, Russia, Belarus, Uzbekistan, and the Czech Republic, supported by partnerships with IndiGo, Air India Express, and Air Arabia. Strategic partnerships with OTAs including Trip.com and Tongcheng in China, and Fursan Travel, Almatar, and Wego in Saudi Arabia, alongside membership in luxury travel networks Virtuoso and Serandipians by Traveller Made, strengthened Ras Al Khaimah’s international positioning.
The authority emphasized workforce engagement and recognition through the launch of the BeRAK app and the inaugural RAK Tourism Excellence Awards, which celebrated innovation and leadership across six categories. RAKTDA was also named ‘Employer of the Year – Government Sector’ at the GCC GOV HR & Youth Awards, reflecting its commitment to supporting tourism employees as part of the broader visitor experience.
