654,000 visitor arrivals, 9% revenue growth, and expanded global reach cement Emirate’s rise as a tourism powerhouse
Ras Al Khaimah’s tourism sector continues its impressive growth trajectory with a record-breaking first half of 2025, as the emirate welcomed over 654,000 visitors—the highest ever for six months—marking a 6% year-on-year increase in arrivals and a 9% jump in tourism revenues. The figures, released by the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), underscore the emirate’s evolution into one of the Middle East’s fastest-growing tourism destinations.
“These half-year achievements are a clear testament to the strength of Ras Al Khaimah’s tourism offering and the impact of its focused strategy,” said Raki Phillips, CEO of RAKTDA. “Our goal of welcoming over 3.5 million visitors annually by 2030 is well within reach as we continue to build long-term, sustainable value for our economy, our communities, and our guests.”
Tourism by the Numbers: Growth Across the Board
The first half of 2025 saw dynamic performance across all tourism indicators:
- 654,000+ visitor arrivals, up 6% year-on-year
- 9% growth in tourism revenues
- 36% surge in MICE and Weddings revenues
- Significant growth across key source markets, including the CIS, UK, India, China, and Central & Eastern Europe
The emirate recorded particularly high growth from countries with new and expanded air connectivity, including Romania (+65%), Poland (+56%), Uzbekistan (+47%), and Belarus (+30%).
MICE & Weddings: A Strategic Growth Segment
Business and celebratory travel played a key role in the emirate’s strong results. Revenues from the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences & Exhibitions) and Weddings segments jumped by 36%, driven by a surge in high-value destination weddings and large-scale corporate events. Ras Al Khaimah’s growing reputation as a premier events destination is being bolstered by tailored experiences, world-class venues, and strategic marketing.
Connectivity and Infrastructure Expansion
Ras Al Khaimah International Airport is emerging as a critical enabler of tourism growth, with direct routes from key cities including Katowice, Warsaw, Bucharest, Moscow, Tashkent, and Prague. These routes are supported by ongoing airport upgrades designed to accommodate larger aircraft and streamline the arrival experience.
Meanwhile, major hotel announcements and openings are further strengthening the emirate’s accommodation offering. Among the notable projects announced in the first half of the year:
- Fairmont Al Marjan Island (250 keys)
- Taj Wellington Mews Al Marjan Island (336 hotel apartments)
- Four Seasons Resort and Residences at Mina Al Arab (150 keys)
- NH Collection Ras Al Khaimah Al Marjan Island Hotel & Apartments (156 keys)
- Rove Al Marjan Island – a lifestyle beachfront property marking the brand’s debut in the emirate
These developments support Ras Al Khaimah’s ambition to more than double its hotel inventory by 2030, one of the most aggressive expansion strategies in the region.
Strategic Partnerships Drive Diversified Growth
RAKTDA strengthened its international footprint through a series of high-impact partnerships:
- A cross-Emirate agreement with Fujairah Adventures, creating a joint adventure tourism itinerary
- Strategic MoUs with leading Chinese OTAs, including Trip.com and Tongcheng, tapping into growing demand from China
- Collaborations with top Saudi OTAs—Fursan Travel, Smart Holidays, Almatar, and Wego—to attract regional travelers
- A tech-forward MoU with Huawei to enhance smart tourism infrastructure
- A partnership with Open World exploring Web3-based visitor rewards, reinforcing the emirate’s innovation credentials
Signature Events Strengthen Destination Appeal
Ras Al Khaimah continues to invest in high-impact events to enhance livability and visitor engagement. The first half of 2025 saw a packed calendar of international sporting experiences:
- The 18th Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon, with a record turnout of over 10,000
- The return of the UAE Tour, featuring the dramatic Jebel Jais mountain stage
- The 4th edition of the Ras Al Khaimah Championship on the DP World Golf Tour
- The HIGHLANDER hiking adventure, drawing global outdoor enthusiasts
- The debut of Jais Ride, a challenging 25km cycling ascent of the UAE’s highest peak
These events not only attract international participants and spectators but also position Ras Al Khaimah as a regional hub for outdoor, endurance, and lifestyle tourism.
Looking Ahead: A Destination with Momentum
With solid half-year results and an ambitious 2030 vision, Ras Al Khaimah is carving a distinct niche in the competitive Middle East tourism landscape. Strategic investments, global partnerships, and a diversified offering across leisure, business, and adventure segments are driving sustained momentum.
As Raki Phillips puts it, “Every milestone—from hotel openings to route expansions and tech partnerships—brings us closer to establishing Ras Al Khaimah as one of the most vibrant, resilient, and forward-thinking destinations in the world.”
