Ras Al Khaimah welcomes record 1.35 million tourists in 2025

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Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) has reported a record 1.35 million overnight visitors in 2025, marking a 6% year-on-year increase, alongside a 12% growth in tourism revenues. The growth was driven by a wave of new hotel openings, improved air connectivity and sustained investment in the emirate’s hospitality and aviation sectors.

Domestic visitors rose by 7%, while international tourists continued to dominate arrivals. The emirate recorded strong growth from across Asia and Europe, with key source markets including India (up 14%), the UK (up 10%) and Romania (up 41%). The MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) and wedding segments also saw double-digit gains, with travel revenues up 25%, reinforcing the emirate’s growing profile as an events destination.

Sporting and cultural events further bolstered demand, with highlights including the RAK Art Festival, the Highlander hiking challenge and the RAK Half Marathon, which drew 10,000 participants and spectators.

RAK Ras Al Khaimah Highlander Hiking event

Highlander hiking event / © www.extreme-photographer.com

Hospitality growth

Several hotel openings in 2025, including Rove Al Marjan Island and SO/ Ras Al Khaimah, added new beachfront options and reinforced plans to double the emirate’s room inventory by 2030. Future developments in 2026 and beyond feature projects from luxury groups including Fairmont, Four Seasons and Taj, among others.

Wynn Al Marjan Island, RAK’s flagship US$5.1 billion project, is also slated to open in 2027 as the UAE’s first integrated resort with 1,530 rooms, 22 dining venues, a theatre and marina. The project is expected to contribute more than 9,000 employment opportunities to the local market. Further reshaping the coastline, Marjan Beach, a new waterfront mixed-use development unveiled in 2025 will span 7.9 million square metres and add 12,000 hotel keys.

Aman Group to debut luxury resort in Ras Al Khaimah

Ennismore to open its first lifestyle resort in Ras Al Khaimah

Strengthened air and sea travel

Ras Al Khaimah International Airport advanced its network with new routes to cities including Jeddah, Moscow, Warsaw, Prague and Tashkent, operated by partner airlines such as IndiGo, Air India Express and Air Arabia. Meanwhile, a new luxury VVIP terminal and private jet hangar, set to open in 2027, will cater to high-profile travellers.

The emirate is also expanding its maritime offerings, partnering with Celestyal Cruises to provide stops in the Arabian Gulf for small-scale itineraries.

VVIP terminal render

Strategic partnerships further supported destination growth in 2025, with new trade agreements signed with Toncheng in China and Fursan Travel, Almatar and Wego in Saudi Arabia. In the luxury travel sector, RAK joined travel networks Virtuoso and Serandipians by Traveller Made to strengthen its visibility among global advisors and affluent travellers.

Commenting on the results, Phillipa Harrison, RAKTDA’s recently appointed CEO, said: “The emirate has grown not just in numbers, but in the depth and breadth of its offering – from signature events and new hotels to stronger global partnerships and steady growth in visitor arrivals.

“As we look ahead to 2030, we’re more committed than ever to shaping tourism that delivers long-term value for visitors, investors and our community.”

Ras Al Khaimah’s record-breaking year reflects wider gains across the UAE tourism landscape. Dubai’s hotel sector, for example, posted its strongest December results since 2006, with citywide occupancy reaching 84.3%, representing a 3.4% year-on-year increase.

For more information, visit raktda.com