UAE’s Ras Al Khaimah welcomes record...

Northern emirate sees 12% hike in tourism revenues and 15% rise in MICE visitors

Ras Al Khaimah, one of the UAE’s seven emirates, continues its strong tourism push with a record 1.28 million overnight arrivals in 2024.

That’s according to data from Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), which also reports 12% growth in tourism revenues and a 15% rise in MICE visitors.

Overnight arrivals climbed 5% compared to 2023, when Ras Al Khaimah welcomed 1.22 million overnight arrivals.

Around a 90-minute drive from Dubai, the emirate aims to attract 3.5 million annual visitors by 2030.

Commenting on the numbers, Raki Phillips, CEO of RAKTDA, said: “[Last year] was a milestone for Ras Al Khaimah, showcasing our commitment to sustainability, enhanced connectivity and diverse experiences tailored to every traveller.”

“Looking ahead, our vision extends beyond attracting more visitors; we aim to position Ras Al Khaimah as a destination of the future. With significant investments, world-class events, and groundbreaking developments on the horizon, 2025 is set to be another remarkable year.”

New hotel openings have helped attract more visitors to the emirate, as well as a growing calendar of events and attractions, plus increased air connectivity for international arrivals.

New direct flights were launched to Ras Al Khaimah International Airport from key cities in Poland, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Romania, Czech Republic, Russia, Saudi Arabia and India.

On the luxury front, the emirate welcomed its first Maldives-inspired overwater villas at Anantara Mina Al Arab Resort, set against the Hajar Mountains backdrop, and the Sofitel Al Hamra Beach Resort. The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert relaunched in October 2024 with new Signature Villas, and dining and entertainment experiences.

The Ritz-Carlton RAK, Al Wadi Desert, Signature Villas

Ras Al Khaimah continues to target markets in the CIS, Europe, India and China, which has emerged as a significant growth market, as well as in the GCC region.

Drawn by cooler temperatures, increasing numbers of UAE residents are also heading to the northern emirate. RAK recorded an 85% increase in holiday searches by UAE residents from September 2022 to December 2024, compared to the previous season, according to Expedia.

The 15% rise in MICE visitors was boosted in part by a free visa initiative that granted easier access for Indian MICE groups and wedding celebrations, plus positioning the emirate as a destination where there are a diverse range of activities available, from the beach to the mountains.

There is also a focus on accessible tourism, with RAKTDA partnering with accessible travel experts Sage Inclusion to undertake the largest assessment of its kind in the Middle East over a 12-week period. The initiative aims to elevate Ras Al Khaimah as a flagship destination for accessible tourism.

Looking ahead, the UAE’s first gaming resort and the Gulf’s first legal casino, Wynn Al Marjan Island, is slated to open in Ras Al Khaimah in 2027. The 1,542-key “integrated resort” including 22 restaurants, lounges and bars is located on Al Marjan Island, a four-island archipelago off the coast where much of RAK’s tourism development is taking place.

Among openings between 2026 and 2028, Marriott has announced four five-star properties so far, including hotels by Le Meridien, JW, Westin and W, while Hilton Marjan Island Beach Resort & Spa will debut in Q4 2026, and smaller operators, such as Nobu, will also arrive on the island.

For more information, visit raktda.com

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