Record 654,000 visitors seen at Ras Al Khaimah in H1 amid booming tourism

Dubai: Ras Al Khaimah is fast emerging as one of the UAE’s top getaway spots, with more flights, new hotels, and a growing calendar of events driving a sharp rise in visitors.

In the first half of 2025, the Emirate welcomed a record 654,000 tourists — its highest ever for a six-month period. According to the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), the figure marks a 6% year-on-year increase in arrivals and a 9% boost in tourism revenues, highlighting its momentum as a fast-growing destination.

“These half-year achievements are a clear testament to the strength of Ras Al Khaimah’s tourism offering,” said Raki Phillips, CEO of RAKTDA. “Every milestone contributes to our goal of welcoming 3.5 million annual visitors by 2030.”

Air connectivity drives growth

Key to the performance was expanded international air connectivity. New direct routes to Ras Al Khaimah International Airport from Poland, Romania, Uzbekistan, Belarus and the Czech Republic unlocked significant growth, especially from:

• Romania (+65%)

• Poland (+56%)

• Uzbekistan (+47%)

• Belarus (+30%)

Visitor numbers also hit half-year records from India (+25%), China (+9.2%), UK (+5%), and Russia (+7%).

Big hotel boost to hospitality pipeline

Ras Al Khaimah is actively scaling its hotel infrastructure, with plans to more than double its room count by 2030. In H1 2025 alone, several high-profile hotel projects were confirmed:

• Four Seasons Resort & Residences Ras Al Khaimah

• Fairmont Al Marjan Island

• Taj Wellington Mews Al Marjan Island

• NH Collection Ras Al Khaimah Al Marjan Island

The newly opened Rove Al Marjan Island added further diversity to the Emirate’s accommodation mix, targeting budget-conscious and lifestyle-focused travellers.

More deals expand market reach

RAKTDA continued its strategic push to broaden Ras Al Khaimah’s tourism appeal through multiple partnerships:

• A joint initiative with Fujairah Adventures for inter-Emirate itineraries

• Agreements with Trip.com, Tongcheng and other major Chinese OTAs

• New tie-ups with four top Saudi OTAs to tap into GCC demand

• A Huawei MoU to enhance digital tourism experiences

• A Web3 pilot with Open World to explore blockchain-based tourism rewards

Key events anchor lifestyle appeal

Events also played a key role in driving traffic and brand visibility. The Emirate’s first-half calendar featured:

• The RAK Half Marathon, drawing over 10,000 participants and spectators

• The UAE Tour, with its signature Jebel Jais mountain stage

• The DP World Tour’s RAK Championship at Al Hamra Golf Club

• The HIGHLANDER hiking series

• The debut of Jais Ride, a gruelling 25km uphill cycling challenge

Notably, MICE and wedding tourism revenues jumped 36% year-on-year, powered by international incentive groups and destination weddings.

With a clear long-term vision and solid near-term results, Ras Al Khaimah is strengthening its position among the UAE’s most dynamic tourism destinations. Supported by infrastructure, connectivity and global brand partnerships, the Emirate’s tourism ambitions continue to scale — sustainably and strategically.