Record 654,000 visitors seen at Ras Al Khaimah in H1 amid booming tourism
Ras Al Khaimah posts strongest-ever H1 visitor numbers, driven by air links and new hotels
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.
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