Ras Al Khaimah’s Tourism Sets New Records in First Half of 2025

The Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) has announced an outstanding performance for the first six months of 2025, reaching a new milestone with over 654,000 visitor arrivals. This represents a six per cent year-on-year increase, alongside a nine per cent boost in tourism revenues.

“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 Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority. “From expanded air connectivity and high-profile hotel developments to strategic partnerships and a growing calendar of experiences and events, every milestone contributes to Ras Al Khaimah’s standing as one of the world’s fastest growing destinations. With a clear vision to welcome over 3.5 million visitors annually by 2030, the Emirate is firmly on track to deliver long-term, sustainable value for its economy, communities and tourists.”

These results reflect RAKTDA’s ongoing endeavours to expand connectivity, diversify the Emirate’s tourism appeal, and strengthen its presence across key international and regional markets. Highlights from the first half of 2025 include:

• 654,000 visitor arrivals — the highest for a six-month period (up six per cent year-on-year)
• Nine per cent increase in tourism revenues
• 36 per cent growth in MICE and wedding revenues
• Strong visitor numbers from key markets, including CIS, UK, India, China, and Central and Eastern Europe
• Notable growth from markets with new direct flight routes, such as Romania (+65 per cent), Poland (+56 per cent), Uzbekistan (+47 per cent), and Belarus (+30 per cent)
• Major hotel launches including Four Seasons, Fairmont, Taj, NH Collection (Minor Hotels), supporting plans to double hotel keys by 2030
• Several strategic collaborations, including MoUs with Fujairah Adventures, Huawei, Open World, and leading OTAs in China and KSA
• An expanded events calendar featuring the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon, UAE Tour, HIGHLANDER, and the new Jais Ride cycling challenge

Strong Growth in Key Markets

Key source markets recorded significant gains, with Indian visitors increasing by 25 per cent year-on-year. The UK (+five per cent), China (+9.2 per cent), and Russia (+seven per cent) also registered their highest-ever half-year arrival figures. Markets such as Romania (+65 per cent), Poland (+56 per cent), Uzbekistan (+47 per cent), and Belarus (+30 per cent) experienced exceptional expansion, driven by new direct flight connections to Ras Al Khaimah International Airport — a crucial factor in inbound growth.

MICE and weddings revenue surged by 36 per cent, driven by high-value weddings, international conferences, incentive groups, and strategic initiatives positioning Ras Al Khaimah as an emerging hub for events and incentive travel.

Connectivity, Hotel Developments, and Investment Momentum

During the first half of 2025, Ras Al Khaimah International Airport continued expanding its routes, with direct flights from Poland (Katowice and Warsaw), Romania (Bucharest), Russia (Moscow), Uzbekistan (Tashkent), and the Czech Republic (Prague), boosting visitor arrivals. Ongoing upgrades aim to increase capacity for larger aircraft and enhance the visitor experience, bolstering its role as a key gateway.

The hotel sector also saw vibrant growth, with new developments such as NH Collection Ras Al Khaimah Al Marjan Island Hotel & Apartments (156 keys), Fairmont Al Marjan Island (250 keys), Taj Wellington Mews Al Marjan Island (336 apartments), and Four Seasons Resort and Residences Ras Al Khaimah at Mina Al Arab (150 keys). Additionally, the opening of Rove Al Marjan Island introduces a contemporary beachfront hotel, adding to Ras Al Khaimah’s appeal across different market segments. These developments are a vital part of the Emirate’s plan to more than double its hotel keys by 2030, making it one of the quickest-growing regions in the Middle East.

Partnerships and Signature Events Drive Growth

Strategic collaborations are playing a major role in destination development and market expansion. In April, a cross-Emirate partnership with Fujairah Adventures was formalised at the International Conference on Adventure Tourism, showcasing the complementary strengths of both destinations. MoUs with leading Chinese OTAs like Trip.com and Tongcheng aim to attract more visitors from China. In the Gulf Cooperation Council region, partnerships with Saudi-based OTAs—including Fursan Travel, Smart Holidays, Almatar, and Wego—are tapping into rising GCC demand and evolving travel trends. The Emirate has also advanced its smart tourism capabilities through a MoU with Huawei, and is exploring blockchain technology with Web3 partner Open World to create a visitor engagement rewards platform.

The first half of 2025 also saw Ras Al Khaimah’s signature events calendar grow, with record attendance at the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon—over 10,000 runners and spectators—along with the UAE Tour’s Jebel Jais Mountain stage, the Ras Al Khaimah Championship on the DP World Tour, and the return of the HIGHLANDER hiking challenge. The debut of Jais Ride—a 25km cycling race up Ras Al Khaimah’s highest peak—highlighted the Emirate’s growing reputation as a sports and entertainment hub.