Ras Al Khaimah has delivered its strongest tourism performance on record, welcoming 1.35 million overnight visitors in 2025, as the Emirate cements its position as one of the Middle East’s fastest-growing and most future-focused destinations.
Figures released by the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) show visitor numbers rose by 6 per cent year-on-year, while tourism revenues increased by 12 per cent, underlining the sector’s growing contribution to economic resilience, employment and long-term investment value.
The results were driven by a combination of expanding air connectivity, major hospitality investment, a strengthened events calendar and sustained growth across both leisure and business travel segments.
RAKTDA said 2025 marked a year of “transformational momentum”, with progress across destination development, sustainability, partnerships and people-first initiatives supporting the Emirate’s ambition to exceed 3.5 million annual visitors by 2030.
Strong growth across international markets
Tourism growth was recorded across both domestic (+7 per cent) and international markets, with particularly strong performances from India (+14 per cent), China (+19 per cent), the United Kingdom (+10 per cent) and Russia (+20 per cent).
Expanded direct air connectivity also unlocked sharp increases from Central and Eastern Europe and the CIS, including Romania (+41 per cent), Poland (+22 per cent), Uzbekistan (+19 per cent) and Belarus (+26 per cent).
Business events, incentives and weddings continued to emerge as high-value growth drivers, with MICE and weddings revenues rising by 25 per cent year-on-year, supported by improved infrastructure and the Emirate’s positioning as a premium yet accessible alternative for regional and international events.
New leadership and long-term vision
The appointment of Phillipa Harrison as chief executive of RAKTDA in August 2025 marked a significant milestone. Formerly chief executive of Tourism Australia, her arrival signalled a renewed focus on transformational destination growth, global competitiveness and long-term sustainability.
RAKTDA said the leadership transition reinforces Ras Al Khaimah’s ambition to become one of the region’s most investable and liveable tourism economies.
Hospitality investment gathers pace
Ras Al Khaimah continued to diversify and upscale its accommodation offering in 2025, with new openings including Rove Al Marjan Island and SO/ Ras Al Khaimah, part of the Accor luxury portfolio.
Confidence from global hospitality brands remained strong, with major hotel announcements from Janu, Four Seasons, Fairmont, Taj and NH Collection, supporting the Emirate’s goal to double hotel room keys by 2030.
One of the most closely watched developments, Wynn Al Marjan Island, reached a major construction milestone in 2025, with its 70-storey tower topping out at 283 metres. The USD 5.1 billion resort, due to open in 2027, will feature more than 1,500 rooms and suites, 22 food and beverage venues, luxury retail, a theatre and a marina. It is expected to create more than 9,000 jobs and significantly elevate Ras Al Khaimah’s global profile in the premium travel market.
Master developments reshape the destination
A new generation of large-scale developments is underpinning Ras Al Khaimah’s transition into a world-class place to live, invest and visit.
2025 saw the unveiling of Marjan Beach, an 85 million sq ft beachfront masterplan featuring 12,000 hotel keys and 22,000 residential units, with sustainability embedded into its urban design. Meanwhile, RAK Central, a new mixed-use commercial district, achieved a major milestone with all commercial plots sold out within a year, highlighting strong investor confidence.
Events, culture and sport drive visibility
The Emirate’s cultural and sporting profile continued to expand through a packed calendar of events. The Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon recorded its highest-ever participation, while the UAE Tour returned to Jebel Jais, showcasing the Emirate to a global audience.
Cultural and business events, including the Ras Al Khaimah Art Festival, the Exotic Wedding Planning Conference and the inaugural International Real Estate Investment Summit, reinforced the destination’s growing role as a platform for creativity, commerce and investment dialogue.
The year concluded with a landmark New Year’s Eve celebration, setting a Guinness World Records title for the largest aerial display of a phoenix formed by drones, alongside a six-kilometre fireworks display.
Connectivity and partnerships fuel growth
Expanded air routes from Europe, the CIS, Saudi Arabia and India strengthened access to the Emirate, supported by airline partnerships with IndiGo, Air India Express and Air Arabia. Plans were also confirmed for a LEED Gold–targeted VIP private aviation terminal at Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, scheduled to open in 2027.
Strategic partnerships with luxury travel networks Virtuoso and Serandipians, alongside major online travel platforms in China and Saudi Arabia, further broadened Ras Al Khaimah’s reach in high-value markets.
A people-first approach
Alongside infrastructure and investment, RAKTDA emphasised workforce development and industry engagement, launching the BeRAK tourism app and hosting the inaugural RAK Tourism Excellence Awards.
The authority was also named Employer of the Year, Government Sector at the GCC GOV HR & Youth Awards, reinforcing its view that long-term tourism success begins with empowered and supported people.
As Ras Al Khaimah looks ahead, officials say the record-breaking results of 2025 demonstrate the Emirate’s ability to deliver sustainable growth at scale, positioning tourism as a central pillar of its economic future.