Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) has reported 1.35 million overnight visitors in 2025, representing a 6 per cent increase year-on-year, with tourism revenues growing by 12 per cent.
The emirate recorded growth from domestic visitors (+7 per cent) and international markets including India (+14 per cent), China (+19 per cent), the United Kingdom (+10 per cent) and Russia (+20 per cent). Visitors from Romania increased by 41 per cent, Poland by 22 per cent, Uzbekistan by 19 per cent, and Belarus by 26 per cent, driven by expanded direct flight connectivity.
MICE and weddings revenues grew by 25 per cent in 2025, supported by conferences, incentive travel and weddings.
RAK tourism grows 6% as emirate records 1.35 million overnight visitors in 2025
“2025 has been a landmark year for Ras Al Khaimah. The emirate has grown not just in numbers, but in the depth and breadth of its offering – from signature events and new hotels to stronger global partnerships and steady growth in visitor arrivals. As we look ahead to 2030, we’re more committed than ever to shaping tourism that delivers long-term value for visitors, investors and our community,” Phillipa Harrison, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority said in a statement.
Harrison joined as CEO of RAKTDA in August 2025, bringing experience from leading the tourism strategy at Tourism Australia. Her appointment supports the emirate’s target to exceed 3.5 million visitors by 2030.
Ras Al Khaimah opened Rove Al Marjan Island and SO/ Ras Al Khaimah in 2025. The emirate announced hotels from brands including Janu, Four Seasons, Fairmont, Taj and NH Collection, supporting its goal to double hotel keys by 2030.
Wynn Al Marjan Island reached a construction milestone with its 70-storey tower topping out at 283 metres. The $5.1 billion integrated resort will feature 1,530 rooms and suites, 22 food and beverage venues, a theatre, retail outlets and a marina when it opens in 2027. The development is expected to create over 9,000 jobs.
Marjan Beach, spanning 85 million sq. ft., was unveiled in 2025. The beachfront development will include 12,000 hotel keys and 22,000 residential units, with 30 per cent of the area designated for open green space.
RAK Central, a mixed-use commercial district, sold out all commercial plots within a year of launch.
Ras Al Khaimah sets GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS with 2,300-drone New Year’s Eve display
The 18th edition of the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon attracted over 10,000 participants and spectators. The UAE Tour returned for its 7th consecutive Jebel Jais Mountain Stage, whilst HIGHLANDER hiking event also took place in the emirate.
The 13th Ras Al Khaimah Art Festival brought together over 100 artists. The Exotic Wedding Planning Conference returned for its second edition, and the International Real Estate Investment Summit (IREIS) took place in the emirate.
The emirate set a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title for the ‘Largest aerial display of a phoenix formed by multirotors/drones’ on New Year’s Eve, with 2,300 drones, followed by a six-kilometre fireworks display.
Ras Al Khaimah International Airport launched direct routes from Saudi Arabia (Jeddah), Poland (Warsaw and Katowice), Romania (Bucharest), Russia (Moscow, Kazan and Yekaterinburg), Belarus (Minsk), Uzbekistan (Tashkent), and the Czech Republic (Prague). Airline partnerships with IndiGo, Air India Express and Air Arabia were strengthened.
Plans were announced for a LEED Gold-targeted VIP Terminal, scheduled to open in 2027.
Ras Al Khaimah signed a partnership with Celestyal Cruises to grow cruise arrivals in the Arabian Gulf.
China and India visitor numbers surge as Ras Al Khaimah expands flight routes
RAKTDA signed agreements with online travel agencies including Trip.com and Tongcheng in China, and Fursan Travel, Almatar and Wego in Saudi Arabia.
The emirate joined Virtuoso and Serandipians by Traveller Made, two travel networks for luxury travellers. RAKTDA also formed a partnership with media platform Huawei.
RAKTDA launched the BeRAK app for tourism sector employees and hosted the RAK Tourism Excellence Awards, recognising innovation across six categories.
The authority was named ‘Employer of the Year – Government Sector’ at the GCC GOV HR & Youth Awards.
