In a move that’s part clever strategy, part travel glow-up, the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) just shook hands (and probably snapped a few selfies) with three powerhouse travel players in Saudi Arabia — Fursan Travel, Smart Holidays, and Almatar — during Arabian Travel Market 2025. Why? To sprinkle a little extra Ras Al Khaimah magic into Saudi travel plans, of course.
Let’s break it down. These aren’t just your run-of-the-mill travel deals. We’re talking full-on co-marketing alliances that include influencer collaborations (hello, travel inspo reels!), shiny digital campaigns, and curated content that screams “You need this beach getaway now.”
Why Saudi Arabia, though?
Well, if the GCC were a music festival, Saudi Arabia would be the headline act. It’s the largest outbound travel market in the region, with serious spending power and a healthy obsession with short-haul escapes — cue Ras Al Khaimah’s sandy beaches, rugged mountains, and five-star spa vibes. Currently, a whopping 30% of GCC bookings to Ras Al Khaimah come from Saudi travellers. So yeah, this market isn’t just important — it’s VIP.
Each OTA brings their own sparkle to the party.
Fursan Travel, Smart Holidays, and Almatar are basically the Avengers of the Saudi travel scene. Together, they’ll serve up experiences tailored to the tastes and habits of Saudi travellers — from dreamy desert retreats to luxury resort living. Whether it’s a quick weekend escape or a full-blown family vacay, these partnerships mean travellers get what they want, when they want it, with all the Instagrammable extras.
Iyad Rasbey, VP at RAKTDA, summed it up best:
“These partnerships are a critical part of our growth strategy,” he said, in what we assume was a very cool and collected voice, “We’re delivering high-impact, data-driven campaigns that speak directly to Saudi travellers.” Translation? RAKTDA is playing it smart and making sure their message lands where it counts — in the hearts (and booking apps) of Saudi jetsetters.
Oh, and let’s not forget the cherry on top: a shiny new direct flight from Jeddah to Ras Al Khaimah, courtesy of Air Arabia. So if you were waiting for a sign to book that trip — consider this your boarding call.
Ras Al Khaimah is stepping up its game in Saudi Arabia in a big way — with smarter campaigns, stronger partnerships, and easier access. The goal? Make the Emirate the go-to spot for Saudi travellers looking for sun, style, and serenity. Spoiler alert: It’s working.
So, Saudis — pack your bags, charge your phones (because you’ll want lots of pics), and get ready. Ras Al Khaimah is rolling out the red carpet.
If Ras Al Khaimah had a relationship status with Saudi Arabia, it would now proudly read: “It’s getting serious.” And we love that for them.
