If Ras Al Khaimah were throwing a party for 2025, this would be the year it casually taps the mic and says, “Okay everyone, watch this.” Because the numbers are in—and they’re very much main-character energy.
According to Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, the emirate welcomed 1.35 million overnight visitors in 2025, marking a 6% year-on-year jump, alongside a 12% boost in tourism revenues. Not bad for a destination that’s still often described as the UAE’s “best-kept secret”… though at this rate, the secret is very much out.
A year that didn’t just grow—it levelled up
As Phillipa Harrison, CEO of RAKTDA, neatly summed it up, 2025 wasn’t just about more visitors—it was about better experiences, deeper offerings, and long-term value. Think less “quick getaway,” more “wow, should I move here?”
And honestly? The highlights list reads like Ras Al Khaimah checked off every box on the global destination wish list—and then added a few bonus ones.
Flights, fans, and full dance floors (aka global growth)
Tourism growth came flying in—literally—from all directions. Strong performances across the UK, India, China, Russia, and the CIS were backed by expanded direct flight connectivity. Meanwhile, emerging markets like Romania (+41%), Poland (+22%), Uzbekistan (+19%), and Belarus (+26%) showed serious love for RAK.
Closer to home, domestic tourism grew by 7%, proving that UAE residents are just as keen to rediscover their northern neighbour.
And if weddings, conferences, and big-deal business events are your thing—RAK had a very good year. MICE and Weddings revenues jumped by 25%, thanks to high-value destination weddings, international conferences, and incentive travel that clearly understood the assignment.
New leadership, big vision
August 2025 marked a turning point with Phillipa Harrison stepping in as CEO. With her experience steering Australia’s national tourism strategy, her appointment signalled one thing loud and clear: Ras Al Khaimah is playing the long game.
The goal? More than 3.5 million visitors by 2030—and judging by the pace, that target is less “ambitious dream” and more “actively loading.”
Hotels, hotels, and… yes, more hotels
2025 was a very good year for anyone who enjoys checking into beautiful places.
New openings like Rove Al Marjan Island and SO/ Ras Al Khaimah added fresh, lifestyle-led energy to the hospitality scene, while major global brands—Janu, Four Seasons, Fairmont, Taj, and NH Collection—lined up their flags for future launches.
All of this supports Ras Al Khaimah’s big hospitality goal: doubling hotel keys by 2030. Translation? More choice, more style, and more reasons to stay one more night.
And then there’s the showstopper…
Wynn Al Marjan Island: the glow-up everyone’s watching
If construction milestones could trend on social media, Wynn Al Marjan Island would be viral.
In 2025, the UAE’s first integrated resort hit a major moment as its 70-storey tower topped out at 283 metres, officially becoming the tallest structure in the emirate. With interior fit-outs now underway, the USD 5.1 billion resort is on track for a 2027 opening—and it’s bringing 1,530 rooms, 22 dining venues, a theatre, luxury retail, a marina, and over 9,000 new jobs along for the ride.
In short: this is a global tourism magnet in the making.
Big builds, bold masterplans
Ras Al Khaimah didn’t just build upwards in 2025—it built smart.
The unveiling of Marjan Beach, an 85-million-sq-ft beachfront masterplan, was one of the year’s biggest mic-drop moments. With 12,000 hotel keys, 22,000 homes, and 30% green space, it’s sustainability-forward, future-focused, and very much designed for real life—not just glossy brochures.
Meanwhile, RAK Central quietly became a sell-out success, with all commercial plots snapped up within a year. Investors clearly like what they see—and they’re voting with their wallets.
Events that put RAK on the world stage
From sports to culture to “did that really just happen in the sky?”, Ras Al Khaimah’s events calendar went all in.
- The Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon hit a record 10,000+ participants and spectators
- The UAE Tour returned to Jebel Jais for its iconic mountain stage
- HIGHLANDER brought global hiking credentials back to the emirate
- The Ras Al Khaimah Art Festival welcomed over 100 artists from around the world
- The Exotic Wedding Planning Conference and International Real Estate Investment Summit elevated RAK’s business and luxury credentials
And then came New Year’s Eve—where Ras Al Khaimah casually set a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title with 2,300 drones forming a phoenix, followed by six kilometres of fireworks. Subtle? No. Iconic? Absolutely.
Easier to reach—by air and sea
Getting to Ras Al Khaimah got easier (and fancier) in 2025.
New direct flights launched from Saudi Arabia, Poland, Romania, Russia, Belarus, Uzbekistan, and the Czech Republic, supported by partnerships with IndiGo, Air India Express, and Air Arabia. Plans were also announced for a LEED Gold–targeted VIP aviation terminal, set for 2027—hello, premium travellers.
At sea, a new multi-year partnership with Celestyal Cruises positioned Ras Al Khaimah as a premium stop for boutique cruise itineraries focused on nature, culture, and wellness.
Partnerships that matter
RAKTDA doubled down on smart alliances, signing MoUs with major OTAs across China and Saudi Arabia, and joining elite luxury travel networks Virtuoso and Serandipians. These aren’t just logos on a slide—they’re gateways to high-value travellers who care about quality, experience, and story.
People first, always
Behind the growth, RAKTDA kept the spotlight firmly on people.
The launch of the BeRAK app put employee wellbeing and engagement front and centre, while the inaugural RAK Tourism Excellence Awards celebrated innovation across the industry. The cherry on top? Being named Employer of the Year – Government Sector at the GCC GOV HR & Youth Awards.
Because great destinations don’t just happen—they’re built by empowered teams who believe in what they’re creating.
The takeaway?
2025 proved that Ras Al Khaimah isn’t just growing—it’s maturing, sharpening its identity, and confidently stepping into its global spotlight. With eyes firmly set on 2030, the emirate is shaping a future that’s adventurous, sustainable, luxurious, and refreshingly human.
