If you’ve been wondering where everyone is heading for their weekend escapes and sun-soaked adventures, spoiler alert: it’s Ras Al Khaimah. The emirate just dropped some serious numbers for the first half of 2025, and let’s just say… RAK is having its main-character moment.
Over 654,000 visitors packed their bags and made their way to this northern gem in just six months — that’s a 6% jump from last year. And they didn’t just show up; they splurged! Tourism revenues leapt by 9%, proving that RAK’s beaches, mountains, and adventure thrills are worth every dirham.
RAK’s Tourism Glow-Up
Raki Phillips, the CEO of RAKTDA, couldn’t have said it better: from skyrocketing flight connections to new hotels popping up like desert wildflowers, the emirate is on a roll. The mission? 3.5 million visitors a year by 2030 — and honestly, they’re already warming up the winner’s podium.
Some highlights worth bragging about:
- MICE & weddings revenue up 36% – because clearly, everyone wants their “I dos” with a mountain backdrop.
- Markets on fire: Romania (+65%), Poland (+56%), Uzbekistan (+47%) – RAK is basically Europe’s new weekend crush.
- India (+25%) and China (+9.2%) also brought their travel A-game.
And if you think this is all talk, check out the hotel lineup that’s about to make staycations irresistible: Fairmont Al Marjan Island, Four Seasons Mina Al Arab, Taj Wellington Mews, NH Collection, plus the brand-new Rove Al Marjan Island for your casual-chic getaway. Basically, whatever your vibe – glam, relaxed, or family-ready – RAK’s got you.
Flying in Hot – Literally
RAK International Airport is quietly becoming the ultimate travel wingman. With new direct flights from Warsaw, Katowice, Bucharest, Moscow, Tashkent, and Prague, you can practically hop off the plane and onto a zipline at Jebel Jais. And yes, airport expansion plans are in motion to make arrivals even smoother.
Adventures, Events & a Touch of Tech
RAK isn’t just racking up tourists; it’s racking up events. This year alone saw the record-breaking Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon, UAE Tour Jebel Jais stage, DP World Tour golf championship, and the first-ever 25 km Jais Ride cycling challenge. Adventure seekers got their fix with HIGHLANDER hiking – because nothing says “vacation” like conquering a mountain.
Oh, and RAK is also going digital. From Huawei collabs to blockchain-powered visitor engagement (yes, even your holiday snaps might get futuristic), the emirate is blending nature with next-gen tech like a pro.
So, if you’re still Googling “where to escape the city this weekend,” just stop. RAK is serving record numbers, epic events, and resort vibes on a silver platter – and judging by the first half of 2025, it’s only getting hotter.
