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If you thought Ras Al Khaimah was just a quiet, scenic getaway, think again! The Emirate is about to double down—literally—on its hotel inventory, with a jaw-dropping 7,537 new rooms set to open by 2027. That’s right, the number of hotel rooms is set to skyrocket from 7,144 to over 14,600. So, if you’ve ever struggled to find a room with a sea view, your odds are about to get a whole lot better!
Luxury is the Name of the Game
Not just any hotels, though—71% of these new additions fall under the five-star category. We’re talking over-the-top luxury, where even the pillow menus feel like a Michelin-starred experience. Whether you’re into high-end resorts or want to sip cocktails at a rooftop infinity pool, Ras Al Khaimah is positioning itself as the next luxury hotspot.
A Who’s Who of Global Hotel Brands
A parade of big names is rolling into town, from the ultra-glam Wynn and Radisson Red to the chic Ushuaïa and the ever-reliable Millennium and Rove. If hotels had their own red carpet event, RAK would be hosting it. And it’s not just about variety—market leadership is shifting, too. Accor has swooped in to steal the crown from Hilton, thanks to some major rebranding moves. The former Al Marjan Resort is now Pullman, while Hilton Beach Resort has transformed into the high-energy Rixos Al Mairid.
Not to be outdone, Marriott is flexing hard, boasting the biggest pipeline in the Emirate with The Westin, W Al Marjan, and JW Marriott Al Marjan all set to launch by 2027. Translation? The competition is heating up, and luxury travelers are the real winners.
Branded Residences: Because One Vacation Isn’t Enough
Hotels aren’t the only ones getting a glow-up—RAK is diving headfirst into the branded residences game. Currently, there are zero (yes, zero!) operational branded residences, but by 2029, expect around 5,600 units popping up across 16 projects. Think Ritz-Carlton, Nobu, Nikki Beach, and Waldorf Astoria residences—because owning a slice of paradise is the new vacationing in one.
Unsurprisingly, Al Marjan Island is the crown jewel of this movement, snatching up 63% of these projects. The rest? They’re spreading across Al Hamra, Mina Al Arab, and the fresh-out-of-the-box Beach District.
Tourism is Thriving—And There’s No Sign of Slowing Down
If RAK’s visitor numbers were a stock, you’d want to invest. The Emirate saw 1.28 million overnight visitors in 2024, marking a solid 5.1% increase. And while the pandemic-induced travel boom of 2023 (a crazy 24% surge!) has cooled a bit, things are still looking up. By 2030, RAK is gunning for 3.5 million visitors, and with a 19% annual growth rate, that’s not just wishful thinking—it’s a calculated reality.
As demand surges, so do prices. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) has climbed by 14%, pushing revenue per available room (RevPAR) to AED421 ($115). Occupancy dipped slightly by 2.4%, but let’s be real—it’s all part of the master plan to attract premium visitors over budget travelers. Quality over quantity, folks!
Tatiana Veller, Managing Director of Stirling Hospitality Advisors, said
“Ras Al Khaimah’s hospitality sector is undergoing a remarkable transformation. The combination of strong government support, ambitious development plans, and the arrival of global hotel brands and investors is setting the stage for a new era of growth.”
Wynn Al Marjan Island: The Game Changer
If you thought RAK’s transformation was impressive, wait until 2027. That’s when Wynn Al Marjan Island, the Middle East’s first fully integrated resort, is set to redefine the region’s luxury tourism scene. This isn’t just another fancy hotel—it’s a destination in itself, designed to lure high-net-worth travelers from across the globe.
And here’s the kicker: with Wynn’s entry, the typical number of guests per hotel room is expected to shift from a family-friendly 2.5 to a more exclusive 1.75–1.85. Translation? The vibe is getting a whole lot more sophisticated.
Investment Opportunities Galore
RAK’s hospitality sector isn’t just growing—it’s strategically expanding. While luxury properties are stealing the spotlight, there’s a glaring gap in the midscale and upper-midscale segments. Serviced apartments, lifestyle hotels, and family-friendly resorts are goldmines waiting to be tapped.
Beyond hotels, there’s immense potential in residential developments, retail, F&B, staff accommodations, education, and even healthcare. The takeaway? RAK’s boom isn’t just a passing phase—it’s a long-term investment haven.
What’s Next?
With hotel supply and demand balancing out until 2025, the real crunch comes post-2026. Experts predict that RAK could comfortably house another 8,500 hotel rooms by 2030, proving that the Emirate’s growth trajectory is just getting started.
So, whether you’re a traveler, an investor, or just someone who enjoys a well-timed hotel room upgrade, keep your eyes on Ras Al Khaimah. The future is looking luxurious, and trust us—you’ll want a front-row seat.
