Alright, Ras Al Khaimah—aka the rising star of UAE tourism—is on a serious glow-up spree. Beaches? Stunning. Resorts? Luxe. Adventure parks? Adrenaline-packed. But while you’re sipping mocktails by an infinity pool, there’s a behind-the-scenes hustle keeping the show running—and it just got a spotlight of its own.
Enter the fifth edition of the RAK Investment Pulse report by Stirling Hospitality Advisors, aka the savvy insiders with a knack for spotting goldmines in hotel towels and frozen croissants. This isn’t your average snooze-fest whitepaper. Nope—this one reads like a hospitality treasure map, pointing out exactly where investors should dig next. Spoiler: it’s not just about building hotels anymore—it’s about everything that keeps them running smoothly.
16,000 Hotel Rooms by 2030—That’s a Lot of Bedsheets
RAK currently has over 8,000 hotel rooms and is poised to double that number by 2030. That’s 16,000 sets of room keys. And guess what comes with that? 16,000 pillowcases, breakfasts, check-ins, staff uniforms… You get the drift. It’s not just guests that need attention. It’s the entire ecosystem—laundry, logistics, staff housing, procurement, and more.
Tatiana Veller, Managing Director of Stirling Hospitality Advisors, commented: “As Ras Al Khaimah’s hospitality market enters a new era of growth, it’s vital that support infrastructure keeps pace. Operational systems such as laundry, logistics, and staffing are essential to delivering high-quality guest experiences. The report is a timely reminder to investors and stakeholders that strengthening these areas is key to long-term competitiveness, and the opportunity to scale with the market growth is abundant.”
Dubai to RAK for Bread Rolls? That’s a No From Us.
It turns out that many of RAK’s hotels are importing their bread, water, and even laundry services from outside the Emirate, mainly from Dubai. That means more fuel, more delays, and a whole lot more headaches. The report notes that 86% of hotels outsource laundry, and not in a cute “neighbourhood dry cleaner” way. We’re talking cross-Emirate outsourcing. It’s 2025. We can do better.
This inefficiency creates a golden opportunity for local investors to step in and establish facilities such as centralized laundry hubs, cold storage units, and procurement centers. Think of it as the unsung heroes of hospitality, because while chefs and front desks get the glory, the real MVPs are chilling in back-of-house logistics.
Staff Housing Isn’t Just a Box to Tick—It’s a Whole New Market
By 2030, Ras Al Khaimah will need housing for over 16,000 hotel staff. That’s an entire mini-city of chefs, lifeguards, receptionists, and spa therapists. Currently, over 60% of casual staff are sourced externally. That’s not just inefficient—it’s unsustainable.
The solution? Purpose-built staff housing and vocational training hubs that not only provide better lives for the people behind the scenes but also boost retention and service quality. Essentially, happy staff lead to happy guests, which in turn fosters thriving tourism.
Commenting on the report, Alison Grinnell, CEO of RAK Hospitality Holding, added: “RAK Investment Pulse fills a crucial need for reliable information and insights. As RAK is building its history and legacy, this newsletter is a way for the world to stay updated on the remarkable growth and development in this dynamic Emirate.”
So, Where’s the Smart Money Going?
According to the report, investors should keep their eyes (and wallets) on:
- Local laundry facilities (yes, it’s hot property now!)
- Centralized procurement and logistics hubs
- Cold storage and F&B supply chains
- Purpose-built staff housing zones
Bonus points if you make them eco-friendly—RAK is big on sustainability goals, and aligning with them gives you both purpose and profit.
Hot Tip: Tune Into the Report Reveal
If all this got your inner investor buzzing, don’t miss Stirling Hospitality’s webinar on June 25th at 10 AM. They’ll unpack the data, decode the trends, and maybe even help you find your successive big win.
Register here:
Because in the hospitality game, it’s not just about having five stars on your hotel front—it’s about having five-star systems behind the curtain too.
