Ras Al Khaimah has emerged as a formidable tourism destination, achieving unprecedented growth with 1.3 million international visitors in 2025, marking a 6% increase from the previous year. The emirate’s Tourism Development Authority reported a substantial 12% surge in tourism revenues, underscoring its successful strategic initiatives.
Phillipa Harrison, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, characterized 2025 as a landmark year, emphasizing the emirate’s evolution beyond numerical growth to encompass expanded offerings, signature events, new hotel developments, and strengthened global partnerships. The authority remains committed to developing sustainable tourism that delivers long-term value for visitors, investors, and the local community through 2030.
Market diversification played a crucial role in this success, with exceptional performance across key source regions including the CIS nations, United Kingdom, India, China, and Central and Eastern Europe. Specific countries demonstrated remarkable growth: Romania (+41%), Poland (+22%), Uzbekistan (+19%), Belarus (+26%), India (+14%), China (+19%), UK (+10%), and Russia (+20%).
High-value tourism segments experienced particularly strong performance, with MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) and wedding tourism recording a 25% revenue increase. This reflects Ras Al Khaimah’s growing appeal as a premium destination for business events and luxury celebrations.
The emirate’s hospitality landscape continued to expand with strategic openings including Rove Al Marjan Island and SO/ Ras Al Khaimah, introducing new beachfront lifestyle experiences. International luxury brands such as Janu, Four Seasons, Fairmont, Taj, and NH Collection announced new projects, supporting the emirate’s ambitious goal to double hotel capacity by 2030.
A significant milestone was achieved at Wynn Al Marjan Island, the UAE’s first integrated resort, which topped out its 283-meter, 70-story tower. The $5.1 billion destination resort, scheduled to open in 2027, will feature 1,530 rooms and suites, 22 dining venues, a theater, luxury retail spaces, and a marina. This development is projected to generate over 9,000 jobs and catalyze a new wave of international tourism.
Major master-planned projects advanced substantially throughout 2025. Marjan Beach, an 85 million square foot development, will incorporate 12,000 hotel keys, 22,000 residential units, and extensive sustainable green spaces. RAK Central, a new mixed-use commercial district, achieved full commercial plot sales within a year, demonstrating strong investor confidence in the emirate’s economic vision.