Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority announced its strongest annual results, with 1.28 million visitors in 2024. Meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) visitors grew by 15% year on year, while tourism revenue increased by 12%. The emirate’s sustainable growth strategy targets more than 3.5 million annual visitors by 2030.
Chief Executive Officer Raki Phillips described 2024 as exceptional, reflecting sustainability, stronger connectivity and distinctive experiences. He said the strategy goes beyond visitor growth to establish Ras Al Khaimah as a leading global destination for the future.
Contributors included new hotels and resorts, a wider calendar of international events, improved connectivity at Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, strong marketing and more than 2,200 promotional activities across 70 cities.
The authority’s sustainability program was recognized as the Middle East’s most sustainable project at the 2024 Forbes Middle East Sustainability Leaders Summit.
The recognition reinforces Ras Al Khaimah’s position as the first Middle Eastern destination with EarthCheck Silver Certification, supported by initiatives such as Responsible RAK sustainability certification for hotels and tourism businesses.
International airport connections
New direct flights from key cities in Poland, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Romania, the Czech Republic, Russia, Saudi Arabia and India improved access.
The emirate hosted events including the Ras Al Khaimah Golf Championship, the third HIGHLANDER hiking challenge, Arab Aviation Summit, Global Citizen Forum for a fourth consecutive year, the sixteenth Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon, HUAWEI AppGallery Gamers Cup and the launch of the Seven Wonders music series.
Its 2025 New Year fireworks and drone show set two Guinness World Records: the largest aerial tree display and largest seashell formed by multirotor drones.
The authority led Great Place to Work rankings for a fourth consecutive year and received recognition among the Middle East’s best workplaces, the GCC hospitality sector’s best workplaces and the GCC’s best workplaces for women.
It continues diversifying existing and emerging markets, focusing on the CIS, GCC, Europe, India and China.
China market
China emerged as a major growth market. In 2024 the authority strengthened partnerships with Huawei and Trip.com and expanded its presence on WeChat, RED and Douyin.
These efforts earned Trip.com’s 2024 Best Global Partner and Outstanding Strategic Partner awards, alongside Huawei Petal Ads recognition as the fastest-growing tourism destination, strengthening its appeal to Chinese travelers.
MICE visitor growth of 15% was supported by strategic initiatives including more than 80 international promotional activities across 20 markets. The openings of Sofitel Al Hamra Beach Resort and Anantara Mina Al Arab added luxury experiences, including the emirate’s first overwater villas.
The emirate’s balanced sustainable tourism approach aims to grow while preserving its culture. InterNations ranked it tenth among the world’s best cities for expatriates, first in the “Expat Essentials” index, second for working abroad and fifth for ease of settling in.
The inaugural Emirati Hospitality Program, developed with Career Lab and Switzerland’s Les Roches, graduated 18 young Emiratis, demonstrating investment in future tourism leaders, according to the Emirates News Agency.
Source: Emirates News Agency.
