The Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority in the UAE announced a strong performance in the first half of 2025, achieving a new record of more than 654,000 visitors, an annual increase of 6%, along with 9% growth in tourism revenue and a 36% rise in revenue from business events and weddings.
Raki Phillips, CEO of the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, said these half-year results are clear evidence of the strength of Ras Al Khaimah's tourism offering and the impact of its focused strategy, according to a press release published on the authority's website.
He added that from expanding air connectivity and hotel development to strategic partnerships and an expanded events calendar, all these pillars contribute to strengthening the emirate's position as one of the fastest-growing destinations in the world.
Phillips said the emirate is moving steadily toward achieving its vision of welcoming more than 3.5 million visitors annually by 2030, ensuring sustainable long-term value for its economy, community and visitors.
Highlights of the first half of 2025:
654,000 visitors, the highest half-year figure ever, up 6% compared with last year.
Tourism revenue growth of 9%.
A 36% rise in revenue from the business events and weddings sector.
Strong performance in key markets such as the Commonwealth of Independent States, the United Kingdom, India, China, and Central and Eastern Europe.
Notable increases from new markets thanks to direct air connectivity, including Romania (65%), Poland (56%), Uzbekistan (47%) and Belarus (30%).
Announcement of hotel projects including Four Seasons, Fairmont and Taj, supporting the plan to double the number of hotel rooms by 2030.
Strategic partnerships signed with Fujairah Adventures, Huawei, Open World, and online booking platforms in China and Saudi Arabia.
An expanded calendar of sports and tourism events such as the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon, the UAE Tour, Highlander and the new Jais Ride cycling challenge.
Strong Growth from International Markets
India recorded annual growth of 25%, while the United Kingdom (up 5%), China (9.2%) and Russia (7%) achieved their highest arrival levels in the first half of the year. Romania, Poland, Uzbekistan and Belarus also saw exceptional growth rates, supported by direct flights to Ras Al Khaimah International Airport.
Business Events and Weddings
Revenue from the business events and weddings sector rose 36%, driven by high-value weddings, international conferences and incentive groups, along with strategic initiatives that strengthen Ras Al Khaimah's position as a rising hub for the sector.
Expanded Air Connectivity
Ras Al Khaimah International Airport expanded its direct flights from Warsaw and Katowice in Poland, Bucharest, Moscow, Tashkent and Prague, supporting growth in visitor numbers. Plans to develop the airport to increase its capacity and improve the arrival experience are also continuing.
In the hotel sector, several new projects were announced in the first half, most notably:
NH Collection Ras Al Khaimah on Al Marjan Island, with 156 rooms.
A Fairmont hotel on Al Marjan Island, with 250 rooms.
Taj Wellington Mews serviced apartments, with 336 apartments.
A Four Seasons resort at Mina Al Arab, with 150 rooms.
The Rove Al Marjan Island hotel also opened, adding affordable and attractive options for visitors from various segments. These steps are part of the emirate's plan to double the number of hotel rooms by 2030, one of the fastest-growing plans in the region.
Strategic Partnerships to Support Tourism Growth
The first half of the year saw the signing of several memoranda of understanding to boost tourism development, most notably:
A partnership between Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah Adventures to offer complementary tourism packages for adventure lovers.
Agreements with Chinese travel platforms Trip.com and Tongcheng to increase visitor numbers from China.
Partnerships with 4 major Saudi platforms, Fursan, Smart Holidays, Almatar and Wego, to capitalize on growing demand in the Gulf states.
A memorandum of understanding with Huawei to develop smart tourism.
An agreement with Open World to develop a blockchain-powered tourism rewards system.
Major Sporting Events Boost the Emirate's Appeal
During the first half of the year, the emirate hosted a range of prominent events, including:
The 18th edition of the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon, with more than 10,000 participants.
The mountain stage of the UAE Tour on Jebel Jais.
The fourth edition of the Ras Al Khaimah Championship on the DP World Tour at Al Hamra Golf Club.
The fourth edition of the Highlander mountain trekking adventure.
The launch of the Jais Ride cycling challenge, covering 25 km to the summit of Jebel Jais.
To view the post on the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority website, click here.
