Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority announced that the emirate welcomed 1.35 million overnight visitors in 2025, up 6% year on year, while tourism revenues increased 12%, marking its strongest annual tourism performance on record.
In a press release published on its website, the authority said the growth reflects Ras Al Khaimah’s accelerating position as a destination of the future, supported by infrastructure investment, expanded air connectivity, tourism product development and stronger international partnerships.
Authority CEO Phillipa Harrison said 2025 was a turning point for the emirate’s tourism sector. Growth extended beyond visitor numbers to a wider range of experiences, an expanding events calendar, new hotel openings and stronger global partnerships.
Strong growth in key markets
Domestic visitor traffic grew 7%, while international markets also performed strongly: India rose 14%, China 19%, the United Kingdom 10% and Russia 20%.
Additional direct flights helped increase arrivals from Romania by 41%, Poland by 22%, Uzbekistan by 19% and Belarus by 26%.
Meetings and weddings growth
Revenue from meetings, incentives, conferences, exhibitions and weddings rose 25% in 2025, driven by growing demand for international events and luxury weddings. This strengthened Ras Al Khaimah’s position as an emerging regional hub for major events and group travel.
Hotel and investment expansion
New hotel projects opened in 2025, including Rove Al Marjan Island and SO/ Ras Al Khaimah. Additional investments were announced by global brands including Janu, Four Seasons, Fairmont, Taj and NH Collection, supporting the emirate’s plan to double hotel capacity by 2030.
Construction also progressed at Wynn Al Marjan Island, the UAE’s first integrated resort, with its main tower reaching 283 metres and 70 floors. Scheduled to open in 2027, the USD 5.1 billion development will feature 1,530 rooms and suites, 22 dining and café outlets, and entertainment and retail facilities. It is expected to create more than 9,000 jobs.
Destination and infrastructure development
In 2025, the emirate unveiled the master plan for Marjan Beach, spanning 85 million square feet and comprising 12,000 hotel rooms and 22,000 residential units, with 30% of the site allocated to open green spaces.
The mixed-use commercial development RAK Central also attracted strong investment demand, with all commercial plots sold within a year of its launch.
Expanded air connectivity and cruises
Ras Al Khaimah International Airport introduced new direct services from Jeddah, Warsaw, Katowice, Bucharest, Moscow, Kazan, Yekaterinburg, Minsk, Tashkent and Prague through partnerships with international airlines. A new private aviation VIP terminal was also announced, targeting LEED Gold certification and scheduled to open in 2027.
Major events and partnerships
The emirate hosted events including the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon, attracting more than 10,000 participants and visitors, the Ras Al Khaimah Art Festival and the luxury wedding planners’ congress. It also set a Guinness World Record with an aerial display involving 2,300 drones during New Year celebrations.
The tourism authority signed cooperation agreements with major booking platforms in China and Saudi Arabia, including Trip.com, Tongcheng, Fursan Travel, Almatar and Wego. Ras Al Khaimah also joined the luxury travel networks Virtuoso and Serandipians, strengthening its presence in the global luxury tourism market.
The authority said the results reflect the emirate’s commitment to building a sustainable, balanced tourism sector that supports economic growth and reinforces Ras Al Khaimah’s position as a regional and global destination for travel and investment.
For cruises, the emirate signed a multi-year agreement with Celestyal Cruises to increase cruise traffic and attract smaller luxury sailings to Ras Al Khaimah’s ports.
To read the release on the authority’s website, click here.
