Tourism is playing a major role in Ras Al Khaimah’s rapid economic growth. As a regional leader in Responsible Tourism, the emirate is attracting growing numbers of visitors who value authenticity, sustainability and meaningful cultural experiences, reinforcing its reputation as one of the Middle East’s most distinctive destinations.

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Record Visitor Arrivals

Ras Al Khaimah welcomed a record 1.28 million overnight visitors in 2024. Tourism revenues increased by 12% year on year (YoY), while MICE arrivals rose 15% YoY, signalling strong demand from both leisure and corporate travellers. This momentum continued into 2025, with the emirate welcoming a record 654,000 visitors in the January-June period, while posting a 9% YoY increase in tourism revenues. 

The surge in visitors in 2025 has been fuelled by increased numbers from traditional source markets such as India, the UK, China and Russia, alongside exceptional growth from emerging markets such as Poland (+56% YoY), Romania (+65% YoY) and Uzbekistan (+47% YoY), all supported by expanded air connectivity.

Inbound Tourism

1.35

million overnight visitors in 2025

654,000

visitors (H1, 2025)

6%

growth in visitor numbers

12%

increase in tourism revenues.

Largest source markets: India, UK, China, Russia

Fastest-growing source markets: Poland, Romania, Uzbekistan, Belarus

Source: RAKTDA

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Tourism Growth Forecasts

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) is confident of hitting the ambitious target of 3.5 million visitors annually by 2030, supported by expanded air capacity and sustained investment in new hotels, leisure and lifestyle attractions, led by Marjan’s masterplanned mixed-use developments.


With airlines adding direct routes linking Europe, Central Asia and the GCC, and with the emirate’s reputation for experiential travel continuing to grow, RAKTDA expects visitor numbers to rise steadily over the next decade. An expanding events calendar, improved accessibility and new cultural and adventure attractions will also underpin growth over the decade ahead.

Al Jazirah Al Hamra

Tourism Strategy 2031

Ras Al Khaimah’s tourism strategy focuses on sustainable growth and the creation of high-quality visitor experiences. The government’s priorities include:

  • Reaching 3.5 million annual visitors by 2030
  • Doubling the emirate’s hotel guestroom inventory
  • Expanding nature-based tourism across mountains, desert and coastline
  • Strengthening Jebel Jais as an adventure tourism hub
  • Developing heritage sites as major visitor attractions
  • Becoming the region’s leading accessible tourism destination

Source: RAKTDA

World-Class Attractions

Ras Al Khaimah’s appeal is built around its natural beauty, authentic culture and outdoor experiences – from soaring mountain peaks and pristine beaches to heritage sites that reflect more than 7,000 years of settlement.

Jebel Jais

The UAE’s highest peak and home to the world-famous Jais Flight zipline, Jebel Jais also features hiking trails, mountain biking routes and high-altitude viewing platforms.

Al Marjan Island

A signature waterfront destination featuring beachfront resorts and a growing collection of leisure offerings, the island is also the future home of the UAE’s first integrated resort, Wynn Al Marjan Island.

Heritage & Culture

Ras Al Khaimah hosts four UNESCO Tentative List sites – Julfar City, Al Jazeera Al Hamra Heritage Village and Al Dhayah Fort – alongside dozens of Protected Archaeological Zones.

Adventure & Events

The emirate hosts major annual events such as the RAK Half Marathon (10,000+ participants), the Jebel Jais climbing stage of the UAE Tour, and the HIGHLANDER hiking challenge.

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Hotel Supply and Demand

Ras Al Khaimah’s hotel sector is expanding rapidly as demand grows. The emirate currently has more than 7,700 hotel keys, with a compelling mix of beachside luxury resorts, family hotels, urban properties and eco retreats.

With the addition of dozens of hotels situated in Marjan’s mixed-use developments, including the landmark Wynn Al Marjan Island, the emirate is on track to meet its goal of more than doubling its guestroom inventory by 2030, ensuring capacity keeps pace with rising visitor demand.

Hotel Supply 

7,700+

hotel keys (2025)

19,800

hotel keys by 2030 (forecast)

1m

overnight guests (2025)

2.75m

overnight guests by 2030 (forecast)

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Expat Community

Home to more than 150 nationalities, Ras Al Khaimah is one of the UAE’s most multicultural destinations. Its strong expat reputation is reflected in global rankings – including being named the No.1 city worldwide for expats “to get started abroad” in 2024.

Expats appreciate Ras Al Khaimah’s laidback lifestyle, safe neighbourhoods and sense of community. Whether they are young professionals, families or long-term residents, people often describe the emirate as a place where it’s easy to settle, make connections and build a life.

For investors, employers and developers, this matters: a strong and growing expat population means continued demand for homes, schools, services, hospitality and lifestyle amenities.

Expat Experience

#1

destination for for expats “to get started abroad”

72%

of expats say it’s easy to find housing (Global average: 45%)

68%

report smooth bureaucracy and settling-in process

150+ nationalities

create strong multicultural community

Source: InterNations Expat Essentials Index 2024