Ras Al Khaimah records busiest half-year, visitor arrivals and revenues up

The Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority RAKTDA has announced a record-breaking performance for H1, with over 654,000 visitor arrivals, a 6 per cent year-on-year increase.

Tourism revenues also saw a 9 per cent increase over the same period.

The results were driven by RAKTDA‘s efforts to expand connectivity, broaden the emirate’s appeal, and deepen its presence in key international and regional markets.

RAK tourism: Highlights from H1 2025

Visitor numbers: 654,000 visitor arrivals, the highest ever for a six-month period.

Revenue growth: 9 per cent year-on-year increase in tourism revenues and 36 per cent growth in MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) and Weddings revenues.

Hotel developments: Major announcements for new hotels including Four Seasons, Fairmont, Taj, and NH Collection, supporting the plan to more than double hotel keys by 2030.

Strategic partnerships: New agreements with entities such as Fujairah Adventures, Huawei, Open World, and leading online travel agencies (OTAs) in China and Saudi Arabia.

Events calendar: A growing schedule of signature events, including the RAK Half Marathon, UAE Tour, HIGHLANDER, and the new Jais Ride cycling challenge.

Source markets

Key source markets saw strong growth, with visitors from India increasing by 25 per cent year-on-year. The UK (a 5 per cent rise), China ( up 9.2 per cent), and Russia (a 7 per cent rise) all recorded their highest-ever arrivals for a half-year period.

Exceptional growth was seen from countries with new direct flights, such as Romania (up by 65 per cent), Poland (up by 56 per cent), Uzbekistan (up by 47 per cent), and Belarus (+30 per cent).

Ras Al Khaimah International Airport expanded its direct flight routes, and the emirate’s hotel sector was strengthened with several high-profile announcements and the opening of the Rove Al Marjan Island.