Ras Al Khaimah welcomes a record 1.28 million visitors in 2024

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) has reported its strongest year on record, welcoming 1.28 million overnight arrivals in 2024, a significant milestone that highlights the Emirate’s robust tourism growth.

This performance marks a 12 per cent increase in tourism revenues and a 15 per cent rise in meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) visitors, reinforcing Ras Al Khaimah’s strategic vision to become a key global tourism destination.

With plans to attract over 3.5 million annual visitors by 2030, the emirate is well on track to achieve its ambitious goals.

Raki Phillips, CEO of RAKTDA, said, “The year 2024 was a milestone one for Ras Al Khaimah, showcasing our commitment to sustainability, enhanced connectivity, and diverse experiences tailored to every traveller. Looking ahead, our vision extends beyond attracting more visitors; we aim to position Ras Al Khaimah as a destination of the future. With significant investments, world-class events, and groundbreaking developments on the horizon, 2025 is set to be another remarkable year.”

Ras Al Khaimah tourism: Key milestones in 2024

Ras Al Khaimah’s impressive tourism growth in 2024 was driven by a variety of factors, including a growing hospitality portfolio, enhanced connectivity, and a dynamic calendar of international events. Among the key achievements were:

Record-breaking visitor numbers: Ras Al Khaimah welcomed 1.28 million overnight visitors, achieving a 12 per cent growth in tourism revenues and a 15 per cent increase in MICE visitors.

Sustainability recognition: Ras Al Khaimah is also the region’s first destination to receive the EarthCheck Sustainable Destinations Silver Certification.

Enhanced connectivity: The launch of new direct flights from key cities such as Moscow, Warsaw, Jeddah, Tashkent, and Bucharest helped improve access to Ras Al Khaimah, particularly through Ras Al Khaimah International Airport. These new routes supported increased tourism flows from various regions.

Expanded hospitality offerings: In 2024, Ras Al Khaimah’s hospitality sector saw the introduction of luxurious new properties, including the Sofitel Al Hamra Beach Resort and Anantara Mina Al Arab Resort. The latter features the Emirate’s first overwater villas, adding a unique luxury experience to the destination.

World-class events: Ras Al Khaimah hosted several internationally recognised events, including the HIGHLANDER Adventure hiking challenge, the Ras Al Khaimah Golf Championship, and the 16th Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon. The emirate also launched the Seven Wonders experiential concert series, headlined by global DJ Armin Van Buuren.

Record-breaking NYE celebrations: Ras Al Khaimah’s 2024 New Year’s Eve celebrations set two new Guinness World Records for the largest aerial display of a tree and the largest aerial image of a seashell formed by drones.

Workplace excellence: For the fourth consecutive year, RAKTDA was recognised as a ‘Great Place to Work’ in multiple categories, including ‘Best Workplaces in the Middle East’, ‘Best Workplaces in Hospitality in the GCC’, and ‘Best Workplaces for Women in the GCC’.

Empowering local talent: The inaugural Emirati Hospitality Programme, in collaboration with Career Lab and Les Roches University, graduated 18 Emirati youth, providing them with the skills needed for leadership roles in the tourism sector.

Expanding its global reach: Ras Al Khaimah continues to diversify its tourism markets, with a particular focus on the CIS, GCC, Europe, India, and China.

In 2024, the emirate strengthened its presence in China through partnerships with major platforms such as Huawei Group and Trip.com. RAKTDA’s strategic campaigns on Chinese social media platforms like WeChat and Douyin helped boost visibility. Additionally, Ras Al Khaimah was recognised as the Fastest-Growing Tourism Destination by Huawei Petal Ads.

Sustainable growth

In addition to its environmental achievements, RAKTDA launched the Cultural and Heritage Vision, a roadmap to preserve 20 of its more than 80 historical and archaeological sites. The programme aims to develop these sites as key attractions, fostering authentic experiences for visitors and empowering Emiratis to actively participate in tourism.

The emirate also made strides in accessible tourism, partnering with Sage Inclusion to conduct the largest accessibility audit in the Middle East. The comprehensive assessment, completed in late 2024, covered over 40 hotels, 10 attractions, Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, and ground transportation, ensuring that the Emirate becomes a flagship destination for accessible tourism.

A thriving destination

Beyond its tourism goals, Ras Al Khaimah is focused on becoming an exceptional place to live and work. The emirate has gained global recognition as one of the top cities for expats, ranking among the top ten in the InterNations City Ranking 2024.

The emirate was also ranked as the world’s best city for expats to get started abroad, second for working overseas, and fifth for ease of settling in.

With its focus on sustainable growth, hospitality excellence, and a diverse range of experiences for both tourists and residents, Ras Al Khaimah is poised to continue its trajectory as a leading global destination. The emirate’s commitment to empowering local talent, through initiatives such as the Emirati Hospitality Programme, will ensure that its tourism sector remains innovative and globally competitive for years to come.

As Phillips concluded: “Our achievements in 2024 lay a strong foundation for the future, and with a clear focus on sustainability, global connectivity and exceptional experiences, Ras Al Khaimah is set to lead the way in shaping the tourism destinations of tomorrow.”