Ras Al Khaimah records 1.35 million overnight visitors in 2025
Ras Al Khaimah delivered a record tourism performance in 2025, welcoming 1.35 million overnight visitors and recording year-on-year growth across arrivals, revenues, and key market segments, according to figures released by the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA).
The emirate recorded a 6 percent increase in overnight visitors compared with 2024, alongside a 12 percent rise in tourism revenues. RAKTDA said the results reflect tourism’s expanding role in supporting economic resilience, investor confidence, and long-term value creation for the local community.
“2025 has been a landmark year for Ras Al Khaimah. The emirate has grown not just in numbers, but in the depth and breadth of its offering – from signature events and new hotels to stronger global partnerships and steady growth in visitor arrivals,” Phillipa Harrison, CEO of RAKTDA, said in a statement.
“As we look ahead to 2030, we’re more committed than ever to shaping tourism that delivers long-term value for visitors, investors, and our community,” she added.
Growth across source markets and segments
Tourism growth in 2025 was recorded across both domestic and international markets. Domestic tourism increased by 7 percent, while international arrivals rose sharply from several priority countries. Visitor numbers from India grew by 14 percent, China by 19 percent, the United Kingdom by 10 percent, and Russia by 20 percent.
Expanded direct air connectivity supported strong growth from Central and Eastern Europe and the CIS. Romania posted a 41 percent increase in visitors, Poland 22 percent, Uzbekistan 19 percent, and Belarus 26 percent, driven by new routes and strengthened airline partnerships.
RAKTDA also reported strong performance in high-value segments. Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) and weddings revenues grew by 25 percent in 2025, supported by international conferences, incentive travel, and destination weddings.
Ras Al Khaimah continued to diversify its hospitality offering in 2025 with the opening of Rove Al Marjan Island and SO/ Ras Al Khaimah, adding new beachfront and lifestyle-led experiences to the market. The agency said that the development pipeline was strengthened through hotel announcements from international brands, including Janu, Four Seasons, Fairmont, Taj, and NH Collection.
Wynn Al Marjan Island development
Construction at Wynn Al Marjan Island reached a major milestone in September 2025, with the project’s 70-storey tower topping out at 283 metres. The integrated resort has now entered its next phase of interior fit-out and façade completion ahead of its planned opening in 2027.
The $5.1 billion development will feature 1,530 rooms and suites, 22 food and beverage venues, a theatre, luxury retail, and a marina. Once complete, it will be the tallest structure in the emirate and the UAE’s first integrated resort.
RAKTDA said the project is expected to create more than 9,000 jobs and drive a new wave of international tourism to Ras Al Khaimah, supporting growth across hospitality, aviation, and real estate while expanding the emirate’s global profile.
Master developments and infrastructure
Large-scale master planned developments continued to shape Ras Al Khaimah’s transformation in 2025. Marjan Beach was unveiled as a major beachfront masterplan spanning 85 million square feet, featuring 12,000 hotel keys and 22,000 residential units, with 30 percent of the area allocated to open green space.
Progress was also recorded at RAK Central, a new mixed-use commercial district designed to attract global talent and investment. All commercial plots were sold out within a year of launch.
In aviation, RAKTDA shared that Ras Al Khaimah International Airport added new direct routes from Saudi Arabia, Poland, Romania, Russia, Belarus, Uzbekistan, and the Czech Republic. Plans were also announced for a LEED Gold–targeted VIP private aviation terminal, scheduled to open in 2027.
Stay ahead of iGaming’s biggest stories with SiGMA’s Top 10 News countdown. The world’s biggest iGaming community brings you weekly insights and subscriber-only offers. Join HERE today.
