Ras Al Khaimah – one of the UAE’s seven Emirates – has recorded its best performing year ever, in terms of inbound tourism.
Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) said the emirate – known for its gulf beaches – welcomed 1.28 million overnight visitors during 2024; a 12% rise in tourism revenues and a 15% increase in MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) visitors.
Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, said: “2024 was a milestone year 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.”
Several factors contributed to this robust performance in 2024, including the opening of new hotels and resorts, a growing calendar of international events, increased connectivity to Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, best-in-class marketing campaigns and over 2,200 international activities and market engagements across 70 cities.
Ras Al Khaimah’s key achievements in 2024 include:
- Record-breaking visitor numbers:28 million overnight arrivals, marking 12% growth of tourism revenues and 15% rise in MICE visitors.
- Global recognition for sustainability: RAKTDA’s sustainability programme was named the ‘Middle East’s Most Sustainable Project’ at the Forbes Middle East 2024 Sustainability Leaders’ Summit. This recognition underscores its status as the region’s first destination to earn the EarthCheck Sustainable Destinations Silver Certification and its leadership in sustainable tourism through initiatives like Responsible RAK, its own certification programme for hotels and tourism business.
- Enhanced connectivity: Boosted accessibility to the Emirate with the introduction of new direct flights from key cities in Poland, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Romania, Czech Republic, Russia, Saudi Arabia and India, enhancing connectivity through Ras Al Khaimah International Airport.
- Expanded hospitality offerings: The opening of Sofitel Al Hamra Beach Resort and Anantara Mina Al Arab Resort introduced new luxury experiences, including the Emirate’s first overwater villas.
- Exceptional events: From the third HIGHLANDER Adventure hiking challenge and Ras Al Khaimah Golf Championship to the Arab Aviation Summit and Global Citizen Forum held for four consecutive years, Ras Al Khaimah continues to host world-class events. Highlights also include the 16th Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon, the HUAWEI AppGallery Gamers Cup, and the launch of the Seven Wonders experiential concert series.
- Record-breaking New Year’s Eve celebrations: The emirate ushered in 2025 with a spectacular fireworks and drone display, setting two new GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ titles: ‘Largest aerial display of a tree formed by multi-rotor drones’ and ‘Largest aerial image of a seashell formed by drone’.
- Workplace excellence: For the fourth consecutive year, RAKTDA was certified as a Great Place to Work®, recognised in multiple categories: ‘Best Workplaces in the Middle East’, ‘Best Workplaces in Hospitality™ in the GCC’, and ‘Best Workplaces for Women in the GCC’.
- Empowering local talent: RAKTDA’s inaugural Emirati Hospitality Programme, in partnership with Career Lab and the Swiss University of Les Roches, graduated 18 Emirati youth, equipping them for leadership roles in the tourism sector, supporting nationalisation efforts in the hospitality industry.
