Ras Al Khaimah is setting ambitious targets for its tourism sector, aiming for 3.5 million visitors annually by 2030. To achieve this, the emirate plans to double its current hotel capacity, said Raki Phillips, CEO of the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA).
Currently, Ras Al Khaimah offers 8,000 hotel rooms. To meet future demand, the emirate aims to increase this number to 16,000-20,000. This expansion includes new world-class developments, such as the UAE’s first integrated gaming resort on Al Marjan Island. Operated by Wynn Resorts, this multi-billion-dollar project will include 1,500 hotel rooms, 22 outlets, entertainment venues, and conference facilities. Scheduled to open in 2027, the resort recently received the UAE’s first commercial gaming license.
“The leadership in RAK is committed to clear goals that boost tourism and improve residents’ quality of life,” said Phillips. He emphasized that projects like Wynn Resorts are critical for enhancing both the tourism industry and community livability.
Currently, Ras Al Khaimah is the UAE’s top staycation destination, attracting 50% of its visitors from within the country. However, the emirate is working to diversify its audience and attract travelers from all over the world.
Phillips highlighted, “Our strategy focuses on diversification. No single market should account for more than 10-15% of our visitors.” He noted China as a key growth market, with initiatives on platforms like Huawei and Trip.com to increase visibility.
Additionally, they are also expanding its presence in Western Europe, India, and CIS countries. These efforts aim to create a more resilient and sustainable tourism economy.
Through innovative projects, strategic global partnerships, and an unwavering focus on quality, Ras Al Khaimah is poised to become a leading destination for both leisure and business travelers by 2030. UAE has already been a tourist destination for last few years around the globe.
The city has been the site of continuous human habitation for 7,000 years, with archaeological finds dating back to the Neolithic. The northern area of the city today known as Ras Al Khaimah was previously the location of the important Islamic era settlement and port of Julfar
