UAE’s Ras Al Khaimah welcomes record 654,000 visitors in H1 2025
Tourism revenue surges 9% as emirate expands air connectivity, hospitality projects, and global outreach
RAS AL KHAIMAH, UAE (MNTV) — Ras Al Khaimah in UAE recorded its highest-ever tourist arrivals for the first half of a year, with 654,000 visitors in the January–June period of 2025.
According to the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), the figures represent a 6% year-on-year increase and were accompanied by a 9% rise in tourism revenues.
The emirate’s performance was attributed to expanded air links, increased hotel capacity, and a growing roster of global partnerships and events.
“With robust tourism infrastructure and diversified offerings, we are well on track to achieving our goal of attracting 3.5 million visitors annually by 2030,” said Raki Phillips, CEO of RAKTDA.
International markets showed strong growth, particularly those with direct flight connectivity.
Visitor numbers surged from Romania (up 65%), Poland (56%), Uzbekistan (47%), and Belarus (30%). Arrivals from key source markets such as India, China, Russia, and the UK also saw increases of 25%, 9.2%, 7%, and 5%, respectively.
Major contributions came from the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) and weddings sector, which reported a 36% revenue increase compared to the same period last year.
To support long-term tourism growth, several new hospitality developments were announced.
These include Fairmont Al Marjan Island (250 rooms), Four Seasons Resort at Mina Al Arab (150 rooms), Taj Wellington Mews Al Marjan Island (336 apartments), and NH Collection Ras Al Khaimah (156 rooms). The opening of Rove Al Marjan Island added further depth to the emirate’s hotel portfolio.
Ras Al Khaimah International Airport played a key role in enhancing access, with new direct routes launched from Warsaw, Katowice, Bucharest, Moscow, Tashkent, and Prague. Expansion plans for the airport are underway to increase passenger capacity and streamline the arrival experience.
RAKTDA also announced strategic agreements aimed at boosting destination appeal and visitor engagement.
These include partnerships with Fujairah Adventures to create multi-emirate itineraries, and new collaborations with Chinese and Saudi online travel agencies.
In the digital space, the authority signed memorandums of understanding with Huawei and Open World, a Web3 platform, to integrate smart tourism and blockchain technologies.
The first half of 2025 also saw Ras Al Khaimah host several high-profile events that reinforced its growing reputation as a destination for outdoor and sports tourism.
These included the largest-ever Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon with over 10,000 attendees, the 7th UAE Tour Jebel Jais stage, the 4th Ras Al Khaimah Championship on the DP World Tour, the HIGHLANDER hiking series, and the inaugural 25-kilometer Jais Ride cycling challenge.
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