Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) has reported its strongest year ever, welcoming a record-high 1.28 million overnight arrivals in 2024.
The numbers mark a 12 percent growth in tourism revenues and a notable 15 percent rise in MICE visitors. This success is a testament to the emirate’s strategic and sustainable growth vision to attract over 3.5 million annual visitors by 2030, said RAKTDA.
Raki Phillips, CEO of RAKTDA, said: “2024 was a milestone year for Ras Al Khaimah, showcasing our commitment to sustainability, enhanced connectivity, and diverse experiences tailored to every traveler. 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 other key achievements in 2024 include:
• 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 nationalization efforts in the hospitality industry.
Driving growth in key markets
Ras Al Khaimah continues to diversify and expand its reach in both established and emerging markets, with the CIS, GCC, Europe, India and China remaining core to its strategy. In 2024, the Emirate achieved new milestones in market engagement, further solidifying its position as a global tourism destination.
New direct flights introduced enhanced connectivity to Ras Al Khaimah International Airport from nine cities including Moscow, Russia; Bucharest, Romania; Tashkent, Uzbekistan; Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Prague, Czech Republic; Warsaw and Katowice, Poland; Almaty, Kazakhstan; and Hyderabad, India.
China has also emerged as a significant growth market. In 2024, RAKTDA boosted visibility in China through strategic initiatives including collaborations with Huawei Group and prominent Chinese travel platform Trip.com plus establishing a robust presence on Chinese social media platforms such as WeChat, Red, and Douyin. These efforts have earned RAKTDA notable recognitions, including Best Global Partner and Outstanding Strategic Partner of the Year by Trip.com, as well as the title of Fastest-Growing Tourism Destination from Huawei Petal Ads, reinforcing Ras Al Khaimah’s position as a rising destination for Chinese travelers.
Expanding hospitality portfolio
Ras Al Khaimah’s flourishing tourism sector is underpinned by its strategic focus on building a diverse hospitality portfolio with a well-balanced mix of internationally branded luxury hotels and family-friendly resorts. In 2024, the Emirate welcomed two new luxury properties, further establishing its reputation as a destination of choice. Anantara Mina Al Arab Resort, featuring the Emirate’s first overwater villas, and the Sofitel Al Hamra Beach Resort opened their doors, adding to Ras Al Khaimah’s world-class hospitality portfolio.
Additionally, existing properties underwent transformative enhancements. Rixos Al Mairid Ras Al Khaimah Resort and Pullman Marjan Island were rebranded and upgraded to meet the highest standards of hospitality, offering visitors elevated experiences.
A world-class destination for events
In 2024, Ras Al Khaimah experienced a remarkable 15 percent year-over-year growth in Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) visitor numbers, reinforcing its status as a premier MICE destination. This success is attributed to several strategic initiatives by RAKTDA, including over 80 international MICE activities and market engagements across 20 markets. Key initiatives include a comprehensive MICE and Wedding incentive programs, the launch of an online training platform for MICE agents and Wedding Planners, and the introduction of the MICE playbook. The free visa initiative has also facilitated easier access for Indian MICE groups and wedding celebrations. Additionally, strategic partnerships with international Professional Congress Organizers (PCOs), Incentive Houses, Associations, Wedding Planners, and corporate travel agencies have been instrumental in this achievement.
Live, work, thrive: a holistic destination
Beyond attracting visitors, Ras Al Khaimah is committed to becoming an exceptional place to live and thrive. The Emirate’s balanced approach to sustainable tourism ensures that growth is achieved without compromising its unique culture.
This vision has already garnered global recognition, with Ras Al Khaimah ranked among the top ten cities for expats in the InterNations City Ranking 2024. It was also named the world’s best city for expats to get started abroad, second for working overseas, and fifth for ease of settling in. RAKTDA was also certified as a Great Place to Work for the fourth consecutive year, with accolades in the categories of Best Workplaces in the Middle East, Best Workplaces in Hospitality in the GCC, and Best Workplaces for Women in the GCC. The success of its inaugural Emirati Hospitality Programme, in partnership with Career Lab and Les Roches University, which graduated 18 local talents, underscores the Emirate’s dedication to nurturing future leaders in tourism.
