Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Surges on Domestic Demand

Ras Al Khaimah welcomed a record more than 670,000 visitors in the first half of 2026, supported by strong domestic tourism even as regional tensions affected international travel, according to the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA).

The emirate’s domestic arrivals grew 47 per cent year-on-year, with May becoming the strongest month ever for visitor arrivals. Average daily hotel rates stayed close to 2025 levels, showing the tourism sector remained steady.

RAKTDA said its domestic tourism campaign generated 224,000 room nights, Dh104.4 million in hotel revenue and 127,817 additional visitors in the second quarter, marking annual growth of 67.1 per cent.

Several major tourism projects are moving ahead. Wynn Al Marjan Island is still on track to open in 2027. The integrated resort has recently announced a partnership with immersive theatre company Punchdrunk, along with new dining concepts, including a restaurant by chef Alain Ducasse and the first international venue for Delilah, the Las Vegas supper club.

The hospitality pipeline is also growing. Rotana Ras Al Khaimah – The Mangroves is set to open in the third quarter of 2026, while SAIJ Mountain Lodge by Mantis on Jebel Jais is planned for later this year. Existing hotels, including Pullman Resort Al Marjan Island and Rixos Al Mairid Ras Al Khaimah, are also receiving major upgrades.

Investment and connectivity

Master developer Marjan continues to expand its portfolio with Marjan Beach, an 85 million square foot mixed-use development planned to include 22,000 homes and 12,000 hotel keys.

RAK Central Square, the emirate’s first Grade A office development, is scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of 2027. The project will support Ras Al Khaimah’s goal of attracting 3.5 million visitors annually by 2030.

Connectivity is also improving through new road infrastructure, autonomous shuttle services, Skyports air taxi plans from 2027, and a cooperation agreement with Dubai Maritime Authority to make yacht movements easier between the two emirates.

Ras Al Khaimah is also widening its tourism offering with an astronaut training programme developed with Action Flight Aviation and BLINC Space. The programme is expected to launch in the second half of 2026 and will target adventure and experience-focused travellers.