Ras al khaimah records highest ever h1 visitor arrivals as tourism pipeline gathers pace, ETTravelWorld

Ras Al Khaimah welcomed more than 670,000 visitors during the first half of 2026, recording its strongest first-half tourism performance to date despite regional geopolitical disruptions affecting international travel.According to Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), the growth was driven by strong domestic demand, with domestic arrivals increasing 47 per cent year-on-year. May also became the highest-performing month in the destination’s history, while the emirate maintained its Average Daily Rate (ADR) at levels comparable to 2025.RAKTDA’s domestic marketing campaign, RAK Moments, generated 224,000 room nights, AED 104.4 million in room revenue and 127,817 incremental visitors during the second quarter. The campaign was supported through partnerships with online travel platforms including Wego, Expedia, Booking.com, Cleartrip, Almosafer and Yandex.The destination continues to expand its hospitality portfolio with Rotana Ras Al Khaimah – The Mangroves scheduled to open in the third quarter of 2026, adding 258 keys, while SAIJ Mountain Lodge by Mantis, the first mountain lodge on Jebel Jais, is expected to open in the fourth quarter. Existing properties, including Pullman Resort Al Marjan Island and Rixos Al Mairid Ras Al Khaimah, are also undergoing refurbishment.Development of Wynn Al Marjan Island remains on schedule for a 2027 opening. The integrated resort has announced a partnership with immersive theatre company Punchdrunk, alongside new dining concepts, as it prepares to strengthen the emirate’s international tourism offering.Beyond hospitality, Ras Al Khaimah is investing in transport and infrastructure. Ras Al Khaimah International Airport is progressing with a new VVIP terminal expected to open in early 2027, while the airport has appointed Duty Free Americas as its travel retail partner.The Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority (RAKTA) is advancing connectivity through new transit stations, autonomous shuttle services, smart mobility solutions and plans for air taxi operations with Skyports from 2027. A cooperation agreement with Dubai Maritime Authority is also expected to improve yacht movement between the two emirates.The emirate is also expanding experiential tourism through a new astronaut training programme developed by Action Flight Aviation and BLINC Space, scheduled to launch in the second half of 2026.In addition, master developer Marjan continues work on major projects including Marjan Beach and RAK Central Square, supporting Ras Al Khaimah’s target of attracting 3.5 million visitors annually by 2030.Phillipa Harrison, CEO, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, said, “The destination remained resilient through a period that affected international travel across the region, and a record first half is testament to Ras Al Khaimah’s strength as a short-break destination. With new hotels opening and anchor developments advancing at pace, the emirate is entering its next phase of growth with real momentum.”