Ras Al Khaimah sees 47% surge in domestic tourism as UAE residents embrace summer escapes.
Ras Al Khaimah attracted more than 670,000 visitors in the first half of the year, supported by a significant increase in domestic tourism that helped the emirate navigate one of the traditionally slower periods for the tourism industry, according to the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA).
Phillipa Harrison, CEO of RAKTDA, said local demand continues to be a core part of the emirate’s tourism strategy, helping maintain strong hotel occupancy levels during the summer season.
“Our RAK Moments campaign continues to be a key driver of domestic demand,” Harrison said, noting that the initiative generated 224,000 room nights and attracted 127,817 additional visitors in the second quarter, marking a 67.1 per cent increase compared with the same period last year.
RAKTDA CEO Phillipa Harrison said domestic tourism reached its highest level in May, more than doubling compared with the same month last year, with growth of 132.7 per cent. Overall, domestic visitation rose by 47.1 per cent in the first half of the year.
Harrison said travellers are increasingly looking for flexible options and personalised experiences, with value now extending beyond just affordability. She added that wellness has moved from a niche interest to a mainstream expectation, influencing how visitors select destinations.
To sustain demand during the summer months, RAKTDA is working with hospitality partners to introduce seasonal packages, including beachfront staycations, all-inclusive resort breaks, wellness retreats and family-focused experiences.
Summer experiences in Ras Al Khaimah
One of the emirate’s summer highlights is Flavours of Ras Al Khaimah, a limited-time dining initiative running from July to September across five restaurants. The programme offers curated menus starting at Dh125 per person, featuring locally produced Ras Al Khaimah honey and a passport scheme that encourages diners to explore participating venues for a chance to win prizes.
Harrison said RAKTDA has also partnered with Fujifilm Instax Middle East and Grand Stores to help visitors capture their holidays through exclusive hotel packages, Instax rewards and opportunities to win future staycations.
Hotels across the emirate are offering a range of summer deals, including stay-five-pay-for-four promotions, complimentary meal upgrades, room upgrades and free stays for children, aimed at attracting families and UAE residents.
Beyond resorts, Harrison said Ras Al Khaimah’s beaches remain a major attraction during cooler hours, while indoor attractions, spas, cultural landmarks and restaurants offer alternatives during hotter afternoons.
She highlighted destinations such as Suwaidi Pearls, the National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah, Al Jazeera Al Hamra Heritage Village, Al Hamra Mall and Manar Mall as popular summer options.
Looking ahead, Harrison said the emirate’s long-term goal is to establish Ras Al Khaimah as a year-round tourism destination, reducing reliance on a single peak season.
She added that upcoming developments, including Rotana Ras Al Khaimah – The Mangroves in the third quarter and SAIJ Mountain Lodge by Mantis later this year, along with continued investment in tourism infrastructure and experiences, will help drive the emirate’s next stage of growth.
