Domestic tourism to Ras Al Khaimah surges 47% as new hotels, Wynn project and transport upgrades drive growth.
Dubai: Ras Al Khaimah saw a rise in UAE residents opting for short getaways during the first half of 2026, contributing to more than 670,000 visitors to the emirate despite regional travel disruptions affecting international arrivals.
The visitor numbers marked Ras Al Khaimah’s strongest-ever first-half tourism performance, driven by a 47% year-on-year surge in domestic arrivals. May also recorded the highest monthly visitor figures in the emirate’s tourism history.
Hotel room rates remained largely stable compared with 2025, while Ras Al Khaimah continued to make progress on new resorts, transport infrastructure, and major developments aimed at strengthening its appeal among regional and international travellers.
Phillipa Harrison, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, said the emirate demonstrated resilience during a period of regional travel disruption, with record first-half visitor numbers highlighting its growing position as a preferred short-break destination. She added that the opening of new hotels and the advancement of key developments are supporting the emirate’s next stage of tourism growth.
Domestic tourism drives visitor growth
The RAK Moments domestic tourism campaign generated 224,000 hotel room nights and Dh104.4 million in room revenue during the second quarter, helping boost local travel demand.
The initiative attracted an estimated 127,817 additional visitors to Ras Al Khaimah, marking a 67.1% increase compared with the same period last year.
Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) promoted the campaign through collaborations with major travel booking platforms, including Wego, Expedia, Booking.com, Cleartrip, Almosafer, and Yandex.
The rise in domestic tourism helped strengthen the emirate’s hospitality sector during a period when regional tensions impacted international travel movements and visitor flows.
New hotels set to expand RAK’s hospitality offering
Ras Al Khaimah is preparing to welcome two new hotels in the second half of the year, further expanding its coastal and mountain accommodation options for visitors.
Rotana Ras Al Khaimah The Mangroves is expected to open in the third quarter at Al Qawasim Corniche, featuring 258 rooms along with one of the emirate’s largest pillar-free ballrooms, 10 meeting rooms, and an outdoor events space for conferences, weddings, and social gatherings.
Meanwhile, SAIJ Mountain Lodge by Mantis is scheduled to open in the fourth quarter, adding a new mountain hospitality experience to the emirate’s growing tourism portfolio.
The mountain lodge will provide guests with a range of nature-focused activities, including guided hikes, organic farming, beekeeping, stargazing, and wellness programmes.
Renovation work is also progressing at Pullman Resort Al Marjan Island, which is scheduled to reopen in the first quarter of 2027 following upgrades to its rooms and interior spaces.
Meanwhile, refurbishment efforts are underway at Rixos Al Mairid Ras Al Khaimah, with renovations of rooms and suites in the main building expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2026. The resort’s villas, select dining venues, and beachfront amenities continue to operate during the upgrade period.
Wynn Al Marjan Island advances towards 2027 launch
Construction of Wynn Al Marjan Island is progressing ahead of its planned 2027 opening, with the resort expected to strengthen Ras Al Khaimah’s position as a destination for international and high-end leisure travellers.
The resort has partnered with immersive theatre company Punchdrunk to develop its first production in the Middle East and North Africa. Guests will have the option to enjoy a traditional seated performance or take part in an immersive format that allows them to explore spaces beyond the main stage.
Wynn Al Marjan Island has also revealed a selection of dining and entertainment offerings, with the resort set to feature 22 restaurants, lounges, and bars as part of its luxury hospitality experience.
The resort’s dining portfolio will include a steakhouse created by renowned chef Alain Ducasse, along with the first international outpost of Delilah, the popular supper club concept currently operating at Wynn Las Vegas.
Coastal development to deliver 22,000 homes
Master developer Marjan is advancing several major projects across the emirate, including the 85 million square foot Marjan Beach development.
The planned coastal destination will feature eight neighbourhoods, around 22,000 residential units, and 12,000 hotel rooms, further expanding Ras Al Khaimah’s residential and tourism infrastructure.
Meanwhile, RAK Central Square, the emirate’s first Grade A office development, has completed key structural milestones and reached 25% overall construction progress as of June.
The five-building development is expected to open in the fourth quarter of 2027, with the wider RAK Central project set to include office spaces, retail destinations, and restaurants.
According to the authority, Ras Al Khaimah’s gross domestic product reached $13 billion in 2025, supported by economic growth of 4.3%.
The emirate has set a target of welcoming 3.5 million visitors annually by 2030 as it continues to expand its tourism and investment sectors.
Airport and transport infrastructure expands
Work is progressing on a new VVIP terminal at Ras Al Khaimah International Airport as part of a partnership with Falcon Executive Aviation, aimed at enhancing the emirate’s aviation facilities and connectivity.
The new terminal is scheduled to open in early 2027 and will cater to private aviation and luxury travellers as the emirate prepares for the launch of new hotels and Wynn Al Marjan Island.
Duty Free Americas has also been selected to operate the airport’s travel retail services, enhancing the passenger experience.
Meanwhile, the Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority is developing three transit stations to improve connectivity between urban routes, intercity services, and key tourism destinations, including Al Marjan Island.
Commercial autonomous shuttle services are expected to commence later in 2026 following the completion of an earlier pilot programme.
Skyports is aiming to begin air taxi operations from 2027, with Al Marjan Island set to serve as the first hub in a planned network linking Ras Al Khaimah with Dubai.
A cooperation agreement between the Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority and the Dubai Maritime Authority will also focus on improving connectivity for yachts and leisure vessels travelling between the two emirates.
Visitors can use RAKTA’s Sayr platform to plan trips, book services, and make payments across the emirate’s transport network.
Astronaut training programme in development
Ras Al Khaimah is also preparing to launch an astronaut training programme in the second half of 2026 through a partnership between Action Flight Aviation and BLINC Space, expanding the emirate’s role in aerospace and space-related initiatives.
The programme will feature a range of advanced training activities, including G-force simulations through aerobatic flights, zero-gravity parabolic flights, advanced freefall sessions, and parachuting experiences.
The initiatives are designed to support commercial spaceflight preparation while also attracting visitors looking for premium adventure and experiential tourism opportunities.
