Ras Al Khaimah welcomed more than 670,000 visitors during the first half of 2026, marking a record performance for the emirate despite regional geopolitical tensions that disrupted international travel.
The figures, released by the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), showed that domestic tourism played a major role in supporting the sector. Domestic arrivals increased 47 per cent year-on-year, while May became the strongest month on record for visitor arrivals.
Average daily hotel rates remained broadly in line with 2025 levels, indicating continued demand for accommodation across the emirate.
Phillipa Harrison, chief executive of RAKTDA, said the results demonstrated Ras Al Khaimah’s growing appeal as a short-break destination.
“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,” she said.
The emirate’s domestic tourism campaign generated 224,000 room nights and Dh104.4 million in hotel revenue during the second quarter. It also attracted 127,817 additional visitors, representing annual growth of 67.1 per cent.
Tourism infrastructure is continuing to expand as Ras Al Khaimah prepares for further growth. Wynn Al Marjan Island remains on track to open in 2027 and has announced partnerships with immersive theatre company Punchdrunk and several dining brands.
The resort’s planned offerings include a restaurant by chef Alain Ducasse and the first international venue for Las Vegas supper club Delilah.
New hotels are also scheduled to open. Rotana Ras Al Khaimah – The Mangroves is expected to begin operations in the third quarter of 2026, while SAIJ Mountain Lodge by Mantis is due to open on Jebel Jais later this year.
Existing properties, including Pullman Resort Al Marjan Island and Rixos Al Mairid Ras Al Khaimah, are undergoing major upgrades.
Marjan is also developing Marjan Beach, an 85 million square foot mixed-use project planned to include 22,000 homes and 12,000 hotel rooms.
RAK Central Square, the emirate’s first Grade A office development, is scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of 2027 and is expected to support Ras Al Khaimah’s target of attracting 3.5 million visitors annually by 2030.
Transport links are also being expanded through new roads, autonomous shuttle services and plans for Skyports air taxis from 2027. A cooperation agreement with the Dubai Maritime Authority is expected to support yacht movements between the two emirates.
The tourism offering is set to expand further with an astronaut training programme developed with Action Flight Aviation and BLINC Space, scheduled to launch in the second half of 2026.
