Ras Al Khaimah’s tourism sector soared to new heights in 2024, achieving record-breaking visitor numbers and unprecedented growth. The emirate welcomed 1.28 million overnight arrivals, driving a 12 per cent increase in tourism revenues and further cementing its reputation as the region’s fastest-growing tourism destination.
Ras Al Khaimah is on track to exceed initial projections, with visitor numbers anticipated to reach 3.5 million by 2030, reflecting a robust compound annual growth rate of 19 per cent.
Stirling Hospitality Advisors, a subsidiary of Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) Hospitality Holding, forecasts luxury hospitality boom in RAK in the fourth edition of RAK Investment Pulse report. The report highlights the rapid expansion of branded residences, a segment gaining momentum in RAK’s real estate market.
While the emirate currently has no operational branded residences, 16 projects are in development, set to introduce approximately 5,600 units by 2029. The majority (63 per cent) of these projects are concentrated on Al Marjan Island, with the rest distributed across Al Hamra, Mina Al Arab and the newly established Beach District. This surge is fuelled by the entry of notable global brands such as Waldorf Astoria, JW Marriott Residences, Nobu, Nikki Beach and Ritz-Carlton, as well as a selection of high-end fashion and lifestyle brands, reinforcing RAK’s position as an emerging luxury investment hub.
Ras Al Khaimah is currently home to 56 hotels and resorts, with a total of over 8,000 rooms across all segments. This is set to double over the next few years with a confirmed pipeline of 7,500+ keys
The much-anticipated opening of Wynn Al Marjan Island in 2027, the region’s first fully integrated resort, is set to be a transformative milestone for Ras Al Khaimah’s hospitality sector. Expected to attract high-net-worth travellers, the resort will not only increase demand but also reshape the guest profile. As a result, the average number of guests per hotel room (double occupancy factor) is projected to shift from a typical family resort level of 2.5 to a more mature, luxury-driven range of 1.75–1.85. These dynamics are set to drive annual room night demand from 2.41 million to 4.28 million by 2027.
By 2027, the emirate’s total hotel inventory is expected to more than double, with 7,537 new rooms added to the existing 7,144, bringing the total to over 14,600. Notably, 71 per cent of this pipeline falls within the five-star category, further cementing RAK’s status as a premier luxury hospitality destination.
The emirate is set to welcome over 15 international hotel operators across all segments, from luxury to midscale. New entrants such as Wynn, Millennium, Radisson Red, Ushuaïa, and Rove Al Marjan underscore RAK’s growing and diversified hospitality landscape.
The report highlights a shift in market leadership among hotel operators, with Accor surpassing Hilton in 2024 due to strategic rebranding initiatives. This transition was fueled by the conversion of Al Marjan Resort into Pullman and the rebranding of Hilton Beach Resort into Rixos Al Mairid. Meanwhile, Marriott is rapidly catching up – the operator currently has the largest pipeline in RAK with major developments like The Westin, W Al Marjan, and JW Marriott Al Marjan all scheduled to open by 2027.
In a regional industry first, seven leading global hotel companies have pledged their commitment to supporting Ras Al Khaimah’s tourism development vision as a destination of the future. Marriott International, Hilton, Accor, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Ennismore, Rotana, and Radisson Hotel Group, signed a pledge to contribute to the tourism economy of Ras Al Khaimah, as well as the emirate’s growth in line with the Ras Al Khaimah’s Vision 2030.
Ras Al Khaimah is currently home to 56 hotels and resorts, with a total of over 8,000 rooms across all segments, from ultra-luxurious 5-star properties to mid-range and family friendly options. The number of rooms in the emirate is set to double over the next few years, thanks to a robust pipeline of properties by world-class brands, which will deliver an additional 7,500+ keys.
FOUR SEASONS SET FOR MINA DEBUT
Located in Mina, The Four Seasons branded residence project will include about 150 luxury apartments and standalone private villas, combining whole-ownership residential units with unparalleled hospitality.
The project will also feature a luxury resort with 150 keys, an array of food and beverage outlets, state-of-the-art event and conference spaces, a full-service spa and fitness facilities, ensuring an elevated luxury lifestyle experience for residents and visitors.
The project is a testament to Four Seasons’ commitment to expanding its footprint in emerging markets, aligning with the brand’s broader strategy of offering luxury experiences in key global destinations. By establishing a presence in Ras Al Khaimah, Four Seasons reinforces its dedication to delivering unparalleled service and creating destinations that cater to the most discerning travellers. The development is currently in its design and planning phase.
TRIP.COM PARTNERSHIP
Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) and Trip.com Group, a leading global travel services provider, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at ITB Berlin 2025 to launch a range of new initiatives designed to boost Ras Al Khaimah’s appeal as a must-visit destination for Chinese travellers. The signing of the MOU builds on a period of significant momentum for Ras Al Khaimah in China.
The partnership will drive strategic marketing initiatives that engage Chinese travellers at every stage of their journey – from inspiration and planning to booking and on-the-ground experiences.
Since the partnership’s launch in June 2024, Trip.com Group has generated more than 17.5-million-page impressions for Ras Al Khaimah. The collaboration has been particularly impactful for Ras Al Khaimah’s hospitality sector, with hotel bookings increasing by 22 per cent in the second half of 2024, driven by targeted promotions and destination marketing campaigns.
Next, a flagship Ras Al Khaimah Star Hub store is planned on Ctrip – Trip.com Group’s primary travel booking platform for Chinese travellers – providing a dedicated virtual space for travel inspiration, promotions, and curated itineraries. RAKTDA is also enhancing the travel experience for Chinese tourists visiting the emirate, by offering language support and digital payment solutions.
NH COLLECTION HEADS TO AL MARJAN ISLAND
Planned for launch in early 2028, the 156-key NH Collection Ras Al Khaimah Al Marjan Island Hotel & Apartments will feature 120 beach-facing guest rooms and suites, in addition to 36 branded serviced apartments. Facilities will include four restaurants and bars, a gym and an outdoor swimming pool, a kids club and games room, a retail shop and a co-working space.
The property is owned by RRS International Development FZ-LLC, a premier real estate developer with over two decades of experience in the UAE’s high-end real estate market.
Being one of the pioneering forces behind the branded residences concept, this latest announcement by Minor Hotels that owns and operates NH Collection, demonstrates the company’s continued commitment to growth in the region, including Ras Al Khaimah.
Minor Hotels currently operates 17 properties in the UAE across four of its brands, including Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Resort which launched in the emirate at the start of 2024. The NH Collection brand made its debut in the country with the opening of NH Collection Dubai The Palm in February 2023, which also represented the brand’s first property outside of Europe and the Americas. NH Collection has since launched in Asia and the Indian Ocean, with further properties under development including in Africa.
