Ras Al Khaimah tourism surges on domestic demand, reinforcing global ambitions

Ras Al Khaimah has recorded a sharp rise in domestic tourism, with visitor numbers jumping 93 per cent in April, as the emirate pivots towards local markets amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainties affecting international travel.

According to the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), the surge reflects strong demand for staycations among UAE residentsRas Al Khaimah’svisitors nearly doubling compared to the same period last year. The shift highlights a broader regional trend, as Gulf destinations increasingly rely on local and regional travellers during periods of global disruption.

“We moved quickly to prioritise the domestic market, which has shown remarkable resilience and continues to support our tourism sector,” said Phillipa Harrison, CEO of RAKTDA.

She added that the strategy will help position Ras Al Khaimah for long-term growth: “This approach ensures we remain on track to becoming a globally recognised destination while continuing to appeal to our strong domestic and regional audiences.”

Despite an overall hotel occupancy rate of around 32 per cent in April, weekend performance was notably stronger, with some properties exceeding 70 per cent occupancy. The figures point to a growing preference for short leisure breaks, particularly in beach resorts and wellness-focused destinations popular with UAE residents.

RAKTDA is also advancing a brand repositioning initiative aimed at strengthening the emirate’s global appeal. The campaign will maintain Ras Al Khaimah’s identity as a nature-rich and tranquil escape, while modernising its image to attract international visitors and reflect ongoing hospitality developments.

While a full return to pre-disruption tourism levels remains uncertain, the authority is closely monitoring key source markets such as Russia, CIS countries, and India, which are expected to recover more quickly due to strong travel links.

Looking ahead, major developments continue to shape the emirate’s tourism future, most notably the Wynn Al Marjan Island resort, slated for completion in 2027. The project is set to play a transformative role in elevating Ras Al Khaimah’s global tourism profile.

Meanwhile, the “RAK Moments” campaign has gained positive traction, encouraging UAE residents to explore local travel experiences through curated staycation packages. The response underscores a growing shift towards nearby getaways, supporting the emirate’s strategy to strengthen domestic tourism as a foundation for long-term growth.