Ras Al Khaimah has outlined ambitious plans for its tourism sector, aiming to triple annual visitor numbers to 3.5 million and double hotel capacity by 2030, according to a senior official.

Currently, the emirate boasts 8,000 hotel rooms, but to meet future demand, this figure is set to rise to between 16,000 and 20,000 rooms, said Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA). The expansion will include new hotels and world-class attractions, such as the UAE’s first integrated gaming resort, which is being developed on Al Marjan Island.

Hotel and casino operator Wynn Resorts recently secured the UAE’s first commercial gaming operator’s licence. Slated to open in early 2027, the multi-billion-dollar project will introduce 1,500 hotel rooms, 22 outlets, entertainment facilities, and conference spaces to Ras Al Khaimah. “The leadership in Ras Al Khaimah is dedicated to achieving specific goals that boost both tourism and liveability,” Phillips stated. “Wynn Resorts exemplifies how significant developments are driving tourism and enhancing the quality of life for residents.”

Ras Al Khaimah is currently the “No. 1 staycation destination” in the UAE, according to the authority’s CEO. “Fifty per cent of our visitors are domestic tourists,” Phillips noted. “Our strategy revolves around market diversification to attract visitors from across the globe.” This includes strengthening the emirate’s presence in key markets like China, which has been a focal point for the authority in recent years.

Through strategic partnerships, such as featuring Ras Al Khaimah on platforms like Huawei and Trip.com, the emirate is positioning itself as a premier travel destination for Chinese tourists. “We aim for no single market to account for more than 10-15 per cent of our market share,” Phillips emphasized, highlighting the importance of a diverse visitor base. In addition to China, the emirate is also expanding its reach in Western Europe, India, and the CIS Commonwealth of Independent States.

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