Ras Al Khaimah welcomed more than 670,000 visitors in the first half of 2026, marking its strongest first-half tourism performance on record, according to the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA).

The growth was driven by strong domestic demand despite regional geopolitical tensions affecting international travel.

Domestic arrivals rose 47% year-on-year, with May becoming the emirate’s strongest month on record.

Phillipa Harrison, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, said “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. With new hotels opening and anchor developments advancing at pace, the emirate is entering its next phase of growth with real momentum.”

Average Daily Rate remained in line with 2025 levels, while the RAK Moments domestic campaign generated 224,000 room nights, AED104.4 million ($28 million) in room revenue and more than 127,800 incremental visitors during the second quarter.

RAKTDA also strengthened its marketing reach through partnerships with online travel platforms including Wego, Expedia, Booking.com, Cleartrip, Almosafer and Yandex.

The emirate’s hospitality sector continues to expand with Rotana Ras Al Khaimah – The Mangroves scheduled to open in the third quarter of 2026, adding 258 rooms and new MICE facilities.

SAIJ Mountain Lodge by Mantis, the first mountain lodge on Jebel Jais, is expected to open in the fourth quarter, offering nature-based experiences including hiking, beekeeping, organic farming and wellness activities.

Meanwhile, major upgrades are underway at Pullman Resort Al Marjan Island and Rixos Al Mairid Ras Al Khaimah to enhance the destination’s premium accommodation offering.

Development of Wynn Al Marjan Island remains on schedule for its 2027 opening.

The integrated resort recently announced a partnership with immersive theatre company Punchdrunk to create its first Middle East production exclusively for the property.

It also unveiled new dining concepts, including a steakhouse by chef Alain Ducasse and the first international location of Wynn Las Vegas’ Delilah supper club.

Beyond tourism, Marjan continues to advance large-scale developments across the emirate.

Marjan Beach, an 85 million sq ft mixed-use masterplan, will feature around 22,000 residential units and 12,000 hotel keys, while RAK Central Square, the emirate’s first Grade A office development, is on track for completion in 2027.

Connectivity infrastructure is also expanding.

Construction of a new VVIP terminal at Ras Al Khaimah International Airport is progressing for an early 2027 opening, while the airport has appointed Duty Free Americas as its retail partner.

The Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority is enhancing mobility with new transit stations, autonomous shuttle services, heritage-style taxis and plans to introduce Skyports air taxi operations from 2027.

A cooperation agreement with Dubai Maritime Authority will also simplify yacht travel between the two emirates.

Looking ahead, Ras Al Khaimah is broadening its experiential tourism offering through a new astronaut training programme developed with Action Flight Aviation and BLINC Space, set to launch in the second half of 2026, as the emirate continues its drive to attract high-value international visitors. -TradeArabia News Service