Ras Al-Khaimah: The emirate of Ras Al-Khaimah has welcomed a record number of visitors during the first half of this year, according to the Ras Al-Khaimah Tourism Development Authority. A total of 654,000 tourists visited various attractions across the emirate, marking a 6 per cent increase compared to the same period last year. Tourism revenue also rose by 9 per cent.

Officials attribute this growth to improved air connectivity and new hotel developments. They aim to accommodate over 3.5 million visitors annually by 2030.

The expansion of air services has opened new routes from countries such as Romania, Poland, Uzbekistan, and Belarus. The emirate continues to attract significant numbers of visitors from India, China, Russia, and the UK.

To support the increasing tourist influx, several major hotel projects are underway, including developments at Fairmont Al Marjan Island, Four Seasons Resort at Mina Al Arab, Taj Wellington Muse Al Marjan Island, and Collection Ras Al-Khaimah. Additionally, connectivity to Ras Al-Khaimah Airport has been enhanced with flights from Warsaw, Katowice, Bucharest, Moscow, Tashkent, and Prague. Plans to expand the airport’s capacity are also in progress.

Strategic partnerships are being forged to boost inbound tourism, including agreements with Fujairah Adventures to develop inter-emirate itineraries and projects targeting travellers from China and Saudi Arabia. Several Memoranda of Understanding have been signed to promote smart tourism through digital innovation.

The popularity of Ras Al-Khaimah has also been bolstered by high-profile events such as the Ras Al-Khaimah Half Marathon, which drew over 10,000 participants, the 7th UAE Tour Jebel Jais Stage, the 4th Ras Al Khaimah Championship on the World Tour, and the Highlander Hiking challenge.