16 January 2025

Ras Al Khaimah: A Record 1.28 Million Stays in 2024

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Achievements in Tourism and Sustainable Growth

On January 15, 2025, the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) announced record-breaking results for 2024, with the number of overnight stays in the emirate reaching 1.28 million. This represents a 12% increase in tourism revenues and a 15% growth in MICE visitors (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) compared to the previous year.

These achievements highlight the emirate’s strategic approach to sustainable tourism development, with a goal to attract over 3.5 million visitors annually by 2030.

Key Success Factors

Raki Phillips, CEO of RAKTDA, emphasized that 2024 was a milestone year, driven by the implementation of sustainable initiatives, enhanced transportation connectivity, and a diverse range of offerings for travelers. Key success factors include:

  1. The opening of new hotels and resorts, such as Sofitel Al Hamra Beach Resort and Anantara Mina Al Arab Resort, featuring the emirate’s first overwater villas.
  2. Expanded air connectivity, with direct flights introduced from Poland, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Romania, Czech Republic, Saudi Arabia, and India.
  3. Over 2,200 events and marketing campaigns conducted across 70 cities worldwide.

Signature Events and Records

The emirate solidified its reputation as a hub for global events:

  1. Hosting the Highlander Adventure, Ras Al Khaimah Golf Championship, Arab Aviation Summit, and the Global Citizen Forum.
  2. Celebrating New Year 2025 with a spectacular show that set two Guinness World Records: the “Largest aerial display of a tree formed by drones” and the “Largest aerial image of a seashell formed by drones.”

Tourism and Culture

RAKTDA places strong emphasis on balanced development, which earned Ras Al Khaimah a spot among the top ten cities for expats in the 2024 InterNations rankings. The emirate was named the best place for starting life abroad, second for working overseas, and fifth for ease of settling in.

Expanding International Reach

The emirate is actively developing new markets, including China, where visibility in 2024 was significantly boosted through partnerships with Huawei Group and the Trip.com platform. RAKTDA also strengthened its presence on Chinese social media platforms such as WeChat, Red, and Douyin.

Attractiveness for MICE Tourism

The MICE sector experienced 15% growth in 2024, supported by over 80 international activities across 20 countries. This further reinforced Ras Al Khaimah’s position as one of the leading destinations for business tourism.

A Sustainable Future

Ras Al Khaimah continues to demonstrate that a combination of strategic planning, sustainable development, and unique cultural offerings ensures long-term success in the global tourism and investment arena.