Ras Al Khaimah welcomes over 670,000 visitors in first half of 2026
Ras Al Khaimah representative Image
Domestic arrivals up 47% year on year, with May the strongest single month in the destination’s history.
Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) announced that the emirate welcomed more than 670,000 visitors in the first half of 2026, marking its strongest first-half performance on record. The growth was reportedly driven by robust domestic demand, despite regional conflict disrupting international travel flows.
Phillipa Harrison, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), 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.”
Highlights include:
- More than 670,000 visitors, the highest first-half performance on record
- Domestic arrivals up 47% year on year, with May the strongest single month in the destination’s history
- Average Daily Rate held in line with 2025
- RAK Moments domestic campaign delivered 224,000 room nights, AED 104.4 million in room revenue and 127,817 incremental visitors in Q2 (+67.1% year on year)
- Campaign amplified through partnerships with leading OTAs and travel platforms including Wego, Expedia, Booking.com, Cleartrip, Almosafer and Yandex.
- New hotel openings ahead: Rotana Ras Al Khaimah – The Mangroves (Q3 2026) and SAIJ Mountain Lodge by Mantis (Q4 2026)
- Wynn Al Marjan Island on track for 2027, with the Punchdrunk partnership and headline dining concepts announced
- RAKTA advancing connectivity across land, sea and air, with Skyports air taxi operations targeted from 2027 and a cooperation agreement with Dubai Maritime Authority easing yacht movement between the emirates
- Action Flight Aviation and BLINC Space signed an MOU to introduce an astronaut training programme in Ras Al Khaimah, launching from the second half of 2026
In addition, development of Wynn Al Marjan Island, one of the most significant hospitality projects in the region, is said to be progressing steadily, with the resort expected to play a central role in expanding Ras Al Khaimah's international profile when it opens in 2027.
