With its sprawling deserts, beaches and stunning mountain landscapes, coupled with a rich cultural heritage, Ras Al Khaimah has quickly emerged as a prominent player in the cruise industry, strategically positioning itself as a prime destination for cruise services. As such, the Authority and RAK Ports have invested in state-of-the-art port facilities, including the transformation of the old ferry terminal into a modern and efficient boutique cruise passenger terminal, and the development of marine transport infrastructure around it. They have also appointed industry experts Zaiton Consultancy to develop and market Ras Al Khaimah’s growing cruise sector.

Considered as one of the most diverse and fastest growing destinations in the region, a key part of the Emirate’s strategy to attract three million visitors a year by 2030 is to ensure accessibility via all means of transport, including luxury cruise ships. These passengers will be welcomed to Ras Al Khaimah via the dedicated terminal, which is able to accommodate multiple cruise ships of up to 214m in length docking simultaneously. To ensure a continuation of the service levels luxury cruise passengers expect, the terminal features cutting-edge security measures such as facial recognition CCTV, luggage and personal baggage X-ray machines, delivering a seamless, hassle-free experience.

While the port facilities are currently suited to Luxury, Discovery and Expedition cruises, these smaller passenger ships suit the Emirate’s commitment to sustainability, supporting its mission to ensure that every aspect of its travel and tourism sector is developed with environmental protection front of mind. With the aim of attracting 50 cruise ship calls each season by 2030, and some cruise 10,000 passengers within the next few years, the focus will be on Explorer/Expedition Cruises, where emphasis is placed on the experience ashore, excursions and ports of call. Ras Al Khaimah is perfectly suited to this segment, offering an experience of a lifetime where travellers can feel the Emirate’s beating heart across a range of landscapes from the sea and beach, desert and mountain range. As such, the Authority has invested in designing bespoke visitor itineraries for arrivals to attract a larger segment of leisure cruise passengers and welcome new audiences from around the world to the destination.

Outdoor enthusiasts can go hiking, rock climbing, kayaking, and even take on the world's longest zipline. There is also 64km of stunning coastline, perfect for swimming, snorkelling, or simply relaxing on the white sandy beach. Additionally, visitors can delve into the region's history and culture by exploring its forts, museums, and the much-loved Suwaidi Pearl Farm, or discover the Emirate’s diverse range of shopping and dining options. Named one of the World’s Greatest Places of 2022 by Time Magazine and listed as one of CNN Travel’s best destinations to visit in 2023, the destination has something for everyone to discover, ensuring a well-rounded experience for cruise passengers.

The development of cruise services in Ras Al Khaimah has also had a positive impact on the local economy. It has created job opportunities in the tourism and hospitality sectors, stimulating economic growth and diversification. Furthermore, the influx of tourists has generated revenue for local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and souvenir shops. With its commitment to providing exceptional cruise experiences and its continuous efforts to develop its tourism infrastructure, Ras Al Khaimah is poised to become a leading cruise destination in the region, attracting travellers from around the world.

During the 2022-2023 season, the destination received six calls by four luxury cruises, including Azamara Quest, one of the largest ships ever to arrive in the Emirate. Another key feat was receiving both the Emerald Azzurra and super mega-yacht The World (Residences at Sea) on the same day - an impressive achievement for a relatively small port.

If you need more information, please email cruise@raktda.com