MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

2024 marked another definitive year for tourism in Ras Al Khaimah with the Emirate welcoming a record 1.28 million visitors and achieving a 12% increase in tourism revenues. This stellar performance brings us closer to realizing our vision to attract over 3.5 million annual visitors by 2030 and reflects Ras Al Khaimah’s reputation as one of the region’s fastest-growing tourism destinations in the region.

Our all-encompassing approach to economic, environmental and social sustainability has earned Ras Al Khaimah the first EarthCheck Sustainable Destinations Silver Certification in the Middle East in 2023. Moreover, RAKTDA’s sustainability initiatives, including our “Responsible RAK” Certification for hotels and tourism businesses, was recognised as the “Middle East’s Most Sustainable Project” at the Forbes Middle East 2024 Sustainability Leaders’ Summit, underscoring Ras Al Khaimah’s leadership in sustainable tourism in the region.

Ras Al Khaimah’s flourishing tourism sector is underpinned by our strategic focus on building a diverse hospitality portfolio and doubling our current 8,000-key inventory in the coming years with a well-balanced mix of world-class hotels and resorts.

In 2024, the Emirate welcomed two new luxury properties, further establishing its reputation as a destination of choice. Anantara Mina Al Arab Resort, featuring the Emirate’s first overwater villas, and the Sofitel Al Hamra Beach Resort opened their doors, adding to Ras Al Khaimah’s world-class hospitality portfolio.

Ras Al Khaimah also experienced a remarkable 40% year-over-year growth in Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) visitor numbers, reinforcing its status as a premier MICE destination. Events tourism was another key pillar of its success. The Emirate hosted several internationally acclaimed events such as the third HIGHLANDER long-distance hiking challenge, the 17th Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon, the third Ras Al Khaimah Golf Championship, the fourth Global Citizen Forum and Arab Aviation Summit and the HUAWEI AppGallery Gamers Cup. The year concluded with a spectacular New Year’s Eve celebration that set two Guinness World Records™ titles for with a breathtaking fireworks and drone display.

Ras Al Khaimah will continue to capitalise on its growing international profile as a destination of the future. We are confident our focused strategic direction will attract new levels of investment, helping consolidate Ras Al Khaimah’s reputation as one of the region’s most desirable places to visit, live and thrive.

RAKI PHILLIPS, CEO, RAKTDA

The government of Ras Al Khaimah established the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) in May 2011.

The Authority is actively developing the Emirate’s tourism infrastructure and establishing Ras Al Khaimah as a world-class destination for leisure and business travellers with the objective of attracting 3.5 million visitors annually by 2030. Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority is also placing a strong emphasis on creating sustainable investment opportunities and enhancing the quality of life for its residents.

Ras Al Khaimah is the northernmost of the seven Emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates. It is known for its rich history, dating back 7,000 years, and diverse landscape, from 64 kilometres of pristine beaches to terracotta deserts and an imposing mountain backdrop.

Ras Al Khaimah is ideally situated at the modern crossroads between Europe and Asia. One-third of the world's population is within four hours of flight duration, making it an ideal location for businesses to expand into the UAE, the Middle East, Africa, and beyond.

The Emirate is home to the highest peak in the United Arab Emirates, Jebel Jais, soaring at an impressive 1,934 metres above sea level and recording temperatures that are 10 degrees Celsius cooler on average than across the other Emirates.

The mountain is also home to the Jais Adventure Park, a gateway to attractions such as the Jais Viewing Deck Park, the Jais Flight, the World’s Longest Zipline, Jais Sky Tour, a series of seven exhilarating ziplines stretching 5km, and Jais Sledder, the region’s longest toboggan ride.

At the Emirate’s economic heart lies several significant companies and sectors. The industrial segment includes RAK Rock and Stevin Rock quarries, RAK Ceramics and Julphar Pharmaceuticals. The Emirate also boasts RAK Ports, RAK Economic Zone, RAKBANK, RAK Gas, RAK Petroleum and the rapidly evolving tourism division. Supporting these industries is a modern infrastructure including state-of-the-art industrial areas, business parks, world-class hotels, facilities, and attractions.

For the past decade, Ras Al Khaimah has been consistently rated in the ‘A’ range by international rating agencies such as Fitch and Standard & Poor’s Global Ratings. The Emirate’s Economic Zone already houses over 45,000 multinational companies from over 100 countries representing 50 industry sectors.

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority has been certified as a 'Great Place to Work' by Great Place to Work® for the fourth consecutive year in 2024. If you want to be part of our award-winning team, please email your CV and cover letter to careers@raktda.com