1. Tourism: Record-Breaking Momentum

Ras Al Khaimah welcomed a record-setting 654,000 visitors in the first half of 2025—its strongest performance for any six-month period. This reflects a 6% year-on-year increase in arrivals, coupled with a 9% surge in tourism revenues.
Tourism authority RAKTDA credits this success to expanded air connectivity, new hotel developments, and a rich calendar of events—from the RAK Half Marathon to the Jais Ride. The emirate remains firmly on track to host 3.5 million visitors annually by 2030.

Notably, revenues from MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) and weddings jumped a staggering 36%, fueled by global interest and strategic programming.

2. Business Boom: Startups & Entrepreneurs Thrive

The Department of Economic Development (DED) reports a 17.6% rise in new business licences in H1 2025—up from 1,037 to 1,219 compared to the same period in 2024.
Industrial licences surged by 111%, signaling investors’ growing confidence in the emirate’s manufacturing potential. Meanwhile, professional and commercial licences climbed 20% and 12.6%, respectively.

Wholesale and retail dominate with 44.4% of all new licences, followed by construction (18%), accommodation & food services (13.2%), and manufacturing (11.1%).

3. Hospitality Expansion: Hotel Supply Set to Double

Ras Al Khaimah is not slowing down. Its hotel supply is on track to double by 2027, with more than 7,500 new hotel rooms set to be added. This expansion will bring the total to nearly 14,600 keys—and the growth doesn’t stop there. By 2030, an additional 1,000 rooms are expected to come online.

This surge in luxury accommodations—led by major players like Four Seasons, Fairmont, Taj, and Minor Hotels—reinforces RAK's rising allure.

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