Ras Al Khaimah tourism welcomed a record 670,000 visitors in the first half of 2026. This milestone was driven significantly by a 47% year-on-year jump in domestic arrivals, proving the emirate’s resilience as a premier short-break destination for UAE residents despite regional travel disruptions.
May stood out as the strongest single month in the history of the emirate’s tourism. While international travel faced hurdles across the region, people living in the UAE stepped up. This shift helped maintain stability for the local hotel sector.
The RAK Moments campaign played a huge part in this. In the second quarter alone, it brought in an estimated 127,817 additional visitors. That is a 67.1% increase compared to the same period last year. The campaign generated 224,000 hotel room nights and Dh104.4 million in room revenue.
RAKTDA drove this growth through partnerships with platforms such as Expedia, Booking.com, Wego, Almosafer, Cleartrip, and Yandex. It kept the momentum going when other markets slowed. You can see how this fits into broader UAE tourism safety trends during periods of regional tension.
The Al Marjan Island boom: RAK’s answer to Palm Jumeirah
Al Marjan Island is rapidly evolving into the UAE’s next major luxury hub. With the multi-billion-dollar Wynn resort, Nobu Hotel, and W Hotel all in development, the island is being built to rival Dubai’s most iconic waterfront destinations for premium leisure travellers.
I’ve closely watched the trajectory of Al Marjan Island. It is being positioned as the next Palm Jumeirah. The scale is massive. The Marjan Beach development alone is 85 million square feet. It will eventually house 22,000 residential units and 12,000 hotel rooms.
The anchor is the Wynn Al Marjan Island, set to open in 2027. It is not just about the rooms. The resort will feature 22 restaurants, lounges and bars. I’m looking forward to the steakhouse by Alain Ducasse and the first international branch of the Delilah supper club.
They are also bringing in Punchdrunk, an immersive theatre company, for its first production in the Middle East and North Africa. Guests can choose between a seated show or an immersive experience where they move through the production areas. It adds a layer of entertainment that matches the vibrant energy of Al Marjan Island.
New hotel openings and luxury renovations
The emirate is expanding its accommodation variety with two major openings: Rotana Ras Al Khaimah The Mangroves at Al Qawasim Corniche in Q3, and the SAIJ Mountain Lodge by Mantis on Jebel Jais in Q4. Existing luxury properties like Rixos Al Mairid are also undergoing significant refreshes.
Rotana Ras Al Khaimah The Mangroves will bring 258 rooms to the Al Qawasim Corniche. It is designed for more than just sleep. The property will have ten meeting rooms and one of the largest pillar-free ballrooms in the emirate. It is clearly targeting the wedding and conference market.
Up in the mountains, the SAIJ Mountain Lodge by Mantis opens in Q4 2026. This is for a different crowd. The focus is on wellness and nature, with guided treks and beekeeping on the menu.
Existing spots are also updating. Rixos Al Mairid is renovating its main building rooms and suites, with work finishing in Q4 2026. Meanwhile, the Pullman Resort Al Marjan Island is getting a full interior refresh and is expected to reopen in Q1 2027. These updates are part of a wider wave of upcoming openings in the UAE.
Planning your RAK getaway: Transport and logistics
Reaching Ras Al Khaimah is becoming increasingly seamless. While driving from Dubai remains the standard, upcoming air taxi services connecting Al Marjan Island to Dubai are slated for 2027, alongside new transit stations and autonomous shuttles arriving in late 2026 to improve local connectivity.
Skyports is the lead on the air taxis. They want Al Marjan Island to be the first node in a network that links RAK and Dubai. For those who prefer the ground, commercial autonomous shuttle services should start in late 2026.
The airport is getting a boost too. A new VVIP terminal is opening in early 2027 through a partnership with Falcon Executive Aviation. This is specifically for private aviation and luxury travellers heading to the new resorts. Duty Free Americas will also manage the travel retail.
RAKTA is building three new transit stations to better connect city routes with tourism spots on Al Marjan Island. You can use the Sayr platform to plan the trip and pay for services. There is also a new agreement with the Dubai Maritime Authority to make it easier for yachts to move between the two emirates, which is perfect for those seeking luxury staycations in the UAE.
Beyond the beach: Adventure and space tourism
Ras Al Khaimah is diversifying its appeal by leaning into high-octane adventure. From stargazing and wellness at Jebel Jais mountain lodges to a groundbreaking astronaut training programme launching in H2 2026, the emirate is targeting travellers seeking more than just a standard beach holiday.
The most unusual addition is the astronaut training programme. Starting in H2 2026, Action Flight Aviation and BLINC Space will offer G-force training via aerobatic flights. They are also planning zero-gravity parabolic flights, advanced freefall and parachuting.
It is aimed at people preparing for commercial spaceflight or those who just want a high-end adrenaline rush. It is a bold move to move the emirate’s identity beyond just “coastal”.
For those who want something slower, the SAIJ Mountain Lodge on Jebel Jais offers a different pace. The activities there include organic farming, stargazing and trekking. It balances the extreme nature of the space programme with genuine mountain wellness.
Ras Al Khaimah is no longer just a weekend escape for residents; it is a serious contender on the global luxury stage. With the Wynn resort and massive coastal developments on the horizon, the emirate is clearly entering a high-growth era.
Planning a trip to the north? Check out our guide to the best beaches in the UAE to find your perfect coastal spot.
