Raki Phillips

According to Raki Phillips, CEO of the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), the emirate aims to increase the number of hotel rooms from 8,130 to 12,747 over the next five years. Ras El Khaimah currently boasts 50 hotels and resorts, including 10 five-star hotels, nine four-star hotels, seven hotel-apartments and 24 other accredited accommodations.

The strategy is also aligned with RAKTDA’s commitment to supporting the country’s Emiratization program and attracting citizens to work in tourism and hospitality.

Phillips also noted that the emirate is diversifying its hospitality offering by establishing accommodation on Jebel Jais, including Earth Hotels Altitude, a temporary hotel concept that is due to open next year, as well as the Mantis Group’s Saij Lodge, a mountain destination that will offer relaxation, entertainment and guided tours. Another addition is the Cloud7 Camp Jebel Jais, where guests can enjoy a luxurious camping experience, with 30 accommodation units built from sustainable materials.

RAK is also planning to inaugurate a billion-dollar integrated project in 2026 on Marjan Island, which will span a 250,000-square-meter area, with over 1,000 rooms and retail stores.

The emirate welcomed over a million visitors in 2019 and neared pre-pandemic levels in 2022. Source markets included Kazakhstan, the UK and Germany.

RAKTDA further announced its comprehensive Sustainable Tourism Destination Strategy that will see the nature-based emirate become a regional leader in environmentally conscious tourism by 2025.