Ras Al Khaimah records 1.35 million overnight visitors in 2025 and eyes 2030 growth

Overview at a glance

This piece examines Ras Al Khaimah’s record tourism results for 2025 and what they mean for travel services, transfers and local mobility.

Key results and strategic drivers

The Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) reported a banner year in 2025, recording 1.35 million overnight visitors, a 6% year‑on‑year increase, and a 12% rise in tourism revenues. CEO Phillipa Harrison highlighted stronger global partnerships, new hotels, and a packed events calendar as core drivers of this performance, positioning the Emirate on a sustained growth path toward its 2030 target of over 3.5 million annual visitors.

Fast facts

Milestones shaping demand

Multiple initiatives in 2025 expanded Ras Al Khaimah’s appeal: hotel investments, large-scale developments, record‑setting events, and better connectivity. These milestones not only attract visitors but also transform local transport demand, increasing the need for efficient airport transfers, chauffeur services and group transfers for weddings and MICE.

• Hotel pipeline: New openings such as Rove Al Marjan Island and SO/ Ras Al Khaimah, plus announcements from Janu, Four Seasons, Fairmont, Taj and NH Collection aiming to double hotel keys by 2030.
• Integrated resort: Topping out of the 70‑storey Wynn Al Marjan Island—1,530 rooms and suites, due to open in 2027 and expected to create over 9,000 jobs.
• Major developments: Marjan Beach (85 million sq. ft.) and RAK Central commercial district.
• Events & culture: RAK Half Marathon, UAE Tour, HIGHLANDER hiking challenge, Ras Al Khaimah Art Festival, plus a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ drone display.

Transport and connectivity

Improved aviation links—new direct flights from Saudi Arabia, Russia, Eastern Europe and Central Asia—along with a planned LEED Gold–targeted VIP Terminal at Ras Al Khaimah International Airport and a multi‑year cruise partnership with Celestyal Cruises are magnetizing higher-value travellers. For the taxi and transfer sector, these changes mean higher demand at arrival times, more requests for exact‑pickup airport service, and a growing market for private seater and limousine options.

What this means for transfers and taxi services

Operators and booking platforms should expect:

1. Greater peak loads at arrivals—more airport shuttle and private transfer bookings.
2. Higher demand for premium transfers tied to luxury hotel openings and events.
3. Opportunities for local drivers to serve MICE and wedding markets with tailored packages and competitive fares.
4. More need for transparent pricing, vehicle details and verified driver credentials to win travellers’ trust.

Partnerships, digital tools and workforce

RAKTDA’s collaboration with OTAs such as Trip.com, Tongcheng, Fursan Travel, Almatar y Wego, and entry into luxury networks like Virtuoso y Serandipians by Traveller Made, have broadened reach. Internally, the launch of the BeRAK workforce app and the inaugural RAK Tourism Excellence Awards underline a people‑first approach and a commitment to sustainable industry growth.

Why clarity matters to travellers

As Ras Al Khaimah grows into a more complex, event‑driven destination, travellers expect to know the exact vehicle, fare and driver details before booking. Transparency—about car make, model, license and driver ratings—becomes a decisive factor when choosing an airport transfer or private taxi over cheaper but opaque alternatives.

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In summary, Ras Al Khaimah’s 2025 surge—fueled by targeted investments, new routes and a packed events calendar—creates fresh opportunities for airport taxis, private transfers, and chauffeur services. Travellers and planners should expect shifts in demand, especially around major hotel openings and events, and should look for booking options that offer clear pricing, vehicle and driver information. LocalsRide supports this trend by offering a global, user‑friendly solution for booking personalized transfers, trips, and deliveries, with transparency and convenience that help you get the exact service you need—whether airport pickup, private limousine or group transfer—so you can travel with confidence. The pen is mightier than the map.