Ras Al Khaimah Welcomes Record H1 2025 Visitors

Ras Al Khaimah has set a record for the highest number of visitors in its history.

654,000 visitors passed through the emirate in the first half of 2025 — the most in a six-month period ever and a stunning 6% increase from H1 2024. Tourism revenues also spiked by 9% YoY during the same period. This surge was driven by a spate of new resorts and luxury residences, improved air links and the growth potential fuelled by Wynn Al Marjan, 

The number of visitors from the following countries in particular rose to record-breaking levels (for a half-year duration):

• India (+25%)

• China (+9.2%)

• Russia (+7%)

• United Kingdom (+5%)

These numbers highlight Ras Al Khaimah’s status as a rapidly growing destination for tourism, leisure and luxury hospitality, a trend facilitated by enhanced connectivity between Ras Al Khaimah International Airport and newer visitor source markets. These include Poland, Romania, Uzbekistan and Belarus, countries that contributed significantly to the H1 visitor numbers.

Visitors from the world over are being drawn to the emirate’s diverse tourist attractions. Dhayah Fort, which is over 3000 years old, serves as a reminder of the area’s rich history, as does Al Jazeera Al Hamra, which is the Gulf’s only remaining historical pearling village. The emirate’s history stretches back to 5000BC and coalesces at the well-frequented National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah.

Also on offer are the area’s famed nature destinations. These include the vast range of desert activities, Flamingo Beach and Jebel Jais – the U.A.E.’s highest mountain, which hosts the world’s longest zipline.

The emirate is growing as a hub for major sporting events as well, hosting the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon, cycling’s U.A.E. Tour, and golf’s Ras Al Khaimah Championship.

Happily, this increase in visitors is reflected in unprecedented real estate market growth. Q1 2025 (the most recent data available) enjoyed a staggering 39% YoY increase in property prices. This followed a 2024 where sales value stood at AED 15.08 billion (a 118% rise from 2023). 

Looking ahead, approximately 14,000 new residential units are expected between 2026 and 2029, with a notable 5600 being branded. These will feature highly anticipated developments by such brands as Fairmont, Ritz-Carlton, Nikki Beach and Aston Martin.

With a growing status as a luxury travel, tourism and leisure destination, the emirate is well on its way to meeting its target of welcoming 3.5 million visitors by 2030.