Ras Al Khaimah is rewriting its #tourism narrative, recording a historic 1.28 million overnight visitors last year, a 12% surge in tourism revenues, and a 15% spike in MICE arrivals, all signaling a focused push toward becoming a global destination. 

H1 2025 saw 654,000 visitor arrivals, the highest six‑month tally ever, delivering a 9% year‑on‑year jump in tourism revenues and a staggering 36% growth in business and weddings revenues: proof that Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA)’s strategy is gaining unstoppable momentum. 

Enter Wynn Al Marjan Island, a US$5BN+ integrated gaming resort, slated to open in early 2027, proudly holding the UAE’s first gaming license; a landmark that marks a bold new chapter in the Emirates guiding #luxury and #entertainment. 

The resort’s 299‑suite ultra‑luxury Enclave, perched atop a 300‑meter tower and designed by world‑renowned studios (Anouska Hempel, Pinto Design), redefines exclusivity with private elevators, reserve pools, and bespoke Lebanese dining, a “destination within a destination.” 

This is more than a hotel, it’s a catalyst: RAK’s real estate market is buoyed by the “Wynn Effect,” with Al Marjan Island, InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Mina Al Arab Resort & Spa, and Al Hamra seeing rising valuations and demand for luxury branded residences like SORA Beach, Nobu Hospitality, W Hotels, and JW Marriott. 

Under the dynamic leadership of HH Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, RAK has transformed into a diversified economy, with tourism, manufacturing, logistics, and real estate thriving, backed by robust free‑zones and infrastructure prowess. 

RAKTDA CEO Raki Phillips has orchestrated a data‑fueled tourism renaissance, expanding air‑connectivity (adding routes from Poland, Romania, Russia, Uzbekistan, the Czech Republic), signing strategic OTA MoUs, and hosting major sporting and cultural events to make RAK one of the world’s fastest growing destinations. A lot before he leaves for Accor later this year!

Al Marjan Island itself is fast becoming RAK’s investment magnet, targeting 8,000 hotel keys, 12,000 residential units, and 600 holiday villas, with international players like Wynn Resorts, Emaar, ALDAR, and Nobu anchoring its upscale vision. 

RAK’s approach blends ambition with sustainability: Earth‑check Silver certification, the “Responsible RAK” program, and a world‑class transportation upgrade, including a 30,000 sqm airport terminal and extended bus and port services, speak to a long‑term, eco‑conscious growth blueprint. 

Together, these developments deliver a powerful message: the UAE is evolving thoughtfully. RAK is emerging not as a shadow to Dubai, but as a bold, diversified emirate where gaming, luxury, culture, and smart infrastructure converge to shape a next-gen destination.