UAE: Ras Al Khaimah Tourism

With Saudi Arabia's flagship Red Sea tourism project securing $3.8bn in green financing, various governments in the Gulf region are looking to new, alternative tourism models to drive their pandemic recoveries, with an emphasis on ecological options and "staycations".

Ras Al Khaimah saw its tourism industry hit a high note in 2014, with revenues surpassing Dh1bn ($242.9m), bolstered by the addition of new rooms and a rise in the number of hotel nights spent by visitors in the emirate. 

Ras Al Khaimah’s (RAK’s) tourism sector continues to exceed expectations, with visitor arrivals well up on forecasts and overseas investment flowing in. However, the emirate faces stiff competition in a crowded market to develop brand recognition.

As part of a long-term strategy to diversify the economy by capitalising on the emirate’s natural beauty, Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) is moving forward with ambitious plans to rebrand itself as a tourism destination. By 2021, RAK expects around 20% of its GDP will be generated by tourism-related activities.

The local tourism sector received a welcome boost on April 13 when Ras Al Khaimah’s ruler, Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, issued a decree to establish a dedicated Tourism Development Authority. The body will be tasked with administering the planning, development and regulation of the emirate’s tourism industry. With knock-on effects for transport, property and retail, the sector is seen Gulf-wide as a driver of diversification and economic development.