Travel & Tourism

Ras Al Khaimah sees surge in summer tourism as domestic travel rises 47%

Ras Al Khaimah is emerging as a preferred summer getaway for UAE residents, with domestic tourism rising 47.1% in the first half of 2026 and helping the emirate maintain strong hotel occupancy during the traditionally quieter travel season.

According to the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), the emirate welcomed more than 670,000 visitors during the first six months of the year, driven by increasing demand for staycations, wellness retreats and family-friendly experiences.

Phillipa Harrison, Chief Executive Officer of RAKTDA, said domestic tourism has become a key pillar of the emirate's tourism strategy, with the RAK Moments campaign continuing to boost visitor numbers.

The campaign generated 224,000 room nights and attracted 127,817 additional visitors during the second quarter, marking a 67.1% year-on-year increase. Domestic visitation reached its highest level in May, more than doubling compared to the same month last year with growth of 132.7%.

Harrison noted that travellers are increasingly seeking flexible and personalised holidays, with wellness experiences becoming an important factor in destination selection alongside value for money.

To sustain momentum throughout the summer, RAKTDA is working with hospitality partners to introduce seasonal offers, including beachfront staycations, all-inclusive resort packages, wellness retreats and family-focused promotions.

Hotels across the emirate are offering incentives such as stay five nights and pay for four, complimentary meal plan upgrades, room upgrades and free stays for children to attract domestic travellers.

Among the seasonal attractions is Flavours of Ras Al Khaimah, a dining festival running from July to September across five restaurants. The initiative features specially curated menus starting from Dh125 per person, highlighting locally produced Ras Al Khaimah honey and rewarding visitors through a dining passport programme.

RAKTDA has also partnered with Fujifilm Instax Middle East and Grand Stores to encourage visitors to capture their holidays through exclusive hotel packages, Instax rewards and opportunities to win future staycations.

In addition to its beaches, the emirate continues to promote indoor attractions during the summer, including Suwaidi Pearls, the National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah, Al Jazeera Al Hamra Heritage Village, Al Hamra Mall and Manar Mall.

Looking ahead, the tourism authority aims to position Ras Al Khaimah as a year-round destination. Upcoming hospitality projects include the opening of Rotana Ras Al Khaimah – The Mangroves in the third quarter and SAIJ Mountain Lodge by Mantis later this year.