Ras Al Khaimah records 1.28 million visitors and plans to attract 3.5 million tourists by 2030
Sustainable initiatives and national training programs demonstrate the emirate's commitment to balancing tourism development, environmental preservation, and empowering local talent
January 16, 2025, 7:12 pm

Ras Al Khaimah records 1.28 million visitors and plans to attract 3.5 million tourists by 2030

Ras Al Khaimah witnessed a qualitative leap in its tourism sector during 2024, welcoming 1.28 million visitors, recording a 12% increase in tourism revenues, and a 15% increase in MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) sector participants.

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority highlighted that this achievement represents an extension of its successful journey and embodies the effectiveness of its sustainable development plan, which aims to attract more than 3.5 million tourists and visitors annually by 2030.

Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, stated: "2024 was an exceptional year for Ras Al Khaimah's tourism sector, highlighting our commitment to sustainability, enhancing connectivity, and delivering unique experiences that meet all visitors' aspirations. Our strategy is not limited to attracting more visitors but also aims to establish Ras Al Khaimah's leading position as a global destination for the future. We look forward to continuing our successes in 2025 thanks to our massive investments, international events, and innovative developments we are implementing."

Phillips explained that multiple elements contributed to this outstanding performance, including the launch of new hotels and resorts, expansion of the international events program, enhancement of global air connectivity through Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, launch of innovative marketing campaigns, and implementation of over 2,200 promotional activities in 70 cities worldwide.

Ras Al Khaimah crowned its successes by receiving the "Most Sustainable Project in the Middle East" classification during the Forbes Middle East Sustainability Leaders Summit 2024, along with obtaining the silver certification from "Earth Check" as the first destination in the region.

The emirate strengthened its presence in global markets by launching direct flights from major cities in Poland, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Romania, Czech Republic, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and India, contributing to strengthening the connectivity network with Ras Al Khaimah International Airport.

The emirate's hospitality portfolio expanded with the opening of luxury hotel facilities, most notably Sofitel Al Hamra Beach Resort and Anantara Mina Al Arab Resort, which features the emirate's first overwater villas.

Eighteen Emirati youth graduated from the first "Emirati Hospitality Program," reflecting the emirate's commitment to empowering national talent and preparing them to lead the future of the tourism sector.

Ras Al Khaimah continues its development journey as an integrated tourist destination, achieving tenth place in the list of world's best cities for expatriates, first place in the "Stability Abroad" index, and second place in the "Working Abroad" index.

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BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, has announced its sponsorship of the “Innovation and Sustainable Technology Solutions Competition (GU - IST Solutions), hosted by Gulf University at its main campus.
This strategic sponsorship reflects BENEFIT’s active role in advancing technological innovation and fostering sustainable solutions to future challenges. It also seeks to empower Bahraini youth by enhancing their skills, capabilities, and competitiveness in innovation and solution development—contributing meaningfully to the broader goals of sustainable development across all sectors.
As part of BENEFIT’s active involvement in the competition, the company has announced that Hanan Abdulla Hasan, Senior Manager of Public Relations and Communication, will serve on the competition’s supervisory committee. Her upcoming participation reflects BENEFIT’s forward-looking commitment to championing academic and professional excellence.
Commenting on the occasion, Hanan Abdulla Hasan, Senior Manager of Public Relations and Communication at BENEFIT, said, “We are privileged to support this pioneering initiative, which aligns seamlessly with BENEFIT’s enduring commitment to fostering innovation and nurturing the potential of Bahrain’s youth. Our participation is rooted in a deep sense of social responsibility and a firm belief in the pivotal role of innovation in shaping a sustainable future. Through such platforms, we seek to empower the next generation with the knowledge, skills, and foresight required to develop impactful solutions that address future challenges, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 2030.”
Dr. Aseel Al Ayash Dean of the College of Engineering in Gulf University commented, “We extend our sincere gratitude to BENEFIT for their generous sponsorship and support of the Innovation and Sustainable Technology Solutions Competition. This contribution plays an instrumental role in helping us achieve the strategic goals of this initiative, namely, cultivating a culture of innovation and sustainability, encouraging efforts that address the imperatives of sustainable development, and enhancing the practical and professional capabilities of our students and participants.”
The event will bring together a diverse spectrum of participants, including secondary school students, university undergraduates, engineers, industry professionals, entrepreneurs, academic researchers, and subject matter experts representing a wide range of disciplines.
The competition seeks to inspire participants to develop and present innovative, sustainable technologies aimed at addressing pressing environmental, social, and economic challenges. It encourages the formulation of business models that integrate advanced technological solutions with core principles of sustainability. Moreover, it serves as a platform for emerging leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators to contribute to the advancement of the Sustainable Development Goals, promote the ethos of responsible technology, and demonstrate its transformative potential across various sectors.
Attendees will have the opportunity to view a series of project presentations submitted by participants, covering diverse areas such as eco-friendly product design, smart and sustainable innovations, renewable energy technologies, water conservation and management, waste minimisation and recycling, green architectural solutions, and sustainable transportation systems. Outstanding projects will be formally recognised and awarded at the conclusion of the event.