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Ras Al Khaimah aims to attract 3.5 million tourists by 2030
Our goal isn’t just about visitor numbers, it’s about building a destination people want to return to and even call home, said Raki Phillips on RAK's growth
- PUBLISHED: Thu 22 May 2025, 5:26 PM
Ras Al Khaimah is gearing up for a tourism boom, with ambitious plans to attract more than 3.5 million tourists over the next five years, alongside a growing push to welcome more residents to become part of the emirate’s evolving community.
Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, said this as he highlighted the emirate’s rapidly expanding tourism ecosystem, driven by bold investments, forward-looking development plans, and a clear focus on sustainability, authenticity, and future-readiness.
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“Our goal isn’t just about visitor numbers, it’s about building a destination people want to return to and even call home,” Phillips said while speaking at a tourism excellence awards ceremony at the Mövenpick Resort held on Wednesday at the Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island.
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“We’re making sure the visitor experience remains front and center. It’s the everyday interactions and memorable stays that turn tourists into lifelong ambassadors.”
The award served as a platform to celebrate excellence across key pillars of tourism, including hospitality, leadership, innovation, community engagement, and sustainability.
Meanwhile, the awards, which is in its first edition, featured six diverse categories designed to reflect the multifaceted nature of Ras Al Khaimah’s tourism ecosystem, recognising both individual and corporate achievements. The categories included Corporate Hospitality Excellence, Individual Innovation, Culinary Artistry, Hospitality Leadership, Community Involvement, and Environmental Responsibility.
Notably, the awards emphasised the importance of long-term impact over short-term wins, with categories judged on measurable outcomes and meaningful contributions to the emirate’s tourism vision.
Ras Al Khaimah’s commitment to green tourism was spotlighted through initiatives like the “Responsible RAK” framework and the Green Hotel Award, which recognises not just compliance, but leadership in environmental responsibility.
“With the world watching, we are achieving firsts that haven’t been done anywhere else,” Phillips added.
“The best is yet to come for Ras Al Khaimah.”
Azza Al Ali is a reporter from Ras Al Khaimah, dedicated to sharing stories that bring the community’s voices to life. She’s passionate about connecting with people and highlighting what truly matters to them.