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Sat, Nov 08, 2025 | Jumada al-Awwal 17, 1447 | Fajr 05:11 | DXB 
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Ras Al Khaimah Tourism CEO to step down after 6 years
Raki Phillips will end a six-year tenure that saw the emirate expand its global tourism
Raki Phillips will step down as chief executive officer of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) in October, the authority confirmed to Khaleej Times on Wednesday. Phillips will end a six-year tenure that saw the emirate expand its global tourism.
Back in May, Phillips told Khaleej Times 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.
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During his tenure, Phillips helped lead the Authority’s effort to drive the Emirate’s bold vision to become the “Destination of the Future”. Under his leadership, RAKTDA has spearheaded major advancements in hospitality and infrastructure, adopting a long-term, sector-driven development model.
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He will be joining Accor this November as the new Regional President for the PME division across the Middle East, Africa & Türkiye.
Since joining RAKTDA in 2019, Phillips has played a key role in raising Ras Al Khaimah’s global tourism profile and drawing significant foreign investment, including several prominent hospitality projects.
The Authority has been instrumental in positioning Ras Al Khaimah as a regional leader in sustainable tourism, a milestone highlighted by the Emirate becoming the first destination in the Middle East to receive the EarthCheck Sustainable Destinations Silver Certification.
While the Authority has not yet named a successor, it affirmed its commitment to continuing the momentum built during Phillips’ tenure, pledging to build on the strong foundation laid under his leadership.
He led RAKTDA through a period of rapid transformation as the northernmost emirate sought to position itself as a competitive destination for international leisure and investment. Under his leadership, the authority adopted a long-term, sector-driven development model and advanced major hospitality and infrastructure projects.
Azza Al Ali
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.
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