Ras Al Khaimah experienced a notable increase in domestic tourism during the first half of 2026, welcoming over 670,000 visitors amid heightened demand for staycations, according to the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA). The surge in local travelers helped the emirate sustain steady hotel occupancy during the traditionally slow summer months.
Phillipa Harrison, CEO of RAKTDA, emphasized that domestic tourism remains a core element of the emirate’s broader tourism strategy. The authority’s ongoing RAK Moments campaign has been instrumental in boosting local visitor numbers, generating 224,000 room nights and attracting nearly 128,000 incremental visitors in the second quarter alone—an increase of 67.1 percent compared to the same period last year.
Data from the authority showed that domestic visitation peaked in May, more than doubling year-on-year with a 132.7 percent increase, while overall domestic tourism grew 47.1 percent during the first half of the year. Harrison noted a shift in traveler preferences, with visitors increasingly seeking flexible and personalized experiences that go beyond price considerations. Wellness offerings, once considered niche, have now become a mainstream expectation influencing destination choices.
To capitalize on this momentum through the summer, RAKTDA is collaborating with hospitality partners to introduce a range of seasonal packages. These include beachfront staycations, all-inclusive resort options, wellness retreats, and family-oriented experiences. One key initiative, Flavours of Ras Al Khaimah, is a limited-time dining series running from July to September across five restaurants. Featuring specially curated menus starting at Dh125 per person and incorporating local Ras Al Khaimah honey, the program also encourages visitors to explore different venues through a passport scheme with prize incentives.
In addition, RAKTDA has partnered with Fujifilm Instax Middle East and Grand Stores to offer exclusive hotel packages tied to photo rewards and opportunities to win future staycations. Hotels across the emirate have introduced various summer promotions, including stay-five-pay-for-four deals, complimentary meal plan and room upgrades, and free stays for children, targeting families and domestic tourists.
Beyond accommodation, Ras Al Khaimah’s beaches continue to serve as a central attraction during cooler parts of the day, while indoor facilities such as spas, cultural sites, and shopping malls provide alternative activities during peak heat hours. Notable sites highlighted include Suwaidi Pearls, the National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah, Al Jazeera Al Hamra Heritage Village, Al Hamra Mall, and Manar Mall, all remaining accessible throughout the summer period.
Looking forward, Harrison outlined the authority’s goal to position Ras Al Khaimah as a year-round tourism destination rather than one dependent on a single peak season. Upcoming openings such as Rotana Ras Al Khaimah – The Mangroves in the third quarter, followed by SAIJ Mountain Lodge by Mantis later this year, along with ongoing investments, are expected to support the next phase of growth in visitor numbers and experiences.