Ras Al Khaimah’s Ambitious Luxury Hotel Expansion: Insights from CEO Phillipa Harrison

As the battle for Middle Eastern tourism dollars heats up, Ras Al Khaimah is focusing on AI-driven marketing and infrastructure innovations to capture market share. After an impressive 2025, which brought in 1.35 million visitors, the emirate’s tourism leadership is now targeting ultra-luxury markets in Asia and Europe to maintain significant revenue growth.

In an exclusive interview, Phillipa Harrison, CEO of RAKTDA, discusses her vision for the future development of tourism in Ras Al Khaimah:

“Ras Al Khaimah is transforming from a regional tourism destination into a global competitor. Major projects, such as the Wynn Al Marjan Island and Marjan Beach master plan, will be pivotal in our growth. Our target is to exceed 3.5 million visitors by 2030.”

Key Insights from the Interview

• Tourist Trends: Adventure travelers are drawn to attractions like Jebel Jais, while families prefer resort experiences. Couples are increasingly choosing the emirate for milestone celebrations, suggesting a shift towards higher-value tourism.
• Market Growth: Significant growth has been noted from Asian markets, with India and China leading in visitor numbers.
• Strategic Focus for 2026: RAKTDA will enhance awareness of the destination, particularly in Asian markets, alongside expanding aviation links and luxury offerings.

Phillipa Harrison emphasized the importance of effective communication of Ras Al Khaimah’s natural landscapes, heritage, and luxury experiences:

“Our goal is to ensure visitors see the true beauty of Ras Al Khaimah while maintaining long-term sustainability for our communities and industries.”

In summary, the emirate’s proactive strategies in technology and market positioning set the stage for an exciting future in tourism development.