Ras Al Khaimah targets international visitors with Emirates partnership

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) and Emirates have signed a memorandum of understanding at Arabian Travel Market 2026 to boost visitor traffic to the emirate from selected international markets, as Ras Al Khaimah works towards attracting more than 3.5 million visitors annually by 2030.

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) has partnered with Emirates airline to increase visitor traffic from selected international markets, as the region expands its tourism offering ahead of the planned 2027 opening of Wynn Al Marjan Island.

The memorandum of understanding (MoU), signed at Arabian Travel Market 2026, covers joint promotional campaigns and advertising, alongside trade and media familiarisation programmes.

Under the agreement, RAKTDA and Emirates will explore packages for the airline’s customers through the Dubai Experience platform, as well as incentives for tour operators and other travel trade partners. They will also share traveller insights to identify priority segments for future marketing campaigns.

The partnership comes as Ras Al Khaimah works towards its target of attracting more than 3.5 million visitors annually by 2030. The jurisdiction recorded more than 670,000 visitors in the first half of 2026. Emirates, which serves nearly 140 destinations, is expected to use its international network to promote Ras Al Khaimah to potential visitors.

Phillipa Harrison, CEO of RAKTDA, said the partnership would help Ras Al Khaimah reach audiences in key international markets as it expands its destination offering. She said: “Through our collaboration with Emirates, we aim to build long-term value for our tourism partners and offer travellers more reasons to visit the UAE and explore Ras Al Khaimah.”

Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ deputy president and chief commercial officer, said the airline’s extensive network would help Ras Al Khaimah reach more international travellers as it works towards its 2030 visitor target. He said: “As our home and hub, we remain committed to showcasing the UAE’s breadth of attractions and depth of experiences available for visitors.”