RAS AL KHAIMAH: The Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) is eyeing a 30 per cent increase in Indian tourist arrivals in 2025, following a strong 2024 performance with 25,493 Indian visitors.
To attract more Indian travelers, Ras Al Khaimah – the sixth-most populous city in the UAE – has introduced a free visa initiative for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) and wedding events.
Launched in July 2024, this scheme will run until March 2025 and offers complimentary visas for groups booking a minimum two-night stay at any hotel, with at least 100 guests per night.
RAKTDA CEO Raki Phillips attributed the robust tourism growth to the opening of new hotels and resorts, enhanced connectivity to Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, world-class marketing campaigns, and a packed calendar of international events.
Tourism boom & future plans
In 2024, the emirate welcomed a record 1.28 million overnight visitors, leading to a 12 per cent rise in tourism revenue and a 15 per cent jump in MICE tourism.
“Beyond increasing arrivals, our vision is to establish Ras Al Khaimah as a future-ready tourism destination. With major investments, global events, and ambitious developments in the pipeline, 2025 promises to be another remarkable year,” Phillips said.
