Ras Al Khaimah’s Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) sector is recording rapid growth, according to the latest RAK Investment Pulse report released by Stirling Hospitality Advisors, one of the region’s leading hospitality advisory firms.
The report’s seventh edition highlights a 25 per cent year-on-year increase in MICE room nights and a 36 per cent rise in MICE revenue, underlining the emirate’s growing appeal to corporate groups, incentive travellers and international event organisers.
Ras Al Khaimah MICE sector growth
The findings also show that demand for MICE facilities in Ras Al Khaimah is now outpacing existing capacity, driven by the expansion of its tourism infrastructure and ongoing collaboration between government and private-sector stakeholders.
The research notes that RAK is attracting events from a widening range of industries, including pharmaceuticals, finance, technology, manufacturing, and sustainable energy, while wedding-related revenue has surged by 167 per cent year-on-year, reinforcing the emirate’s status as a multi-segment events destination.
With 8,300 hotel rooms currently operational and 9,300 more in the pipeline, Ras Al Khaimah is on track to support its goal of welcoming 3.5 million visitors by 2030.
The report attributes this momentum to the emirate’s diverse natural landscape, ease of doing business, and growing portfolio of high-quality hospitality assets, which make it an attractive alternative within the UAE for both business and leisure events.
Tatiana Veller, Managing Director of Stirling Hospitality Advisors, said: “The findings show that Ras Al Khaimah is rapidly positioning itself as one of the UAE’s major business events centres. We’re seeing stronger interest from organisers, better infrastructure to support them, and a hotel pipeline that gives the emirate room to grow. It’s a positive sign for the market, and it reflects how quickly RAK is diversifying its tourism offering.”
Key developments supporting this growth include the Marjan Beach District masterplan, which designates land for a potential convention centre; RAK International Airport’s ongoing expansion and the addition of a VVIP terminal; and improved road and air connectivity.
By 2027, an air taxi service will cut travel time between Dubai and RAK to just 15 minutes, further enhancing accessibility for business travellers and delegates.
With Dubai and Abu Dhabi nearing capacity across their major conference venues, Stirling Hospitality Advisors suggests RAK is well placed to capture high-value events seeking alternative locations within the UAE.
Its competitive pricing, lower operating costs, and nature-led visitor experience make it a strong contender for corporate and incentive travel, particularly as the global “bleisure” trend gains traction.
