Data-Driven Growth, Ras Al Khaimah Solidifies Position as the UAE’s Emerging MICE Hub

By Web Desk / December 17, 2025

Dubai, UAE: Stirling Hospitality Advisors a leading regional hospitality advisory firm, has released the seventh edition of its RAK Investment Pulse report. The analysis provides new insight into the rapid growth of Ras Al Khaimah’s Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector and reveals significant year-on-year growth in MICE demand, supported by expanding hotel capacity and crucial infrastructure improvements.

MICE Demand Outpacing Capacity

The findings highlight the Emirate’s success in attracting high-value corporate events. Ras Al Khaimah recorded an impressive 25% year-on year growth in MICE room nights which was accompanied by a 36% rise in MICE revenue. This reflects increased demand from corporate groups, incentive travellers, and event organisers. In addition, RAK recorded a remarkable 167% year-on-year growth in wedding revenue, clearly demonstrating its emerging position as a robust, multi-segment events hub.

Tatiana Veller, Managing Director of Stirling Hospitality Advisors, commented: “The findings show that Ras Al Khaimah is rapidly positioning itself as one of the UAE’s major business events centres. Indeed, we are seeing stronger interest from organisers, better infrastructure to support them, and a hotel pipeline that gives the Emirate room to grow. This is a positive sign for the market.”

Infrastructure and Hotel Pipeline Expansion

Ras Al Khaimah is proactively preparing for its future. With 8,300 hotel rooms currently operational, the Emirate has a confirmed pipeline of 9,300 additional rooms. This places RAK firmly on track to support its long-term goal of welcoming 3.5 million visitors by 2030.

The report highlights several key infrastructure developments shaping the Emirate’s future event capacity: Marjan Beach District, land designated for a potential convention centre is part of this masterplan; Airport Upgrade with ongoing upgrades to RAK International Airport and the development of a VVIP terminal are set to unlock new large-scale event capacity; RAK Central where the development of Grade A office buildings is attracting strong corporate demand, creating a modern business hub; Air Taxi Service, by 2027, an ait taxi service will reduce travel time between Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah to 15 minutes, significantly enhancing access for business delegates.

Thus, investing in MICE is critical not only to drive demand and fill new hotel keys but also to stabilise occupancy during off-season and weekdays, countering market volatility.

The report notes that Ras Al Khaimah is well-positioned to capture high-value events seeking alternative locations within the UAE, as Dubai and Abu Dhabi approach capacity. RAK’s competitive pricing, coupled with its unique combination of desert, mountain, and sea, positions it as a complementary choice for corporate and incentive groups.

In particular, RAK is perfectly placed to capture the growing “bleisure” trend, where business travellers extend their stay for leisure activities thanks to its adventure offerings and premium hospitality.

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