Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) has built on its momentum in early 2025 with strong economic and infrastructure developments. The emirate’s current trajectory is not the result of a single boom but a sophisticated, multi-layered strategy that synchronizes economic diversification, landmark real estate development, proactive regulatory reform, and a visionary expansion of its tourism and transport infrastructure.
Economy and Investment
Investment flows into RAK have continued to surge. In March, the government successfully issued a 10-year US$1 billion sukuk—its first international bond in a decade—which was oversubscribed 4.4 times, reflecting strong investor confidence in RAK’s credit strength, prudent fiscal management, and solid economic fundamentals. The offering – rated A/A+ by S&P and Fitch – drew global investors (57.8% MENA, 35% Europe) and underscored confidence in RAK’s creditworthiness. RAK Capital, the emirate’s funding arm, will list the sukuk on Nasdaq Dubai. Officials noted that the concession pricing (−10 basis points) reflects RAK’s robust fundamentals and “strong credit position”.
Parallel to financing milestones, RAK has inked major strategic deals. In April RAKEZ (RAK Economic Zone) sign a lease agreement with Singapore’s THi Group to develop a 300,000 m² high-tech industrial park on Al Hamra. The $300 million project – a collaboration with Singapore’s SC Capital (CapitaLand) – will target advanced manufacturing (electric vehicles, renewables, aerospace) and is expected to host over 50 firms and create 1,800 jobs. The scale of the THi deal reflects the confidence that global partners place in the economic zone and the wider emirate. That agreement builds on a 2024 MoU between RAK and Singapore, further deepening UAE–Singapore trade and industrial ties.
RAKEZ has also streamlined services for investors. In July 2025 it signed an MoU with Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank to simplify business banking – expediting company account openings and offering digital SME banking solutions. RAK’s leadership continues to fine-tune its free‐zone framework as well: in January RAK issued a decree reinstating the Ras Al Khaimah International Corporate Centre (RAK ICC) for corporate licensing. Together with federal 100% foreign‐ownership reforms, these regulatory updates maintain RAK’s business‐friendly climate.
Real Estate and Development
Ras Al Khaimah hosted its inaugural International Real Estate Investment Summit in May, positioning itself as the UAE’s “fastest-growing real estate market.” The event spotlighted projects such as the US$3.9 billion Wynn Al Marjan Island resort, and highlighted RAK’s affordable pricing, investor-friendly regulations, and strong ROI potential.
The “Wynn Effect” is clearly visible in property market data. Waterfront communities near the project, such as Al Marjan Island, Mina Al Arab, and Al Hamra, have experienced a sustained upward trend in capital values and rental rates since the project’s announcement in 2022. Far beyond a hotel and casino, the resort is an economic flywheel, expected to create around 7,000 direct resort jobs and over 25,000 jobs in the wider hospitality sector by 2030. This influx of employees and families will create a permanent layer of housing demand, supporting the real estate market long after construction completes.
The resort has also supercharged demand for premium and branded residences, now estimated at 32% of future supply on Al Marjan Island. Developers are strategically launching luxury projects, such as SORA Beach Residences by AARK Developers, to capitalize on this high-end demand. The presence of a world-class operator like Wynn has created a halo effect, attracting prestigious brands such as Nobu, W Hotels, and JW Marriott, shifting RAK’s narrative from a serene staycation spot to a global entertainment and investment magnet.
Tourism and Hospitality
Ras Al Khaimah’s tourism sector is also thriving. In 2024, the emirate welcomed 1.28 million overnight visitors, fueling a 12% rise in tourism revenues. The Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) credited this success to strategic investments and marketing across new international source markets. In recent years, hotels and restaurants in the emirate have gained notable recognition. At the Leaders in Hospitality Awards 2025, Rixos Bab Al Bahr was named Family-Friendly Hotel of the Year, Rixos Al Mairid Ras Al Khaimah received Highly Commended for Leading New Hotel, and Anantara Mina Ras Al Khaimah Resort won Resort of the Year. Additionally, several restaurants, including Ula, Mekong, Karma Kafe, and Umi, have been nominated in the World Culinary Awards for Ras Al Khaimah’s Best Restaurant 2025, further highlighting the emirate’s growing appeal as a lifestyle and culinary destination.
Ras Al Khaimah International Airport has launched a significant expansion with a new 30,000 sqm terminal, adding to the existing Departure 4,933 sqm and Arrival 3,134 sqm terminals. The project is a strategic step toward establishing Ras Al Khaimah as a key aviation and tourism hub in the UAE.
Tourists stand to gain from RAK’s emphasis on quality experiences and sustainability. The emirate has earned the region’s first EarthCheck Silver certification for sustainable tourism, and the “Responsible RAK” program encourages green practices at hotels and attractions. These efforts enhance RAK’s appeal to eco‐conscious travelers. RAKTDA’s sustainability programme was named the ‘Middle East’s Most Sustainable Project’ at the Forbes Middle East 2024 Sustainability Leaders’ Summit.
Transportation and Infrastructure
Ras Al Khaimah is making notable strides in public transport and logistics as part of its broader growth strategy. In April 2025, the Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority (RAKTA) launched a new Orange bus route connecting Al Nakheel with South Al Dhait, expanding the city’s network to 99 km across four main corridors. Operating 20 daily trips at an accessible fare, the route has reduced waiting times and improved daily mobility for residents.
Commuters have also seen improvements in taxi services, with card payment options now available across the fleet for added convenience. Additionally, the installation of security cameras in taxis and buses has enhanced passenger safety and security. Prioritizing well-being not only for passengers but also internally, RAKTA received the 2025 International Safety Award from the British Safety Council for its Maintenance Workshop. This award recognizes RAKTA’s commitment to maintaining high occupational health and safety standards and safeguarding employees from workplace injuries throughout 2024. The authority is also exploring smart transport technologies, with senior officials attending the UITP Global Public Transport Summit in Hamburg to study AI-driven mobility solutions, aligning with the emirate’s 2030 transport plan to encourage sustainable and efficient travel.
Parallel to land transport, RAK’s maritime and trade infrastructure is advancing. In April, the emirate extended Hutchison Port Holdings’ concession at Saqr Port, the region’s largest bulk port, through 2037. The port has introduced new container shipping routes, including links with India, reinforcing RAK’s vision to establish itself as a regional logistics and trade hub.
The aviation sector is also expanding, with RAK Airport reporting a 28% increase in arrivals in 2024, nearly double 2022 figures, driven by new direct flights from key cities such as Prague, and Moscow. The airport’s ongoing expansion includes advanced baggage handling systems, electronic gates, and upgraded customs and passport controls designed to improve passenger experiences and increase capacity. These developments are timely as RAK continues to attract more tourists and investors, particularly with the growth of new hospitality projects on Al Marjan Island.
Regulatory and Governance Updates
Alongside these projects, RAK’s leadership is enacting governance reforms to underpin growth. In January 2025 Sheikh Saud signed an Emiri Decree (No.3/2025) that reinstates the Ras Al Khaimah International Corporate Centre (RAK ICC) under the economic zones authority. This move simplifies company registration and free‐zone licensing, part of a wider push to create a transparent, investor-friendly legal framework.
What it means for investors, residents and tourists
For global investors, these developments translate into a wealth of opportunities: diversified growth sectors (from advanced manufacturing to digital assets and tourism), a solid credit rating, and streamlined setup processes. The high-profile projects and international deals signal that Ras Al Khaimah is open for business. Residents benefit from the spillover effects – notably, job creation, upgraded public services, and a richer leisure scene (festivals, parks, cultural programs). Tourists enjoy more choices and convenience: new luxury resorts, improved air links, and a calendar of world-class events enhance Ras Al Khaimah’s appeal as an affordable yet aspirational destination. Overall, the first half of 2025 has seen Ras Al Khaimah accelerate on its “growth and diversification” roadmap, laying a stronger foundation for investors, residents and visitors alike.
Ras Al Khaimah’s success is built on a symbiotic and interconnected strategy where proactive governance enables private investment in catalyst projects, which in turn drives a virtuous cycle across the entire economic ecosystem. The emirate has successfully engineered a paradigm shift, positioning itself for resilient and sustainable growth as a premier global destination.
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