Record occupancy rates for Ras Al Khaimah hotels in early 2026… and special packages to attract guests during Ramadan

The Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah continues to strengthen its position as a distinguished tourist destination at the beginning of 2026, as hotels in the emirate recorded high occupancy rates exceeding 90% in some establishments, which reflects the strong demand for the tourist destination and visitors’ confidence in the quality of services and various hotel experiences. These numbers reflect the success of the strategies of the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority in promoting the emirate as a global destination suitable for families, couples, and lovers of entertainment and recreation.

Managers in the hotel sector reported that occupancy rates at the beginning of the new year are high and record, supported by the winter climate, the diversity of the tourism product, the quality of infrastructure, and the integration of services provided to visitors, noting that special packages have been offered to attract guests during the month of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr.

In detail, Iyad Rasbih, Vice President for Destination Tourism Development at the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, stated that high occupancy rates directly contribute to supporting the local economy and enhancing the competitiveness of the tourism sector at the state and regional levels, based on the diversity of the tourism product, the quality of the infrastructure, and the integration of services provided to visitors.

According to data from the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, the emirate received about 1.35 million visitors during the year 2025, an increase of 6% compared to the previous year, and tourism sector revenues also recorded a growth of 12%.

The Authority’s CEO, Philippa Harrison, explained that the year 2025 was exceptional for the emirate, noting the enhancement of tourism experiences through various events and the opening of new hotel projects, in addition to the signing of strategic partnerships with electronic travel networks in China.

For his part, General Manager of the Hampton Marjan Hotel, John Riad, confirmed that “the hotel started the year 2026 strong,” noting that the initial indicators for the first quarter and for the full year are very encouraging.

Riad said: “We started the year with a strong performance, driven by early bookings, an increase in inquiries, and a high percentage of guests returning to stay again. Our plans for the current year are clear, and our operational strategies are prepared to ensure a successful year, while maintaining healthy and stable demand, especially for leisure tourism and family travel.” He added: “We always focus on managing demand efficiently and providing a high-quality hospitality experience, rather than chasing occupancy volume only.”

He explained that the hotel expects stable to positive performance during the month of Ramadan, supported by a balanced mix of international guests and increased interest from local and Arab markets.

Riad pointed out that the hotel will offer a comprehensive package of Ramadan offers, saying: “We will continue to provide a distinctive iftar experience that includes dishes from Indian cuisine within the iftar buffet. “In compliance with Hampton Global policy, the suhoor meal will be served free of charge to fasting guests, while breakfast will be available at an additional cost as part of the daily buffet.”

Regarding the winter season, Riad confirmed: “We expect a strong performance during this period, which is in line with the high occupancy levels achieved by the hotel.

The months extending from February to May witness a large demand from guests to enjoy the mild weather, outdoor and beach activities. “Based on previous years’ data and current booking behaviours, we expect healthy and stable booking levels throughout the season.” He pointed to the diversity of demand from local and international markets, saying: “We notice good demand from Russia, Kazakhstan, the Czech Republic, and the United Kingdom, in addition to a strong and growing contribution from residents within the Emirates.

The German market is also showing good performance. There is also a clear trend towards short-term and last-minute bookings, with guests confirming their stays closer to arrival, which requires greater flexibility in pricing, inventory management, and experience planning to ensure guest satisfaction.”

For his part, General Manager of InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Resort & Spa – Mina Al Arab, Cameron McNeely, confirmed that “the resort started the year 2026 strong, and the high occupancy rates reflect the positive and growing performance of the tourism sector in the emirate in general, in light of the increasing demand for destinations that combine nature and integrated experiences.”

McNeely explained that the resort expects demand to begin at a moderate pace during the first weeks of the month of Ramadan, and to witness a noticeable increase as the Eid al-Fitr holiday approaches, whether in terms of hotel room reservations or use of halls and restaurants.

McNeely said that the resort intends to offer a group of special offers and packages on the occasion of the month of Ramadan, adding: “The resort will focus specifically on dining experiences, especially group breakfasts and social events hosted by the resort’s restaurants and halls, in addition to providing attractive offers on hotel stays during the same period, in a way that meets the aspirations of different categories of guests.”

McNeely stressed: “Indicators indicate continued strong momentum in accommodation rates and reservations during the winter season, supported by the mild winter weather and the charming nature that characterizes Ras Al Khaimah.”

He pointed out a clear difference in booking patterns between international guests and those residing within the country, saying: “International guests tend to plan in advance for longer stays, with a greater interest in integrated holiday packages that combine accommodation, dining experiences, recreational activities and wellness, and their visits often coincide with the main seasons and school holidays. In contrast, residents within the country prefer short and flexible bookings, such as weekends, with a special focus on distinctive dining experiences, seasonal events, and exclusive offers.”

In turn, the General Manager of the Bin Majid Hotels and Resorts Group, Ashraf Saleh, confirmed that the group recorded an exceptional start to the year 2026, represented by achieving record occupancy rates exceeding 90%, which reflects the growing attractiveness of the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah and a preferred tourist destination.

He explained that this strong performance was not limited to hotels only, but also included the “Long Beach” camp, which achieved its best performance during the month of January since its launch, which strengthens its position as one of the most prominent leaders in the luxury camping sector in the region.

Regarding expectations for the month of Ramadan and the winter season, Saleh explained that indicators indicate a strong influx of international tourism during the holy month, coinciding with the continued momentum in bookings for the current winter season. He pointed out that there is a clear shift in travelers’ behavior towards what is known as “purposeful travel,” as guests prefer destinations that are in line with their values ​​and provide them with an integrated experience that goes beyond the concept of traditional accommodation.

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Numbers of visitors from international markets

Data from the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority showed a remarkable growth in the number of visitors from international markets, with Russia recording the largest source of tourists, followed by the United Kingdom, Germany, Kazakhstan and India. The direct air connection with Ras Al Khaimah Airport also contributed to increasing the number of visitors from Romania by 65%, Poland 56%, Uzbekistan 47%, Belarus 30%, and India 25%.