As Vice President of Destination Tourism Development at Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), Iyad Rasbey is at the forefront of the Emirate’s dynamic tourism transformation. Tasked with driving sustainable growth, Iyad leads strategic partnerships with key global players to enhance the destination’s visibility and global appeal. With Ras Al Khaimah emerging as one of the region’s most forward-thinking tourism hubs, he plays a pivotal role in shaping its ambitious Vision 2030—a roadmap aimed at attracting over 3 million visitors annually while ensuring responsible, resilient, and inclusive development.
In this exclusive conversation with Voyager’s World, Iyad shares insights into the Emirate’s evolving tourism landscape, upcoming developments, and what makes Ras Al Khaimah the destination of the future.
What sets Ras Al Khaimah apart from other Emirates and global destinations?
Ras Al Khaimah stands apart—not only among the Emirates, but on the global travel map—for its blend of natural diversity, cultural depth, and unwavering commitment to sustainability. Known as the Nature Emirate, Ras Al Khaimah’s landscape spans majestic mountains, pristine beaches, and sweeping desert, offering an experience that both complements and contrasts with its neighbouring Emirates. Adventure-seekers flock to Jebel Jais, the UAE’s highest peak and home to the world’s longest zipline, as well as a host of adrenaline-pumping activities that transform the mountain into an outdoor playground.
But beyond the thrill lies history. The Emirate boasts over 7,000 years of heritage, visible in archaeological sites, hilltop forts, traditional villages, and authentic cultural encounters. Every initiative—from ecosystem conservation to heritage restoration—is guided by our commitment to sustainable development and community engagement.
Al Rams – Suwaidi Pearl Farm
How is Ras Al Khaimah engaging with India’s travel trade and aviation sector?
India is one of Ras Al Khaimah’s fastest-growing and most vital source markets, and we’ve adopted a multi-layered approach to deepen ties. In July, we conducted a four-city roadshow across Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Hyderabad, engaging more than 300 travel trade and MICE professionals, along with our hotel and DMC partners. We’re continuing this momentum with a strong presence at major industry events like Melange in Mumbai this September.
We work closely with Indian tour operators to develop customised itineraries, conduct destination training webinars, and host familiarisation trips to give agents a first-hand experience. Our digital collaborations with major OTAs ensure that Ras Al Khaimah stays front of mind for Indian travellers. On the aviation front, IndiGo operates direct flights from Mumbai, Kochi, and Hyderabad, while IndiGo and Air India are expanding services to Ras Al Khaimah International Airport. We’re actively working to establish direct connections from more Indian cities, making the destination even more accessible.
What marketing campaigns are strengthening Ras Al Khaimah’s visibility in India?
India remains one of our top priority markets, and our campaigns reflect the full spectrum of Indian traveller preferences—families, couples, honeymooners, adventure seekers, and wellness enthusiasts. This year, we launched our flagship campaign: “Not a Vacation… Our Vacation,” highlighting the Emirate as a destination that seamlessly blends nature, culture, and adventure. It presents Ras Al Khaimah as an ideal alternative to overcrowded tourist hubs, with curated experiences, flexible packages, and year-round appeal.
We’re also collaborating on co-marketing initiatives with Indian platforms. Our recent partnership with JioTV+ on a travel-themed show is just one example of how we’re expanding our storytelling footprint in India.
Mountain Wedding at Jebel Jais
What’s Ras Al Khaimah’s strategy for attracting India’s MICE and wedding segments?
The MICE segment grew by 40% in 2024, and we are building on that momentum in 2025 through a dedicated incentive program for MICE operators and wedding planners. This initiative—led by RAKTDA in partnership with Ras Al Khaimah International Airport and key hotel partners—makes large-scale events more seamless and attractive. Today, Ras Al Khaimah offers 8,000+ hotel rooms across luxury beachfront resorts, mountain lodges, and desert retreats. Properties like Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah, The Ritz-Carlton Al Hamra Beach, InterContinental Mina Al Arab, and Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island provide buyout options ideal for grand weddings and incentive groups.
The Emirate’s hospitality pipeline is robust. By 2028, we’ll welcome over 7,500 new room keys, with world-class brands such as Taj, Wynn, W Hotels, JW Marriott, Four Seasons, Nobu, and more setting up in Al Marjan Island—solidifying Ras Al Khaimah as a premier destination for events and incentives.
Can you highlight Ras Al Khaimah’s eco-conscious tourism offerings?
Ras Al Khaimah is proud to be the first destination in the region to receive EarthCheck’s Sustainable Destinations certification. This is a testament to our long-term vision and the real, measurable steps we’re taking. Among our standout offerings is the Bear Grylls Explorers Camp, designed for low-impact outdoor adventures. In 2025, we’ll launch Saij by Mantis, an eco-lodge on Jebel Jais that prioritises sustainability and preserves the mountain’s rich biodiversity.
These projects reflect our broader commitment to creating responsible, low-impact experiences that resonate with conscious travellers.
Dhayah Fort
How does Ras Al Khaimah’s 2030 vision align with global tourism trends?
Our tourism vision is closely aligned with three global travel trends: authentic experiences, sustainable travel, and diverse, year-round appeal. We’re developing immersive heritage experiences, including four tentative UNESCO sites, the Suwaidi Pearl Farm, and living traditions that offer travellers deep connections to local culture. Adventure and wellness remain core pillars. From 94 km of hiking trails and kayaking through mangroves, to desert glamping and the Jebel Jais zipline, visitors can engage with nature in meaningful ways. Our Responsible RAK program helps hotels and tourism businesses measure their impact across 10 key metrics—from carbon footprint and waste management to energy use and eco-certifications.
With a target of 3.5 million visitors by 2030, Ras Al Khaimah is positioning itself as a future-ready, sustainable destination—where tourism growth goes hand-in-hand with environmental preservation and cultural authenticity.