Ras Al Khaimah launches resident ambassador programme to drive tourism growth
The RAK Chamber of Commerce and Industry has launched the 'RAK Ambassador' initiative, inviting UAE citizens and residents to bring overseas visitors to the emirate with exclusive hotel, attraction and dining offers running until October 31, 2026.
RAK Chamber enlists residents to promote emirate as tourist hub
Ras Al Khaimah is mobilising its citizens and residents to boost tourism under a new initiative that encourages them to invite friends and relatives from abroad to experience the emirate firsthand.
The Ras Al Khaimah Chamber of Commerce and Industry launched the 'RAK Ambassador' programme on Tuesday, designed to increase tourism arrivals, lift hotel occupancy rates and raise visitor spending while engaging the local community in supporting economic development.
Running from August 19 to October 31, 2026, the campaign allows UAE citizens and residents aged 18 and above to register as ambassadors and nominate overseas visitors planning to travel to Ras Al Khaimah. The initiative comes as the emirate welcomed a record 670,000 visitors in the first half of 2026, driven by a 47% year-on-year surge in domestic arrivals despite challenges affecting international travel across the region.
Dr Rashid Khalfan Al Nuaimi, Director General of Ras Al Khaimah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, described the programme as the first of its kind in the emirate, aiming to enhance and diversify the tourism and investment experience. The Chamber, which approved a comprehensive five-year strategy for 2026-2030 earlier this year focused on positioning the emirate as a regional hub for tourism, industry and trade, is spearheading the community engagement effort.
Programme structure and benefits
Registered hosts can invite multiple visitors, provided guest details are submitted before their arrival in the UAE on either a tourist visa or visa on arrival. Participating visitors gain access to a range of exclusive benefits, including:
- Discounted hotel stays
- Reduced-price tickets to major tourist attractions
- Special offers at restaurants and cafes
- Deals on marine activities and safari tours
- Discounts on luxury car rentals
- Exclusive shopping offers at Al Manar Mall
The timing of the initiative aligns with broader emirate ambitions. Ras Al Khaimah welcomed 1.35 million overnight visitors in 2025, marking a 6% year-on-year increase alongside a 12% rise in tourism revenues. Hotel occupancy reached 75% last year, with average daily rates of AED 618.1 and an 11.5% increase in revenue per available room, ranking the emirate third in the UAE for RevPAR performance.
Strategic alignment with Vision 2030
Al Nuaimi said the initiative reflects the Chamber's commitment to involving citizens and residents in promoting Ras Al Khaimah as a tourism and investment destination. He characterised the programme as a model of public-private sector partnership, noting that greater community participation can help increase visitor numbers and spending while supporting the hospitality and commercial sectors.
The RAK Ambassador programme forms part of Ras Al Khaimah Vision 2030, which seeks to attract 3.5 million visitors annually by 2030, with tourism contributing one-third of the emirate's GDP and creating over 20,000 jobs. The emirate's hotel inventory currently stands at approximately 8,500 keys, with plans to double this capacity in the coming years to accommodate growth targets.
Infrastructure improvements are supporting these ambitions. Ras Al Khaimah International Airport handled more than one million passengers for the first time in 2025, with passenger volumes rising by 51% year-on-year as the network expanded to 16 scheduled international destinations. MICE and weddings revenues increased by 25% in 2025, reflecting growing appeal as a regional hub for business events and destination weddings.
The resident ambassador concept is gaining traction across the UAE. Dubai launched a similar programme called 'A Dubai Invite' in July 2026, offering residents rewards worth over Dh3,000 for inviting family and friends to visit between July 20 and October 31, 2026.
Registration for the RAK Ambassador initiative is available through the Ras Al Khaimah Chamber of Commerce and Industry website. The programme operates against a backdrop of solid economic performance, with the emirate's GDP reaching $13 billion in 2025 following economic growth of 4.3%.
