Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, is launching the RAK Ambassador programme on August 19, 2026, giving eligible residents an opportunity to nominate overseas visitors for exclusive tourism benefits across the emirate. The programme runs until October 31 and is designed around international visitors arriving in the UAE on visitor visas or visa-on-arrival arrangements.
The initiative adds another layer to Ras Al Khaimah’s growing tourism strategy, as the northernmost emirate recorded more than 670,000 visitors during the first half of 2026, its strongest first-half performance on record. Domestic arrivals increased 47% year on year during the period.
For travellers, the programme puts hotels, restaurants, activities, boat experiences and desert adventures into one visitor-focused offer, creating more reasons to include Ras Al Khaimah in a UAE itinerary.
How the RAK Ambassador Programme Works
Residents aged 18 and above can participate by registering for the initiative and nominating overseas visitors. According to the programme details supplied for the launch, participants can nominate multiple visitors, allowing friends and family travelling to the UAE to access the campaign benefits.
The nominated guests must be travelling on a UAE visitor visa or visa on arrival. Travellers should confirm their individual UAE entry requirements before departure because visa eligibility varies by nationality and can change. Ras Al Khaimah’s official visitor information also advises international travellers to check current visa requirements before travelling.
The programme is scheduled from August 19 through October 31, 2026, placing the offer across the late-summer and early-autumn travel period.
Hotels, Restaurants and Experiences Form the Core Offer
The RAK Ambassador programme connects overseas visitors with a range of tourism products across Ras Al Khaimah. Benefits include discounted accommodation, restaurants, activities, boat rides and safari experiences.
That mix reflects the emirate’s varied tourism landscape. Ras Al Khaimah combines beachfront resorts and islands with mountains, desert landscapes, cultural sites and outdoor attractions.
The official tourism authority currently promotes destinations and experiences including Al Marjan Island, Al Rams Beach, Jebel Jais, Al Jazeera Al Hamra, Dhayah Fort and Suwaidi Pearl Farm.
Visitors can therefore build itineraries around beaches and resorts or combine them with adventure, heritage and nature experiences.
Jebel Jais Adds an Adventure Dimension
Jebel Jais is one of the emirate’s most prominent attractions and rises to 1,934 metres above sea level, making it the UAE’s highest mountain. The area offers activities including the Jais Flight zipline, Jais Sky Tour and Jais Sledder.
The destination is particularly relevant to visitors looking beyond conventional beach holidays. Mountain drives, hiking, adventure activities and panoramic views provide a different side of the UAE from the urban attractions of Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
The tourism authority has also promoted summer packages combining hotel stays with Jebel Jais experiences, showing how accommodation and attractions can be packaged into a single holiday.
Al Marjan Island Adds Beach and Resort Tourism
Al Marjan Island provides another major component of Ras Al Khaimah’s visitor economy. The waterfront destination is home to several resorts and offers access to beaches, dining, leisure facilities and water-based activities.
Hotels across the emirate range from beachfront resorts to desert properties and mountain-oriented accommodation. The tourism authority’s current portfolio includes properties around Al Marjan Island, Al Hamra Village, Mina Al Arab and the wider emirate.
For international visitors, the combination allows a single UAE trip to include resort stays alongside outdoor and cultural activities.
Ras Al Khaimah Records Strong 2026 Visitor Growth
The RAK Ambassador launch comes as Ras Al Khaimah reports continued tourism growth. The emirate welcomed more than 670,000 visitors between January and June 2026, exceeding its previous first-half performance.
Domestic arrivals rose 47% year on year, while the RAK Moments campaign generated 224,000 room nights, AED 104.4 million in room revenue and 127,817 incremental visitors during the second quarter.
The emirate is also adding new accommodation capacity. Rotana Ras Al Khaimah – The Mangroves is scheduled for the third quarter of 2026, while SAIJ Mountain Lodge by Mantis is planned for the fourth quarter.
The 3.5 Million Visitor Target
The RAK Ambassador initiative forms part of Ras Al Khaimah’s wider visitor-growth strategy, with the emirate targeting 3.5 million annual visitors by 2030.
Infrastructure and connectivity are also being developed alongside the tourism campaign. Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority says RAKTA is advancing connectivity across land, sea and air, with planned air-taxi operations targeted from 2027.
The emirate’s international airport is another important access point. Ras Al Khaimah International Airport is approximately 18 kilometres from the city centre and around 45 minutes north of Dubai, according to the Ras Al Khaimah government.
What Overseas Travellers Can Explore
A visitor using the RAK Ambassador programme can combine several tourism categories during one stay. Beach resorts around Al Marjan Island and Al Hamra provide coastal leisure, while Jebel Jais offers mountain adventure.
Desert safaris provide another option, while cultural attractions such as Al Jazeera Al Hamra and Dhayah Fort connect visitors with the emirate’s heritage. Suwaidi Pearl Farm adds a traditional maritime and pearl-culture experience.
Boat excursions and water activities can further extend the itinerary, allowing travellers to experience Ras Al Khaimah from its coastline and surrounding waters.
Travel Planning for RAK Ambassador Guests
Visitors participating through a nominated resident should complete the programme registration requirements before travelling and confirm the benefits available for their chosen hotels, restaurants and activities.
International travellers should also check UAE visa requirements, passport validity and entry conditions before booking. Ras Al Khaimah’s official visitor guidance notes that visa rules vary according to nationality and advises travellers to verify current requirements.
For visitors arriving through Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah can be reached by road, while Ras Al Khaimah International Airport provides a direct gateway into the emirate.
Key Stats
• August 19–October 31, 2026: RAK Ambassador programme period.
• 18+: Minimum age for eligible residents to participate.
• 670,000+: Visitors recorded in Ras Al Khaimah during the first half of 2026.
• 47%: Year-on-year increase in domestic arrivals during H1 2026.
• 3.5 million: Ras Al Khaimah’s visitor target for 2030.
• 1,934 metres: Elevation of Jebel Jais, the UAE’s highest mountain.
Conclusion
Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, is using the RAK Ambassador programme to connect overseas visitors with its hotels, restaurants, adventure activities, boat experiences and desert tourism. Running from August 19 to October 31, 2026, the initiative gives residents a direct role in introducing international guests to the emirate.
With visitor numbers already exceeding 670,000 in the first half of 2026 and a target of 3.5 million visitors by 2030, Ras Al Khaimah is expanding its tourism proposition across beaches, mountains, desert landscapes, heritage sites and resort destinations. The RAK Ambassador programme adds another route for international travellers to discover that mix during their UAE visit.
