Ras Al Khaimah, home of new Wynn resort signs tourism marketing MOU with airline Emirates

Representatives from Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority and airline Emirates have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on joint marketing to boost visits to the city from “select markets” within the airline’s network. That is according to a Tuesday press statement from the tourism body. Ras Al Khaimah – an emirate in the federal nation the United Arab Emirates (UAE) – is home to the under-construction casino resort complex Wynn Al Marjan Island, a US$5.7-billion venture between United States-based Wynn Resorts Ltd and local partners. Wynn Al Marjan Island is due to launch in September 2027, according to August commentary by the casino group, which is also the parent of Macau casino operator Wynn Macau Ltd. In July, Ras Al Khaimah’s tourism authority reported the emirate had welcomed more than 670,000 visitors in the first half this year. That was circa 2.4 percent up on the “over 654,000” it recorded in first-half 2025. The year-on-year improvement was amid the ongoing conflict between neighbouring Iran and the U.S., that has periodically seen drone attacks against other parts of the UAE. Ras Al Khaimah has set a target of 3.5 million annual visitors by 2030, with expanded tourism offerings including new hotel openings and other “landmark projects”, the Tuesday statement mentioned. The MOU between Ras Al Khaimah and airline Emirates was marked by a signing ceremony (pictured) at the Arabian Travel Market 2026, a four-day travel industry trade show held in fellow UAE member Dubai, and that started on Monday. Under the MOU, the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Authority and the air carrier will be “sharing marketing costs” for campaign activities in Ras Al Khaimah’s target markets, per the statement. Both parties would also work together to “identify what traveller segments are prioritised and leveraged” across their marketing campaigns. Phillipa Harrison, chief executive of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority was cited as saying: “Through our collaboration with Emirates, we aim to build long-term value for our tourism partners and offer travellers more reasons to visit the UAE and explore Ras Al Khaimah.” The update also quoted Adnan Kazim, the airline’s deputy president and chief commercial officer as stating: “We are proud to support the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority and their 2030 tourism targets.” He added: “Emirates’ network reach of close to 140 destinations provides the scale required to reach new travellers and encourage them to expand their itinerary with the rich experiences Ras Al Khaimah has to offer.”