"The China market is incredibly important to us in this vision. It is one of our key focus markets," said Phillipa Harrison, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), during a visit to Guangzhou on October 21.
Her remarks came as His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, led a high-level delegation to the southern Chinese city—part of a broader China trip from October 20 to 23 that also includes the China-Ras Al Khaimah Business Summit in Guangdong Province and a cooperation agreement with Fujian Province.
Ras Al Khaimah received a record 1.35 million overnight visitors in 2025, with tourism revenue rising 12 percent year on year. Chinese arrivals grew 19 percent, making China one of the emirate's fastest-growing source markets.
As one of China's most dynamic outbound tourism hubs, Guangzhou and the broader Greater Bay Area play a crucial role in this growth. Over the next five years, the emirate plans to double its hotel room inventory and triple annual visitation, aiming for more than 3.5 million visitors by 2030.
China is central to that plan. RAKTDA has partnered with Huawei on Petal Maps to promote the destination across the UAE, and works closely with Trip.com to tell the Ras Al Khaimah story. Last week, Harrison's team hosted over 60 Chinese trade partners in Guangzhou.
"Ras Al Khaimah and Guangzhou share a long history of connection, all the way back to the Maritime Silk Road," Harrison noted. "We're here to continue those beautiful connections today."
The broader context is one of rapidly warming tourism ties. China has previously granted visa-free entry to all Gulf Cooperation Council states, while direct air links are expanding—Saudia operates direct flights from Guangzhou to Riyadh three times weekly.
For Ras Al Khaimah, famous for the Hajar Mountains, Jebel Jais and 68 kilometers of golden beaches, the message to Chinese travelers is clear: it is ready to welcome them.
Reporter | Guo Zedong
Video, photos & cover | Guo Hongda
