Ras Al Khaimah's hotel inventory expected to increase from 8,321 to 15,798 keys by 2030
Stirling Hospitality Advisors' RAK Investment Pulse report highlights key areas for development, including laundry, F&B supply, logistics, procurement, and staff housing, which will be essential for sustaining the Emirate's continued tourism growth.
According to the report, 7,427 new hotel rooms are confirmed for delivery by 2030, on top of the 8,321 rooms already in operation, with more than 5,000 keys currently under discussion. This expansion reflects Ras Al Khaimah's strong tourism outlook and underscores investor confidence in its long-term development strategy. It also signals the need for targeted investment in hospitality infrastructure to ensure operational systems scale alongside guest-facing assets.
Tatiana Veller, Managing Director of Stirling Hospitality Advisors, commented: 'As Ras Al Khaimah's hospitality market enters a new era of growth, it's vital that support infrastructure keeps pace. Operational systems such as laundry, logistics, and staffing are essential to delivering high-quality guest experiences. The report is a timely reminder to investors and stakeholders that strengthening these areas is key to long-term competitiveness, and the opportunity to scale with the market growth is abundant.'
The report, now in its fifth edition, finds that many hotels in RAK continue to depend on suppliers located outside the emirate, not atypical for the overall UAE market. Most finished food and beverage items, including bottled water and frozen bakery items, are sourced externally, primarily from Dubai, which adds to transportation costs and logistical inefficiencies. Additionally, 86% of hotels outsource their laundry operations, with many relying on service providers located in neighbouring emirates.
Workforce infrastructure remains another area to pay attention to. While more than 60% of casual staff are currently sourced externally, the demand for dedicated staff housing is projected to exceed 16,000 units by 2030. Vocational training facilities are an additional potential facilitator of growth. Hotel operators also reported strong interest in a centralised procurement and logistics hub, with over 85% stating it would improve operational efficiency, reduce emissions, and streamline supply chains.
The emirate's business community has been actively at work to localise the supply chain. To support the next phase of exponential growth, the report outlines several priority investment areas, including scalable laundry facilities, cold storage and procurement hubs, and purpose-built staff housing zones. These developments would reduce operational overheads, enhance service quality, and align with the Emirate's broader tourism and sustainability goals.
Commenting on the report, Alison Grinnell, CEO of RAK Hospitality Holding, added: 'RAK Investment Pulse fills a crucial need for reliable information and insights. As RAK is building its history and legacy, this newsletter is a way for the world to stay updated on the remarkable growth and development in this dynamic Emirate.'
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