Ras Al Khaimah: A Rising Star in Golf and Tourism
News Summary
Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) is quickly becoming a premier destination for golf and tourism, featuring top-notch courses like Al Hamra and Tower Links. Hosting events such as the DP World Tour, RAK’s stunning landscapes, luxurious accommodations, and focus on sustainability make it an attractive getaway for golf enthusiasts. With a commitment to eco-friendly practices and impressive growth in visitor numbers, RAK is reshaping its image from a quiet retreat to a vibrant hub for tourists.
Ras Al Khaimah Emerges as a Premier Golf and Tourism Destination
Golfing Glory at Al Hamra Golf Club
RAK has captured international attention by hosting the prestigious DP World Tour at the Al Hamra Golf Club for five consecutive years since 2022. While the DP World Tour won’t return in 2026, the excitement from these events continues to draw golfers from around the world. Al Hamra Golf Club, a magnificent par-72, 18-hole championship course designed by renowned Swiss architect Peter Harradine, is a pure delight. Measuring around 7,400 yards and beautifully nestled around four interconnected lagoons, this course merges seamlessly with the Arabian Gulf, offering a unique and refreshing golfing experience.
Golfers will appreciate the course’s layout, with broad fairways on the front nine that transition into much trickier terrain on the back nine. Holes 12 through 15, in particular, are a test for even the most skilled players. As if the golfing experience wasn’t enough, Al Hamra takes pride in being the first 100% plastic-free golf club in the region, showcasing a strong commitment to eco-friendliness.
Natural Wonders at Tower Links Golf Club
Another gem in the RAK golfing crown is Tower Links Golf Club. Opened in 2004 and designed by landscape architect Gerald Williams, this course winds through a protected mangrove ecosystem, which makes for a stunningly natural layout. Measuring 7,098 yards, Tower Links is known for its challenging wavy greens, intriguing doglegs, and strategic water hazards. This exceptional course has hosted the MENA Tour several times, further enhancing RAK’s reputation as a burgeoning golf hotspot.
Luxurious Accommodations and Ideal Weather
If you’re planning a golf vacation to RAK, you’re in for a treat when it comes to accommodations. The Rixos Al Mairid Ras Al Khaimah is one of the top hotels nearby, offering a taste of the emirate’s renowned hospitality. With average winter daytime temperatures soaring between 18°C to 25°C and nights dipping as low as 12°C, you can enjoy long rounds of golf without interruption from wind or rare winter rains—making it the ideal season for golfing adventures.
Course Renovations and Growth in Tourism
Coming back to the Al Hamra Golf Club, this prestigious course recently reopened all 18 holes following a thorough renovation completed on November 8, 2025. Spearheaded by the original course architect Peter Harradine, the renovations have notably redesigned holes 15, 16, and 17, while also enhancing the sixth and eighth holes. These changes were made with the goal of preserving the course’s charm while amplifying playability and aesthetics. The project received support from Troon International, a well-known golf hospitality management company.
In addition to improving the golfing experience, RAK’s tourism authority reported an impressive tally of over 654,000 international tourists visiting during the first half of 2025, indicating that this emirate is on the rise as a favored travel destination. With plans to increase its population from 0.4 million to 0.65 million by 2030, RAK is busy developing new residential units and hospitality options to meet the increasing demand.