Exciting news is on the horizon for Ras Al Khaimah visitors and residents: the Ras Al Khaimah International Airport will add a new terminal and expand its facilities.
The Ras Al Khaimah airport expansion will reshape how travelers arrive, connect, and experience the northernmost Emirate.
Here’s everything you need to know about this project.
The Rise of a New Travel Hub
The Ras Al Khaimah airport expansion is a joint project between the local government and Falcon Executive Aviation, a United Arab Emirates aviation company.
Once completed, the Ras Al Khaimah International Airport will feature a 1,500-square-meter VVIP terminal and an 8,000-square-meter multi-purpose hangar. It will also have an additional 9,000 square meters of apron and parking space.
The VVIP terminal will have the following new amenities:
- A royal lounge
- Four VVIP lounges
- World-class hospitality areas
- Airside facilities, including a helipad
- A hangar that can house various sizes of private jets and offer maintenance and other operational services
- More aircraft parking and space for vertical mobility solutions
The new terminal will be equipped with electronic gates, modern baggage-handling systems, and upgraded customs, police, and passport-control services to improve the overall passenger experience.
The new terminal and hangars are designed to meet LEED Gold standards. The facilities will use solar power and electric ground support equipment to offset 35% of their energy consumption.
In addition, the terminal will use Dynaes’ thermodynamic energy-efficient technologies, making it the first airport facility in the Middle East and greater Asia to do so.
Other eco-friendly technologies, such as energy-saving LED lighting, geothermal heat pumps, and water-recycling systems, will be incorporated into the design in support of the emirate’s sustainability goals. The terminal will also encourage the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
This project aims to support Ras Al Khaimah’s plans to create a new travel hub for high-profile travelers and elevate its position as one of the UAE’s premier luxury and adventure destinations.
The Ras Al Khaimah airport terminal expansion will also bolster the emirate’s ability to increase tourism capacity as new resorts, hotels, and attractions open in the coming years.
The expansion is expected to improve and expand its other services as well. A new air cargo company transporting pharmaceuticals and other goods has already selected the airport as its regional base.
The project timeframe is 15 months, with the terminal expected to open in the first quarter of 2027.
What the Airport Expansion Means for Travelers
The airport expansion is expected to give all travelers a smoother, more comfortable start to their trip. The new VVIP terminal and upgraded facilities mean faster check-ins, easier transfers, and a more relaxed arrival for guests who value privacy and efficiency.
The additional hangars and parking areas will accommodate more aircraft, helping open the door to new routes and more convenient flight options.
Travelers will also appreciate the focus on sustainability, with energy-saving systems and support for cleaner aviation practices shaping a greener journey.
Places to Visit Near Ras Al Khaimah International Airport
Ras Al Khaimah is teeming with great destinations to explore. There are some near the airport that are worth visiting if you have a layover or are staying at a nearby hotel or resort.
Here are some of these top destinations:
1. The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert
The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert is a private desert resort featuring signature villas with their own pools, decks, and other amenities, promising a luxurious stay. It’s the perfect accommodation option that’s accessible from the airport.
While in the area, you can watch and sign up for falconry shows and lessons, enjoy desert biking, horseback riding, and camel riding. You can choose from different types of massages, body and facial treatments and other wellness treatments and even join yoga sessions at The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Al Wadi Desert.
The Ritz Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert is approximately 18.6 km, or 22 to 24 minutes by car, from the airport.
2. Sonara Camp Al Wadi
Sonara Camp Al Wadi is located on the grounds of The Ritz Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert, so drop by this area for an exceptional desert experience.
Choose from different packages that include a sunset or dinner experience, entertainment, and activities, such as a falcon show, camel rides, sandboarding, volleyball, and a film showing under the stars. You’ll get a chance to see exotic oryxes, gazelles, and even the elusive Arabian red fox during your stay here.
Sonora Camp Al Wadi is also just 22 to 24 minutes by car, around 18.6 km, from the airport.
3. Al Hamra Village
Al Hamra Village is a vibrant community in Ras Al Khaimah and is home to two of the emirate’s most popular beaches: Al Hamra Beach and Al Jazeera Beach. You’ll also find Al Hamra Mall, Al Hamra Golf Club, and Al Hamra Marina & Yacht Club here.
There is also an excellent selection of hotels and resorts here, including The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah Al Hamra Beach, Sofitel Al Hamra Beach Resort, Al Hamra Village Hotel, and the Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah.
Al Hamra Village is approximately 35.1 km (25 minutes by car) from Ras Khaimah International Airport.
4. Al Wadi Equestrian Adventure Center
If you want to explore the art of horse riding as you explore the desert, head to the Al Wadi Equestrian Adventure Center. The center offers horse-riding experiences that let you wander leisurely or enjoy an exciting gallop across the dunes.
You can also opt for a camel riding experience for a glimpse of the traditional Bedouin lifestyle. Both options are overseen by trained instructors and guides, making them suitable for guests of all ages.
The Al Wadi Equestrian Adventure Center is also home to oryxes, spiny-tailed lizards, wild cats, foxes, owls, and other small mammals. It is surrounded by various species of trees, flowers, and other plants, so keep an eye out for them.
This attraction is approximately 19.2 km from the airport, about 23 minutes by car.
The Ras Al Khaimah International Airport expansion project signifies the emirate’s commitment to smarter travel and a better visitor experience. With faster arrivals, more flight options, and a focus on sustainability, the project raises the bar for tourism in the UAE.
Visit our Plan Your Trip page to create the perfect Ras Al Khaimah itinerary.
