Ras Al Khaimah achieved rapid growth as a tourism hub during Raki Phillips’ tenure.
The CEO of the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, Raki Phillips, will leave his role in October 2025.
Phillips was instrumental in ensuring Wynn Resorts received the green light to develop Wynn Al Marjan Island, the country’s first legal integrated casino resort.
The landmark development, due to open in spring 2027, was made possible by the UAE’s largest ever foreign direct investment of $5.4 billion.
According to travel industry news outlet Skift, RAKTDA licensed 60 hotels and built a development pipeline exceeding 15,000 room keys during the last six years.
Ras Al Khaimah has traditionally been one of the lesser-known Emirates but it has welcomed over 300,000 visitors to date in 2025, with international visitors accounting for almost 80% of the more than 1 million total guest nights.
RAKTDA said in a statement that Phillips “will step down in October 2025 after six transformative years” as CEO of the tourism authority.
“During his tenure, Mr. Phillips helped lead the Authority’s effort to drive the Emirate’s bold vision to become the ‘Destination of the Future.'”
Phillips leaves to rejoin former employer Accor in Dubai.
The French multinational hospitality company’s portfolio includes several venues with casinos but it has not yet expressed interest in any potential development of casinos in Dubai.
