Raki Phillips

Raki Phillips is the Chief Executive Officer of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) in the United Arab Emirates. He is a highly accomplished tourism industry veteran with over 20 years of experience in the hospitality and tourism sectors.1

Career Highlights

Current Role:: As CEO of RAKTDA, Phillips is responsible for:

• Driving the tourism sector in Ras Al Khaimah
• Developing tourism infrastructure
• Managing licensing and regulations
• Creating sustainable investment opportunities

Under his leadership, Ras Al Khaimah achieved its highest-ever visitor numbers of 1.13 million in 2022.1

Previous Experience::

• Co-founder of Earth Hotels, named 'Best Hotel Brand for Investors' in 2019
• Senior Vice President Development at INHOCO International Hospitality Consulting Group
• Regional Director for Middle East, Africa, and India at FRHI Hotels & Resorts
• Area Director of Sales & Marketing for Middle East at FRHI Hotels & Resorts
• Director of Sales at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company LLC
• Manager of Sales & Marketing at Universal Orlando1

Education

• Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Organizational Leadership from the University of Phoenix
• Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) in Hospitality Administration/Management from the University of Central Florida1

Achievements and Recognition

• Named one of the 'Top 100 Travel & Tourism Leaders' in 2023 by Forbes Middle East
• Awarded Businessperson of the Year at the Arabian Business Achievement Awards 2023
• Recognized as one of the Top 20 Most Powerful Arab Hoteliers by Hotelier Middle East1

Notable Projects

Phillips has been instrumental in several significant developments in Ras Al Khaimah's tourism sector:

• Achieving record-breaking visitor numbers for the emirate
• Announcing the largest foreign direct tourism investment project in the UAE, in partnership with Wynn Resorts, Marjan, and RAK Hospitality Holding1
• Overseeing the issuance of the UAE's first commercial gaming license to Wynn Resorts2

Raki Phillips is known for his innovative approach to tourism development and his ability to drive growth in the sector. His leadership has been crucial in positioning Ras Al Khaimah as a prominent tourist destination in the UAE.