Just days after officially ending her six-year stint as Tourism Australia Managing Director on 23 August 2025, Phillipa Harrison has been named new CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), taking up the UAE-based role in October 2025.
Harrison joins RAKTDA at a time when Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) is eyeing significant growth and expanding its tourism ambitions.
RAK welcomed a record 650,000 visitors in H1 2025, up six per cent year on year, with a target to attract more than 3.5 million visitors annually by 2030.
Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) is the sixth most populous city in the United Arab Emirates after Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Al Ain and Ajman, and the fourth largest emirate.
In a release, RAKTA said Harrison will “spearhead the emirate’s bold vision to become the ‘Destination of the Future’, bringing decades of international tourism expertise across Australia and other global markets”.
Her appointment will help to advance the government’s objectives to further cement its position as a leading sustainable tourism destination.
RAKTDA’s Executive Committee Chair Sheikh Ahmed bin Saud Al Qasimi said: “Tourism is at the heart of Ras Al Khaimah’s strategy, it is our fastest-growing sector and we’ve achieved remarkable milestones in a short period of time.”
“Ms Harrison brings with her a depth of knowledge and leadership experience, most recently with Tourism Australia, that gives us confidence in her ability to align with Ras Al Khaimah’s ambitious goals and strategic targets in the tourism sector.”
Commenting on her new role, Harrison said: “I’m honoured to join at such an exciting time. Ras Al Khaimah has already established itself as an international success story and I look forward to unlocking even more growth in the years ahead.”
Harrison takes over from Raki Phillips, who will join Accor as Regional President for Middle East, Africa & Turkey in October 2025.
Find out more at visitrasalkhaimah.com
