Harrison will lead the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), with the Ras Al Khaimah government confirming her appointment.
Ras Al Khaimah is the northernmost of the seven Emirates in the UAE and has a population of about 450,000.
The Emirate notched up record visitor arrivals in the first half of 2025, with more than 654,000 travellers visiting Ras Al Khaimah. Results from January to June also note a 36 per cent growth in revenues from business events and weddings in the destination.
“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,” said chair of RAKTDA’s executive committee, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saud Al Qasimi.
“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.”
Harrison left Tourism Australia last week, following the announcement of her resignation in June. She was with Australia’s national tourism marketing agency for more than eight and a half years and became its first female managing director in September 2019.
“I’m honored to join at such an exciting time,” said Harrison of her new role in the UAE.
“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.”
The destination is looking to grow visitation to 3.5 million visitors a year by 2030 and to double its number of hotel rooms over the same time frame.
The Four Seasons, Fairmont and Minor Hotels’ NH Collection have all announced hotels in Ras Al Khaimah.
