Trio to develop resort on Al Marjan Island

Marjan, RAK Hospitality Holding and Wynn Resorts, the US-listed international developer of luxury resorts, have announced a multi-billion-dollar integrated resort development on the man-made Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE.

The spectacular Al Marjan Island, already a leading tourism destination, is only 15 minutes from the Ras Al Khaimah International Aiport and 45 minutes from Dubai International Airport. Comprising four islands, it has over 7.8km (4.8mi) of sparkling beaches and 23km (14mi) of waterfront in addition to world-class hotels and residential developments.
Al Marjan Island spans an area of 270ha (667 acres) of reclaimed land extending into the Arabian Gulf. The new integrated resort on one of the exclusive islands, which covers an area of almost 25ha (62 acres) will offer a pristine setting with spectacular views of the Gulf as well as sandy beaches and a marina. The development is the first beach resort being developed by Wynn Resorts globally.
The current scope includes a hotel with over 1,000 rooms, a high-end shopping mall, meeting and convention facility, exclusive spa, more than ten restaurants and lounges, a wide array of entertainment choices, a gaming area and other amenities.
The integrated resort will be developed with significant foreign direct investment by Wynn Resorts. As the largest project of its kind in the emirate’s growing hospitality sector, it will create substantial value to the local economy by accelerating tourism, creating jobs and energising the growth of related sectors. Set to be completed by 2026, the entire project will be developed to the highest standards of sustainability.
Abdulla Al Abdooli, CEO of Marjan, believes the new integrated resort highlights the fast-growing recognition of Ras Al Khaimah as a leading investment destination for high-quality hospitality projects. “The integrated development…will add to the emirate’s destination strategy to attract tourists from across the world,” he said.
“We are partnering with Wynn Resorts, one of the world’s most renowned integrated resort companies, which has a strong track record of developing luxury destinations with exceptional accommodation, dining, entertainment concepts and gaming facilities. By leveraging Wynn Resorts’ expertise in developing luxury hospitality destinations, the new development will raise the benchmark in luxury hospitality in the region. It will also create exceptional value to the Ras Al Khaimah economy and boost the leisure, business and MICE [Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions] tourism sectors,” he said.
Craig Billings, newly appointed CEO of Wynn Resorts, commented: “Al Marjan Island is a pristine setting and an ideal greenfield location for us to create the one-of-a-kind guest experiences for which Wynn Resorts is renowned. The region offers tremendous potential for the hospitality and tourism industry and we are excited about the prospect of developing an integrated resort in Ras Al Khaimah.”
The new resort is in the initial stages of design and development and will be applying for an integrated resort licence from Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority.