Ras Al Khaimah Casino Project Doubles Hotel Rooms, Adds Luxury Residences

Ras Al Khaimah’s Ras Al Khaimah first casino will alter the emirate’s hospitality map with its massive 224,000-square-foot gaming facility. The casino will be larger than Wynn Las Vegas. This landmark Wynn Al Marjan Island resort represents the region’s largest hospitality development at $4 billion and plans to open in early 2027. The project will house more than 1,500 hotel rooms and 22 restaurants and lounges, along with exclusive beach and nightclub venues.

The emirate’s ambitious expansion plans align perfectly with this game-changing development. RAK’s hotel inventory will more than double from 7,144 to over 14,600 rooms by 2027. The casino project will bring 3.5 million additional visitors each year. The emirate’s real estate market has already shown strong growth, with transaction volumes jumping 118% to reach AED 15.08 billion in 2024.

Wynn Unveils Dual Gaming Areas in RAK Casino Project

Wynn Resorts just won the first casino license in the UAE from the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA). The company will build two unique gaming areas at its Ras Al Khaimah resort, which revolutionizes the region’s entertainment world.

Main Casino Spans 224,000 Square Feet

This massive gaming facility will cover 224,000 square feet, and this is a big deal as it means that its Las Vegas location. Players will find about 300 gaming tables in one of the world’s largest casino floors. Only 4% of the property’s total floor space goes to gaming, which lets guests explore other areas without entering the gaming zones.

UAE’s gaming industry now works under the watchful eye of the newly formed GCGRA. The authority uses complete regulations that take inspiration from successful US and Singapore models. These rules will give a solid foundation for responsible gaming at every level.

Sky Gaming Lounge Offers Exclusive Experience

A second gaming venue, revealed now for the first time, will sit on the 22nd floor as a special sky gaming area. High-end guests can enjoy this exclusive space, known as a salon privé – a standard feature in premium integrated resorts. The upper-floor private gaming area provides an intimate setting with stunning Arabian Gulf views.

RAK Tourism Development Authority’s strategic vision matches these gaming spaces perfectly. A dedicated division now oversees integrated resorts. This group creates rules that balance money-making opportunities with social responsibility.

The AED 14.32 billion integrated resort pairs its gaming areas with luxury amenities such as:

• 1,542 rooms and suites
• 24 restaurants and lounges
• A 3.6-hectare poolscape
• A luxury shopping esplanade
• A state-of-the-art theater with 900 seats

Al Marjan Island’s 62-hectare property boasts pristine white sand beaches and a full-service marina. Guests can enjoy nightly laser and light shows that enhance their entertainment experience.

GCGRA keeps a close watch on all gaming activities to maintain high standards of compliance and responsible gaming. Their rules protect consumers and ensure transparent operations throughout the gaming environment.

RAK Tourism Authority Projects Record Growth

Ras Al Khaimah’s tourism sector grew by 5.1% in 2024 with 1.28 million overnight visitors. The emirate proved its global appeal as international visitors made up 76% of total guest nights [15,16].

Visitor Numbers Set to Triple by 2030

The emirate plans to attract 3.5 million yearly visitors by 2030. This ambitious goal represents a 19% compound annual growth rate. Tourism should contribute one-third of the emirate’s GDP. The vision includes hosting 1.5 million day visitors. RAK continues to be the UAE’s favorite staycation spot, with domestic tourism bringing in half of all visitors.

Hotel Room Inventory Doubles to Meet Demand

RAK will add 7,537 new rooms to its current 7,144 by 2027 to handle the rising visitor numbers. The emirate now has 56 hotels and resorts at different price points. Luxury accommodations lead the expansion as 71% of new developments will be five-star properties.

Airport Expansion Supports Tourism Surge

RAK International Airport is expanding to handle more tourists. Last year, 340,000 passengers used the airport. The goal is to welcome 2 million visitors through better connections. Recent progress includes:

• New partnerships with IndiGo Airlines, Azur Air, and Centrum Air
• Qatar Airways started daily flights that connect RAK worldwide
• Complete renovation of departure and arrival terminals

RAK hotels saw their average daily rate jump 14%, pushing revenue per available room to AED 421. Occupancy rates dipped slightly by 2.4% year-on-year. This matches the strategy to attract premium visitors instead of focusing on numbers. The emirate could add 8,500 more hotel rooms by 2030, making it an even more popular tourism spot.

Luxury Brands Rush to Establish Presence

Four Seasons, the world’s leading luxury hospitality brand, plans to build a new beach resort and private residences in Ras Al Khaimah’s Mina development. This strategic collaboration marks the most important milestone that altered the map of luxury in the emirate.

Global Hotel Chains Announce New Properties

Ras Al Khaimah’s hospitality sector shows exceptional growth as more than 15 international hotel operators enter the market of all segments. Marriott guides the development pipeline through several properties under construction. The Westin, W Al Marjan, and JW Marriott Al Marjan will open their doors by 2027.

Minor Hotels brings its NH Collection brand to Al Marjan Island with a 156-key property. The development features 120 beach-facing rooms and 36 branded serviced apartments. Guests will enjoy:

• Four restaurants and bars
• Wellness facilities
• A dedicated marina
• Private beach access

Fashion Houses Enter Hospitality Sector

Italian luxury fashion house Missoni partnered with OCTA Properties to develop the Trio Isle Interiors project on Al Marjan Island. This project represents Missoni’s first venture and the island’s first branded development.

The emirate has no operational branded residences right now. Notwithstanding that, 16 projects under development will add about 5,600 units by 2029. These developments include strategic collaborations with prestigious brands such as:

• Waldorf Astoria
• JW Marriott Residences
• Nobu
• Nikki Beach
• Ritz-Carlton

Four Seasons Private Residences will build luxury apartments from two to five bedrooms and four to six-bedroom villas. The property’s wellness facilities include 10 treatment rooms, family and adult pools, sports courts, and a fully equipped fitness center.

This luxury brand surge highlights Ras Al Khaimah’s rise as a premier destination for high-end hospitality and branded residences. The trend shows a radical alteration toward integrated luxury living experiences, as fashion and hospitality brands create multisensorial environments that cater to discerning consumers.

Property Market Responds to Casino Development

Property transactions in Ras Al Khaimah hit AED 15.08 billion in 2024. This represents a massive 118% jump from AED 6.94 billion in 2023. The emirate’s first casino project sparked this surge and changed the real estate map completely.

Real Estate Values Surge Near Gaming Zone

Properties on Al Marjan Island, where the new Wynn resort will be built, now sell for up to 300% more than nearby locations. Beachfront properties with casino views cost 50% more than similar units without these views. Property owners say their home values have doubled since the casino announcement.

Branded Residences Revolutionize Housing Landscape

Branded residences will make up 40% of all homes in Ras Al Khaimah by 2029. Right now, 16 branded residence projects are being built, adding 5,600 new units. These properties sell for about 50% more than regular homes. Some big names in the development pipeline are:

• Waldorf Astoria
• Ritz Carlton
• Nikki Beach
• Nobu

Investment Returns Exceed Market Expectations

Real estate experts predict strong returns. Prices in RAK’s secondary market should reach:

• AED 4,000 per square foot by 2027
• AED 4,500 per square foot by 2030

Rental yields are impressive at 8% on average. Prime locations like Manta Bay offer potential yearly rental income of AED 255,000 near the casino development, based on 75% occupancy. This means investors can get rental returns of 15%.

The emirate attracts European and Russian buyers who want both luxury and leisure, not just gaming. RAK’s unique financial environment lets investors work in a stable, growing market. Property values have gone up 20-30% on average everywhere in the last year. Experts suggest visitor numbers could multiply by five within the next 30 months.

Ras Al Khaimah is transforming with its $4 billion Wynn Al Marjan Island resort project. This ambitious vision includes the Gulf’s first casino and reshapes the scene of tourism and real estate sectors. The numbers are impressive – annual visitors will reach 3.5 million, hotel rooms will double to 14,600, and property deals have jumped 118% to AED 15.08 billion.

Luxury brands like Four Seasons, Marriott, and Missoni show the emirate’s rise as a high-end destination. The 224,000-square-foot gaming facility and these developments make Ras Al Khaimah a strong player in global tourism. Property values near the gaming zone now command premium prices, and rental yields have climbed to 15%.

Gaming, hospitality, and real estate development meet to establish Ras Al Khaimah as a prime destination for leisure and investment. Airport expansion and strict regulations support this complete growth strategy. Early investors can expect substantial returns while the emirate becomes a world-class tourism hub.