Wynn’s UAE Casino Resort Consortium Hired HKS Architects

The consortium of Wynn Resorts, RAK Hospitality and Marjan selected HKS Architects as its design consultant for the integrated resort in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Opportunities Spanning Far Beyond Tourism

The luxury resort and casino that will be constructed in Ras Al Khaimah on the manmade island Al Marjan will be Wynn Resorts’ first integrated casino property in the Middle East and North Africa region and the operator’s first ever beachfront resort worldwide.

Honored to participate in the development of a project with such a significant impact on the country and the region, HKS Architects’ master planning and design principal Kevin Underwood emphasized the integrated casino resort would “create an array of opportunities” spanning “far beyond the tourism sector.”

“We will bring our global expertise and wealth of experience in luxury hotels and resorts to design something truly unique, sustainable and befitting of this new era of tourism focused on quality and one-of-a-kind guest experiences.”

Kevin Underwood, Master Planning & Design Principal, HKS Architects

In January, the US casino company announced plans for a multi-billion resort project in the UAE as the country started legalizing gambling. Wynn partnered with the developer of freehold properties based in Ras Al Khaimah Marjan and RAK Hospitality Holding to build the beachfront resort with plans to open it to the public in 2026.

“The new resort will be the first of its kind in the region offering guests exceptional accommodations, dining and entertainment in a truly spectacular setting,” said Eng Abdulla Abdooli, chief executive officer of Marjan, eager to see the consortium’s vision realized and help boost tourism in the Middle East by “raising the benchmark in luxury hospitality.”

Future Tourism Magnet and Main Attraction

The integrated casino resort will be built on an exclusive island within Al Marjan Island, the flagship development of Marjan, featuring five-star hotels with more than 1,000 rooms and residential developments, modern MICE facilities, more than 10 food and beverage options and lounges, as well as a gaming area and other amenities.

The state-of-the-art property located on the island that is just 15 minutes from the Ras Al Khaimah International Airport and 45 minutes from the Dubai International Airport will also offer its guests coastal views, sandy beaches, and a marina.

The integrated casino resort set to be developed with direct investment from Wynn is the largest project in the UAE’s growing hospitality sector and is expected to create substantial value to the economy of the country by boosting the tourism sector, creating direct and indirect jobs, as well as bringing growth for gaming- and entertainment-related industries.