Ras Al Khaimah, the northernmost Emirate of the UAE tucked into the Hajar mountains alongside the Persian Gulf, has embarked on a swift development boom in recent years. With pristine beaches, a breathtaking natural landscape, and archaeological sites dotting old Bedouin trade routes, Ras Al Khaimah is an up-and-coming tourism destination leveraging immense historical character.
However, looking beyond the rich heritage, the visual frontiers of the Emirate are rapidly evolving through a cadre of high-profile megaprojects – with none more ambitious than Al Marjan Island.
Al Marjan Island Overview
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Al Marjan Island constitutes four man-made islands envisioned as an integrated luxury resort destination just 15 minutes from downtown Ras Al Khaimah. The islands sprawl over 2.7 million square meters of reclaimed land in a stylized maritime silhouette visible from miles away. As the largest tourism development in Ras Al Khaimah’s government-backed vision to attract 1.5 million visitors annually by 2021. Al Marjan Island carries the mantle of the Emirate’s global coming out party.
The $1.8 billion project commenced in 2014 through extensive dredging and land reclamation efforts before vertical construction launched in subsequent years. Today, the islands house over 7 hotels including an 800-room Rixos Bab Al Bahr all-inclusive resort. It’s a dual Hilton Garden Inn and Hampton by Hilton property, as well as the Marjan Island Resort & Spa.
Beyond hospitality, Al Marjan Island hosts a water park, beach club and marina – alongside over 4,000 residential units in the Al Hamra Village community. Retail, dining and recreational venues continue filling gaps in the master plan as the development progresses. However, the crowned jewel still on the horizon remains the Wynn Resort slated to open in 2026 as the premiere integrated casino resort in the Middle East.
Wynn Resort Al Marjan Island
In January 2022, news broke globally that Wynn Resorts – renowned operator of luxury hotel casinos in Las Vegas, Macau and Boston – had been awarded a license to develop an ambitious integrated resort as the focal point of Al Marjan Island in partnership with the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA).
Slated to welcome guests in 2026, the Wynn Al Marjan aims to redefine tourism, hospitality and entertainment standards not just in Ras Al Khaimah but the entire Middle East. The visual renderings reveal an otherworldly design befitting the Wynn legacy of over-the-top opulence. The architecture and interior design teams face immense expectations continuing the trademark Wynn Resorts allure at Al Marjan Island.
Architectural Design Elements
Though concrete details remain tightly guarded ahead of the development timeline, preliminary renders showcase an exterior blending ostentatious luxury with the natural island landscape. The expansive ivory and bronze towers appear inspired by waves, winds and water carved into futuristic forms by master craftsmen. Vast glass surfaces reflect rays of sun while extensive landscaping integrates lush gardens, pools, paths and parks for outdoor enjoyment.
Inside, early publicity materials promise “interactive installations, premium dining outlets, lounges, adventure facilities” and other high-thrill attractions across the resort. Of course, gaming takes center stage within the dedicated casino pavilion guaranteeing classic table games, slots, poker and more under soaring ceilings hinting at extravagance within.
Interior Finishes
If the renowned Wynn properties in Las Vegas and Macau provide indicators, guests can anticipate lavish, flamboyant interiors leveraging the world’s most exclusive materials throughout the Al Marjan outpost. Hand-tufted, custom-dyed carpets, rare Italian marble, onyx, hand-blown glass fixtures from master artisans, bespoke millwork and exotic metallic mesh screens exemplify standard Wynn décor fare. Thus, translating signature maximalism within Arab aesthetic details.
Though tactile opulence shines, technology also plays a pivotal role in visitor experiences via installations fusing lighting, projections and spatial soundscapes. Pioneered by longtime Wynn creative partner Roger Thomas, these immersive features stand to dazzle continuously evolving genres of sensory attractions. Of course, no expense will be spared on high-roller suites touting private pools, butler service and elite amenities as well.
The Road Ahead
As opening day nears, fascinating details are sure to emerge on plans progressing for the Wynn Al Marjan and accompanying build-out of amenities across Al Marjan Island. With Phase 1 infrastructures and hospitality in place, the coming years promise extensive vertical expansion as Ras Al Khaimah asserts its destination credentials globally.
Between show-stopping world-class hotels, captivating entertainment venues, recreational attractions, upscale residences and the prestige Wynn name itself, the artificial archipelagoconnects key dots on the Northern Emirates’ ambitious tourism roadmap. It also expands the broader UAE’s position on the global stage as a pioneer across industries – including architecture and design.
Al Marjan Island stands poised to shift preconceptions, enhance regional appeal, and ultimately drive tourism numbers to unprecedented new heights year after year. For both visitors and investors alike, the project may conjure memories of Dubai’s ascent decades ago. Perhaps soon we will be the ones uttering “remember when” about Ras Al Khaimah’s coming of age thanks to the vision unfolding on display at Al Marjan today.
