New Ras Al Khaimah development aims to ‘champion’ UAE tourism

US-based hotel developer and operator Wynn Resorts hopes to achieve “same level” of success as the Dubai and Abu Dhabi hospitality industries with its new Ras Al Khaimah development.

 

Wynn Al Marjan Island is set to debut in the emirate next year, with goals to "champion” tourism in the UAE, according to the development’s president Max Tappeiner.

 

Speaking to Aspire, he said: “The UAE has always been driven by megaprojects, and now Ras Al Khaimah finds itself at the epicentre of one of these.

 

“The pace of development we see here in Ras Al Khaimah is something we truly admire as an organisation, and we’re proud to be part of this growth and evolution of hospitality in the UAE.”

 

"We hope to be a UAE champion such as [Dubai and Abu Dhabi]," he added.

 

The 148-acre development will be the first beachfront property in Wynn Resorts’ portfolio, featuring 1,530 rooms and suites in a high-rise taller than the Shard, 12 pools and 22 food and beverage venues.

 

He added that the resort is “not a narrow product” and will aim to attract a range of demographics with its “very broad appeal”. 

 

Wynn Al Marjan Island’s family offering will include a kids’ club, dedicated family pool and food and beverage outlets “specifically geared towards younger consumers”.

 

There will also be a “high-energy” pool with a sound experience for younger guests, as well as two options that offer a “greater sense of serenity”. 

 

High-end guests will be catered for with a full-service, 98-berth marina that will allow yachts to access the resort.

 

On the upper floors of the development will be the boutique Enclave section of the resort, with 313 suites providing the property’s most-elevated accommodation. 

 

Enclave guests will have access to a private beach and pool, an exclusive Lebanese restaurant and a lounge.

 

Details on further high-end facilities and accommodation options are due to be released soon.

 

Tappeiner said that the resort “intends to be best-in-class” for its service, which “the UK consumer has a real appreciation for”.

 

He described the UK market as “invaluable” for the property, because “the synergies between the UAE and the UK are undeniable”.

 

In order to reach the UK market, Wynn Al Marjan Island will “embrace” working with the trade.

 

Tappeniner said: “We’re now at a stage of education, product knowledge and satisfying curiosity. At a later stage, we will get to fam trips.

 

“We’re in the relationship-building and educational phase, and then we will transition into a different phase as we get closer to opening.”