Hard Rock has become the latest hotel group to eye the potential of Ras Al Khaimah, the emirate that is punching well above its weight in the Gulf region.
While Dubai and Abu Dhabi are attracting most of the tourism attention in the UAE, Ras Al Khaimah, the northern most emirate with a population of less than 200,000, is attracting the biggest names in hospitality.
The latest signing is by Hard Rock Hotel & Residences, which will open in 2028 with 300 rooms, joining other high-end hotel groups, including Anantara, Ritz-Carlton, Waldorf Astoria and InterContinental.
Hard Rock will be located in Ras Al Khaimah’s beach district, adjacent to Al Marjan Island
Ras Al Khaimah – most commonly referred to as RAK – has positioned itself as an investment hub, offering high-end developments in a more exclusive environment
Also heading to RAK is US casino giant, Wynn, which will expanded its footprint in the Gulf region by acquiring an additional 70 acres on Al Marjan Island. The move signals the development of the region’s first casino.
In June, Tony Fernandes, founder and CEO of Air Asia, revealed that Ras Al Khaimah was one of four airports he was evaluating ahead of plans to launch services to the Gulf region.