US Hotel Brands to Operate Nearly Half of Ras Al Khaimah’s Hotel Rooms
United States-based hotel companies and brands are set to operate nearly half of the hotel rooms planned across Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates, highlighting the growing role of American hospitality groups in the emirate’s expanding tourism and real estate sector.
According to the latest figures, 6,365 of Ras Al Khaimah’s 12,811 planned hotel keys are expected to be operated by U.S. companies and brands. This represents the largest share of hotel keys held by any single group of operators in the emirate.
The growing presence of U.S. hospitality companies builds on longstanding partnerships between Ras Al Khaimah and internationally recognized American hotel brands. The emirate has hosted luxury operators including Ritz-Carlton and Waldorf Astoria, with the latter selecting Ras Al Khaimah for its first location in the United Arab Emirates.
The Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah opened in 2013, establishing an early presence for the brand in the emirate and contributing to the development of Ras Al Khaimah as an international luxury tourism destination.
The latest figures come as a delegation from Ras Al Khaimah prepares for a business and tourism-focused visit to the United States from September 20 through October 10. The delegation is scheduled to visit Miami, Detroit, Las Vegas, Salt Lake City and New York.
During the visit, representatives from the emirate are expected to meet government officials, investors, business organizations and trade partners. The meetings are intended to strengthen existing relationships and explore additional investment and commercial opportunities between Ras Al Khaimah and the United States.
Fourteen international hotel brands have now either signed agreements or begun operations across three major development areas: Al Marjan Island, Marjan Beach and RAK Central. These locations form important components of Ras Al Khaimah’s plans for expanding its tourism, lifestyle, hospitality and business infrastructure.
One of the most significant projects is Wynn Al Marjan Island, which is scheduled to open in 2027. The development is expected to become the United Arab Emirates’ first integrated resort.
Wynn Al Marjan Island will cover more than 60 hectares and is planned to feature 1,530 hotel rooms, 22 restaurants, bars and lounges, 12 swimming pools and approximately 550 metres of private beach.
The project has also been identified as the largest single U.S. foreign direct investment project in the UAE, further strengthening the economic relationship between American businesses and Ras Al Khaimah.
Other developments include Janu Al Marjan Island, an Aman-branded property, alongside established hotels operated by international brands such as Ritz-Carlton and Waldorf Astoria.
Arch. Abdulla Rashid Al Abdouli, Chief Executive Officer of Marjan Group, said the emirate’s long-term development strategy is focused on creating a connected destination rather than a collection of independent projects.
“International capital commits when it can see a comprehensive plan and we are curating Ras Al Khaimah for the next 30 years, so that each project connects to the next rather than standing alone,” said Al Abdouli.
He added that the connectivity between Al Marjan Island, Marjan Beach and RAK Central forms an important part of the emirate’s development strategy.
The expansion of the hospitality sector is also being supported by investment in infrastructure and destination planning. As additional hotels and resorts are developed, Ras Al Khaimah is seeking to ensure that transportation, connectivity and supporting services keep pace with the growth of the tourism industry.
Alison Grinnell, Group COO of Marjan and CEO of Marjan Hospitality, said the number and quality of international brands entering the market reflects the assessment being made by established global hospitality operators.
“The number and quality of brands coming to Ras Al Khaimah highlights a considered assessment of this market by some of the most experienced operators in the industry, and we treat it as a responsibility as much as an endorsement,” said Grinnell.
She said the emirate’s role as master developer includes ensuring that infrastructure, connectivity and planning support the performance of individual hospitality projects.
Earlier this month, international credit ratings agency S&P Global maintained Ras Al Khaimah’s credit rating at “A/A-1” with a stable outlook, keeping the same rating assigned during the previous assessment cycle.
The emirate has also recorded continued growth in visitor numbers. Ras Al Khaimah welcomed approximately 1.35 million overnight visitors in 2025 and has established a target of reaching 3.5 million annual visitors by 2030.
Its location provides access to major regional and international markets. Dubai International Airport is less than an hour away by road, while approximately one-third of the world’s population can be reached within four hours of flying time.
Dr. Carel Richter, Advisor for International Relations at the Office of the Ruler, is leading the Ras Al Khaimah delegation during the U.S. visit. He said the emirate’s expanding hospitality pipeline reflects increasing interest from international operators and travellers.
“The growth we’re seeing across Ras Al Khaimah’s hospitality sector reflects the confidence international operators and travellers have placed in this destination,” said Richter.
He added that as new properties are completed through 2027, the emirate expects continued development across its hospitality sector.
The U.S. delegation visit will include meetings with local governments, investors and trade partners across five American cities. The objective is to build on existing partnerships while identifying new investment and business opportunities.
Representatives participating in the delegation include officials from the Office of the Ruler’s International Relations Department, Marjan Group, Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone, Innovation City, Ras Al Khaimah Department of Knowledge, RAK Properties and the Ras Al Khaimah Government Media Office.
With thousands of additional hotel rooms planned and major international operators committing to new properties, Ras Al Khaimah is continuing to expand its hospitality infrastructure. The strong participation of U.S. hotel brands, combined with new mixed-use developments and growing visitor numbers, is shaping the emirate’s next phase of tourism and real estate development.
Source Link:https://www.businesswire.com/
