International design firm HKS Architects has been appointed Design Consultant for an integrated resort development being planned by Wynn Resorts in the United Arab Emirates.
The multi-billion dollar IR, expected to open in 2026, is planned to be built on the man-made Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) and feature a casino, a luxury hotel with more than 1,000 rooms, a high-end shopping mall, state-of-the-art meeting and convention facility, an exclusive spa, more than 10 restaurants and lounges, an array of entertainment choices and other amenities. Wynn is partnering with local property developer Marjan and hospitality giant RAK Hospitality Holding to make the resort a reality.
The addition of HKS Architects, announced by Marjan on Tuesday, adds further industry expertise to the project with the company’s previous projects including The Venetian Macao, the Palazzo in Las Vegas and Atlantis Paradise Island in the Bahamas. HKS has also designed a number of major US sports stadiums as well as the corporate headquarters of companies such as Bank of America, American Airlines and JCPenney.
“It is a huge honour to be part of a development that will have such an impact and create an array of opportunities that go far beyond the tourism sector,” said Kevin Underwood, Master Planning & Design Principal of HKS Architects. “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.”
Marjan CEO Abdulla Abdooli added, “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. We look forward to realising our vision for the Wynn Resort on Al Marjan Island with HKS Architects and raising the benchmark in luxury hospitality in the Middle East to boost tourism in the Emirate and attract visitors from across the world.”
Located 45 minutes from Dubai International Airport, Al Marjan Island spans 2.7 million square meters of reclaimed land extending into the Arabian Gulf, with more than 7.8 kilometers of beaches and 23 kilometers of waterfront. Wynn’s new IR is planned to cover 250,000 square meters and incorporate views over the Arabian Gulf.
