Ras Al Khaimah seeks US tourism ties ahead of Wynn opening
The Ras Al Khaimah Chamber signed a letter of intent in Utah, and the delegation held 34 engagements in Michigan, with follow-up on investments expected.
Key takeaways:
- Ras Al Khaimah officials visited Nevada, Florida, Michigan and Utah to develop tourism, investment and business partnerships.
- The delegation signed three letters of intent with US business organisations to strengthen trade and investment links.
- Discussions covered hospitality, destination development, convention facilities, technology, advanced manufacturing and real estate.
- Wynn Al Marjan Island is scheduled to open in September 2027 as Ras Al Khaimah’s first casino resort.
- The US$5.7bn development will include 1,542 hotel rooms and suites, 22 villas, restaurants, retail outlets and meeting facilities.
UAE.- Ras Al Khaimah officials have used a four-state US mission to build tourism, investment and business partnerships ahead of the planned September 2027 opening of Wynn Al Marjan Island. The delegation signed three letters of intent and held meetings with government officials, tourism leaders, universities and companies across Nevada, Florida, Michigan and Utah. The mission forms part of the emirate’s efforts to strengthen international ties and support the development of its hospitality and investment ecosystem.
In Las Vegas, the delegation met Mayor Shelley Berkley, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority chief executive Steve Hill and business representatives to explore cooperation in tourism and convention development. Discussions also covered ways to attract trade shows and sporting events, drawing on Las Vegas’s experience as an international tourism and entertainment destination.
The visit comes as Ras Al Khaimah prepares for the opening of Wynn Al Marjan Island. The US$5.7bn development will feature 1,542 hotel rooms and suites, 22 villas, restaurants, lounges, retail outlets and meeting facilities.
The Michigan leg of the visit included 34 engagements covering advanced manufacturing, robotics, healthcare technology, education and real estate. Members met representatives of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the University of Michigan and Michigan State University. Discussions with 12 companies also explored potential investment opportunities for the Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone.
In Utah, the Ras Al Khaimah Chamber signed a letter of intent with World Trade Center Utah to strengthen trade and investment ties. The delegation also examined approaches to tourism, hospitality and destination development, including public-private partnerships.
The mission was led by Dr Carel Richter, adviser for international relations at the Office of the Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah. Other participating entities included the Ras Al Khaimah Chamber, Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone, RAK Properties, Marjan and Innovation City. Richter described the mission as the beginning of a longer-term relationship, with the delegation now expected to follow up on prospective investments and institutional partnerships.
