Hard Rock International is aiming for a stake in the United Arab Emirates gaming market, but only as a hotel and residence provider.
Capitalising on being adjacent to the Wynn Al Marjan Island resort in Ras Al Khaimah, Hard Rock Hotel & Residences Ras Al Khaimah is scheduled to open in 2028 as part of a joint venture between Malta-based db Group and RAK Hospitality Holding (RAKHH).
The location will be operated by the joint venture company HR Hotel FZ LLC.
“Hard Rock International is proud to introduce its hotel and residence accommodations known for its unique brand of entertainment and superior hospitality to the region,” said Todd Hricko, SVP & Head of Global Hotel Development at Hard Rock International.
“This development will open new doors for the Hard Rock global traveller in a destination with rich history and nature to explore.”
Hard Rock Hotel & Residences Ras Al Khaimah will be a branded mixed-use development project comprising approximately 300 rooms and 395 branded residences, restaurants, a rooftop bar, conference space, event venue, beach club, swimming pools, spa and fitness centre, creating roughly 500 permanent jobs.
“We’re bringing together three distinct strengths—our deep understanding of Ras Al Khaimah’s market dynamics, db Group’s proven development expertise, and Hard Rock’s globally recognised brand appeal—to one of the most exciting lifestyle destinations in the region that will become a dynamic hub for tourism, leisure, and entertainment,” noted Alison Grinnell, CEO of RAKHH.
“This isn’t just another hotel development; it’s a catalyst for the sustained, high-quality growth that positions Ras Al Khaimah as a serious contender in the luxury and lifestyle hospitality space while supporting our broader economic diversification goals.”
Silvio Debono, Chair of db Group, added: “We are delighted to partner with RAK Hospitality Holding and Hard Rock International on this landmark project – our first major venture beyond Malta.
“With nearly four decades of experience in the hospitality sector, db Group is proud to bring its expertise to one of the region’s most dynamic and fast-growing markets. Together, we aim to deliver a world-class destination that embodies Hard Rock’s energy and spirit while offering guests a truly unique lifestyle experience on the shores of Ras Al Khaimah.”
UAE market taking shape
As Hard Rock gets ready to break ground on its hotel in the UAE, an abundance of suppliers have been approved to supply their services to the country’s regulated gaming market.
Recently, Gaming-Related Vendor Licenses were awarded by the UAE’s commercial gaming regulator, the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), to Light & Wonder and Konami Gaming.
“Since Konami Gaming’s inception, our global growth has been achieved with an unwavering commitment to compliance,” commented Tom Jingoli, President & Chief Operating Officer at Konami Gaming.
“As the United Arab Emirates expands its economy to the regulated commercial gaming space, Konami is dedicated to supporting this market with the same integrity, innovation, and excellence we bring to all 431 gaming jurisdictions we serve worldwide.”
Other companies that have received a Gaming-Related Vendor Licence include Aristocrat, Smartplay, PayBy, Xpoint, EQL Games, Novomatic, IGT, Scientific Games, Random State, Fennica Gaming, TCS John Huxley Singapore and Pollard Banknote.
A Lottery Licence has been received by The Game to operate the UAE lottery, while Wynn Resorts has a Land-Based Gaming Facilities Licence for its Wynn Al Marjan Island resort joint venture with Marjan and RAKHH, scheduled to open in 2027.
