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Historically, these artificial islands had seen limited development, remaining mostly vacant following the cancellation of a billion-dollar football-themed resort. Today, however, the scenario is markedly different: every available plot has been sold, and the region is dotted with construction cranes, symbolizing rapid growth and development.

Investment Surge and Infrastructure Expansion

According to Abdulla Al Abdouli, CEO of the state entity developing the islands, over 20 developers are actively constructing or designing projects here. These developments are expected to be completed within six years, representing a multi-billion dollar investment into the local economy.

In preparation for the expected tourist influx, RAK’s international airport is expanding to triple its current capacity to two million passengers annually by 2027. This enhancement is crucial as the emirate positions itself as a new global tourist destination, strategically located within a four-hour flight from one-third of the world’s population.

Transformative Impact of the Wynn Resort

At the heart of this development is the Wynn Resort, set to be one of the largest in the company’s portfolio with 1,500 rooms. This project is catalyzing the transformation of RAK into a premium destination, combining luxury and entertainment to create a mini-Vegas in the UAE.

Introducing casinos represents a significant cultural shift in the UAE, where gambling is traditionally prohibited. Currently, no casinos exist in the six Gulf Cooperation Council countries, although they can be found in Lebanon and Egypt. In response to this cultural shift, the UAE has established an authority to provide a framework for legalized gaming, though no laws legalizing it have been passed yet. This move by the UAE government is setting the stage for a major transformation in the country’s tourism and entertainment landscape, anticipating the integration of legalized gaming into the regional economy.

Booming Real Estate and Exclusive Developments

The real estate market on the Marjan islands is experiencing a significant boom. Abu Dhabi’s largest developer, in collaboration with the international luxury beach club Nikki Beach, has launched three branded residential buildings. The initial offering of 570 homes was quickly purchased by eager overseas and expatriate buyers. Another sought-after development, Rosso Bay Residences, has also seen rapid sales, reflecting the high demand for upscale living in the emirate.

Emaar Properties is contributing significantly to the area’s development, creating luxury apartments and townhouses near the forthcoming casino. The Address Residences, with prices starting at 1.8 million dirhams, feature one to four-bedroom apartments and provide amenities like gyms, pools, and restaurants on pristine white beaches.

Marjan, the entity that owns the islands, has ambitious plans to construct approximately 9,000 hotel rooms and a similar number of residential units to complement the existing infrastructure. Currently, the islands boast six hotels with a total of 3,052 rooms and around 3,000 apartments, many of which are serviced by renowned brands such as JW Marriott and Rixos. With the ongoing developments, the islands are poised to house nearly 10 percent of the hotel room capacity found in Las Vegas within a generation.

Ras Al Khaimah’s Emerging Tourist Economy

In the competition to become a premier tourism destination, Ras Al Khaimah holds a distinct advantage over rivals like Saudi Arabia. The legal status of alcohol and the already substantial influx of Russian and Chinese tourists, despite the previously limited hotel capacity, make it a desirable location. The addition of a casino is expected to not only attract gamblers but also families seeking a slice of Vegas-style entertainment in the desert, all without the need for a trans-Atlantic flight.

As the city prepares to redefine its role as a global aviation hub, the expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport is poised to herald a new era of innovation and infrastructure ingenuity.

The Strategic Impetus for Expansion

The ongoing expansion at Al Maktoum International Airport addresses the critical need for increased aviation capacity. Dubai International Airport (DXB), despite being the world’s busiest international hub for a decade with a passenger count of 86.9 million last year, is nearing its capacity limits due to its proximity to urban developments and major highways.

Originally focused on cargo, Al Maktoum International transitioned to support commercial flights, hosting 877,400 passengers in 2022. This is a foundational step towards fulfilling Dubai’s D33 economic agenda, which aims to draw an additional $27 billion in tourism investments by enhancing infrastructural capabilities.

Expansion Details and Future Projections

The expansion plans for Al Maktoum International are staggering in scale and ambition. The airport is set to sprawl over 27 square miles – more than five times the size of DXB. It will feature five parallel runways and 400 aircraft gates, which is a substantial increase in capacity. The facility is also expected to handle 12 million tonnes of cargo annually, reinforcing Dubai’s role as a major logistics hub.

Architectural Innovation and Passenger Experience

The architectural design of Al Maktoum International Airport is being spearheaded by Leslie Jones Architecture, a London-based firm renowned for its expertise in airport design. With a portfolio that includes some of the world’s most significant airports—from Doha to Hong Kong, and notably London’s Heathrow Terminal 5 – the firm brings a wealth of experience to Dubai’s monumental project.

The design for the new Dubai airport is visionary, featuring a modern aesthetic with an undulating white canopy that seamlessly integrates lush green spaces and rows of palm trees. This innovative canopy design not only adds to the visual appeal but also contributes to the environmental sustainability of the airport, providing shaded areas that reduce heat and enhance the comfort of travelers. The airport’s layout is meticulously planned to handle the anticipated annual passenger capacity of up to 260 million, which would position it as the world’s largest airport by capacity.

Economic Impact and Technological Advancements

The airport’s construction is currently one of the most expensive globally, with costs estimated at $34.8 billion as of June 2024. The economic implications are vast, with the airport expected to significantly boost Dubai’s tourism sector. Additionally, the airport will employ cutting-edge technology to ensure operational efficiency and enhance the passenger experience, setting new standards in airport services and facilities.

The first phase of the airport is slated for completion within the next decade, aiming to initially support 150 million passengers annually. This phase is crucial for gradually phasing out DXB and transitioning all major commercial traffic to the new facility. Once fully operational, Al Maktoum International will not only surpass DXB in terms of size and capacity but will also dramatically reshape the global aviation landscape.