Hard Rock International has announced plans to open a new Hard Rock Hotel & Residences in Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates, as part of its ongoing global expansion. The hospitality project will mark the brand’s latest move in the Middle East and is scheduled to open in 2028.
New addition to Ras Al Khaimah’s beach district
The upcoming Hard Rock Hotel & Residences Ras Al Khaimah will be located near Al Marjan Island in the emirate’s Beach District. The mixed-use development will feature 300 hotel rooms and 395 branded residences. It will also include several lifestyle and leisure amenities such as restaurants, rooftop bars, a beach club, conference facilities and fitness centres.
and local hospitality investment firm RAK Hospitality Holding (RAKHH) for the project.
RAKHH CEO Alison Grinnell said the project aims to contribute to the emirate’s positioning as a destination for luxury and lifestyle tourism. “This is not 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,” she stated.
Middle east expansion strategy
The Ras Al Khaimah project forms part of Hard Rock International’s strategy to grow its footprint in the Middle East. It follows other announcements of branded developments in Europe and North America.
Hard Rock’s Senior Vice President and Head of Global Hotel Development, Todd Hricko, said the new location is intended to support the needs of the growing tourism market in the UAE.
“This development will open new doors for the Hard Rock global traveller in a destination with rich history and nature to explore,” Hricko said.
Designed for tourism growth
Ras Al Khaimah has been actively promoting tourism with a focus on both adventure and luxury travel. Al Marjan Island has seen a series of hospitality investments in recent years, and the addition of a Hard Rock property is expected to strengthen the destination’s appeal to international visitors.
The project will also contribute to the growing number of branded residences in the region, which combine hotel-style services with private living spaces. These developments are becoming popular among international property buyers and long-stay guests seeking high-end lifestyle options.
Global developments continue
Hard Rock International is also developing another key property in Europe. The company is working with Mercan Properties to open a new Hard Rock Hotel in Algarve, Portugal. This is in line with the brand’s aim to target established and emerging travel hubs around the world.
With a portfolio that includes over 30 hotels across major global markets, Hard Rock continues to expand in destinations that align with its brand of music-inspired lifestyle experiences.
Db Group, based in Malta, has a diversified portfolio in the tourism, hospitality, and real estate sectors. The company is entering the UAE market through this joint venture with RAKHH, which plays a key role in Ras Al Khaimah’s tourism development and hospitality investments.
Construction for the Ras Al Khaimah site is expected to begin in the coming years, with the official launch targeted for 2028. More project details, including design and branding features, will be shared at a later stage.
