Wynn Resorts to Open Luxury Casino in UAE by 2027
The Essentials at a Glance
- Wynn Resorts is developing a luxury casino on Al Marjan Island in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
- The resort is expected to open in 2027 and will feature 1,542 rooms, 22 bars and restaurants, as well as a theatre.
- The UAE recently issued its first commercial gambling license, paving the way for legal casinos in the country.
- Wynn Resorts has already invested USD 514 million in the project.
- The UAE aims to strengthen its position as a leading tourism and trade hub in the Gulf with this development.
Wynn Resorts Expands into the UAE
Wynn Resorts, a U.S.-based company, has secured the first commercial gambling license in the United Arab Emirates. The company is currently developing a luxurious resort on Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah. This ambitious project is a collaboration between Wynn, Marjan, and RAK Hospitality Holding.
Details about the New Luxury Resort
The resort, which is still under construction, will feature 1,542 rooms, all offering views of a white sandy beach. Additionally, it will have 22 bars and restaurants, as well as a theatre for live shows. Wynn Resorts aims to attract visitors from Europe, Asia, and other international markets.
Legalization of Gambling in the UAE
The UAE recently paved the way for commercial gambling by establishing the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA). This new regulatory body is led by industry experts from the U.S. and allows for the establishment of legal gambling in the country. The UAE’s decision to legalize gambling is part of a broader strategy to solidify its position as a leading commercial, tourism, and financial hub in the Gulf.
Growing Competition in the Gulf
The UAE is facing increasing pressure from economic competition in Saudi Arabia. To remain competitive, the country has introduced several legal reforms in recent months. In addition to Wynn Resorts, MGM Resorts International has also expressed interest and applied for a gambling license for a project in Abu Dhabi. This highlights the UAE’s potential as an emerging market for gambling and luxury tourism.
Investments and Timeline
Wynn Resorts has already invested USD 514 million into the Al Marjan project. The company plans to release detailed updates on the resort’s progress on October 8. The opening is scheduled for 2027. With this initiative, Wynn aims to redefine the entertainment and tourism landscape in the region.
Our Assessment
Wynn Resorts’ expansion into the UAE marks a significant step in the development of the gambling market in the Middle East. The establishment of a regulatory authority and the issuance of the first commercial gambling license show that the UAE is determined to position itself as a global player in gambling and luxury tourism. Competition from Saudi Arabia will certainly increase pressure on the UAE, but with projects like the Wynn Resort on Al Marjan Island, the country is well-positioned to continue playing a leading role in the region.