Wynn Resorts, based in the United States, has secured the first commercial gaming operator’s license in the United Arab Emirates. The company is currently developing a luxury resort on Wynn Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah. This ambitious project involves a collaboration between Wynn, Marjan, and RAK Hospitality Holding.
The luxury resort, still under construction, will feature 1,542 rooms, 22 bars and restaurants, and a theater for live shows, all overlooking a pristine white sandy beach. Wynn’s expansion marks a key development for tourism in the region, aiming to attract visitors from Europe, Asia, and other global markets.
Casino operators have long been interested in expanding to the Gulf region. The UAE paved the way for such ventures when it established the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority last year. This new regulator, led by industry veterans from the United States, has made it possible for legalized gambling to take root in the country.
The UAE’s decision to allow gambling comes as part of a broader effort to maintain its status as a leading hub for trade, tourism, and finance in the Gulf. With increasing competition from neighboring Saudi Arabia, the UAE introduced several legal reforms last month to stay ahead in the regional economic race.
In addition to Wynn, MGM Resorts International also announced last month that it applied for a gambling license for a property under development in Abu Dhabi. The interest from global operators highlights the UAE’s potential as an emerging market for gaming and luxury tourism.
Wynn Resorts plans to provide investors with a detailed update on the Al Marjan project on October 8. The company has already invested $514 million in the resort, which is expected to open in 2027. As competition heats up in the Gulf, Wynn’s venture aims to redefine the entertainment and tourism landscape in the region.
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