Wynn UAE Casino to Launch in 2027
The first casino in the United Arab Emirates is set to open on Al Marjan IslandWynn Resorts' newest integrated resort, including the UAE's first casino, is scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2027.
Wynn Al Marjan Island Is Underway
- The Wynn Al Marjan Island project is set to be completed in 18 months.
- Wynn Resorts secured the first UAE gaming licence.
- Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah will be the home of the integrated resort.
First Integrated Casino Resort
Work is already underway on the first integrated casino resort in the UAE. It will become the Wynn Al Marjan Island, and the CEO Abdulla Al Abdouli is confident the sizable project is on track for completion in 2027. The opening is planned for March 2027, which will surely see local and international visitors flock to the island.
The resort will include a 70-storey tower and cost $5.1 billion. A key part of the complex will be the 20,9000 square metre casino. One particular highlight will be the 22nd floor with its ‘sky gaming’ area. The resort will also include an event centre, over 20 restaurants, a five-star spa, and luxury shopping experiences.
Tourism Development
The resort will play an important role in the tourism development plans of the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. The tourism development authority there aims to attract over 3.5 million visitors by 2030. Having accommodation, facilities and entertainment to accommodate and appeal to those visitors will be key to meeting that target.
Situated less than an hour from Dubai International Airport and only 15 minutes from Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, it will certainly enhance its appeal. The location will be transformed in other ways, attracting those who wish to stay for longer. In 2027, a 3.1 million square metre mixed-use residential community, RAKS Central, will also be completed.
Gaming Regulation
The project is well underway thanks to meticulous planning. The concept first became a reality last October. That’s when Wynn Resorts made history and changed the course of the gaming landscape in the country. It secured the UAE’s first gaming licence.
The recently established General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority issued the licence with a 15-year term. The move is part of a strategy to ensure that the UAE holds its own in comparison to other Gulf destinations, which are smoothing the path for visitors.
Integrated Casino Resorts
The first integrated casino resort in the UAE is certain to encourage interest from other operators. Wynn Resorts may also want to build on this first step and could potentially start identifying other locations for further properties. Its recent acquisition of Crown London is thought to be a strategic move to attract international visitors.
MGM Resorts is not far behind, having already applied for a UAE casino licence. Given that some analysts predict that the resort could bring in more than $5 billion in revenue, it’s no surprise that the market opportunity is turning heads.
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Suhair is a seasoned content creator with 20 years of experience, holding a Master's degree in Political Science. With expertise spanning iGaming, marketing, media, and government relations, she brings a unique perspective to online gaming. Suhair's global outlook enriches her writing because she speaks four languages and has lived in five countries. When not crafting compelling content, she enjoys traveling, immersing herself in diverse cultures, and practicing yoga. Her passion for learning and exploration makes her a captivating voice in the Middle East's online gaming scene.