Wynn Resorts earmarks land for second UAE casino resort

Wynn Resorts has set aside land to build a second casino resort in the United Arab Emirates. Specifically, this land has been designated in Ras Al Khaimah, the same jurisdiction as its Al Marjan Island resort, which is set to open in 2027. 

As quoted by Arabian Gulf Business Insight, the announcement comes from both Wynn and its construction partners, RAK Hospitality Holding LLC and Al Marjan Island LLC. 

Indeed, Al Marjan Island will mark the first regulated casino to open in the UAE. The project was first announced in mid-2022, with development priced at over $2bn, with the operator receiving its gaming license two years later.  

A range of suppliers have also received licenses from the local regulator, the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), which itself was established in 2023 in response to the Wynn project. Regulated suppliers include Aristocrat, IGT, Scientific Games and more.  

Good to know: The GCGRA signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement in May 

This second integrated resort announcement also comes as other land-based gaming operators eye the UAE market. While not entering as an operator, Hard Rock announced in July that it will be opening its own hotel and residence in Ras Al Khaimah, though whether this will include a campaign for a gaming license has yet to be confirmed.  

The site covers almost 600,000 sq. feet, with an additional almost 900,000 sq feet to be reclaimed. With the building of this second property, Wynn would still remain ‘the sole casino operator’ in the nation, putting some doubt on the potential of a resort by competitors like Hard Rock.  

Beth Turner

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