Wynn Resorts Granted First UAE Gaming License for Al Marjan Island Resort

The Las Vegas-based hotel and casino operator Wynn Resorts Ltd. had a groundbreaking win in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where it was awarded the first commercial gaming license in the country. The UAE’s gaming regulator, the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), made the significant endorsement on Friday 4^th.

This milestone underscores Wynn Resorts’ burgeoning global footprint and sets the bar high for other integrated resort projects in the region. The casino operator is partnering with Marjan and RAK Hospitality Holding for the project.

Wynn Al Marjan Island Resort

Located in Ras Al Khaimah, Wynn Al Marjan Island has been under construction since 2023 and is the first integrated resort (IR) in the Middle East and North Africa region. The US$4 billion project is poised to open its doors in 2027 and redefine luxury tourism in the UAE.

While eagerly anticipated for its casino offering, Wynn Al Marjan Island will offer a vast range of non-gaming amenities upon completion. Spanning nearly 62 hectares and extending into the Arabian Gulf, the property will feature 1,542 guest rooms and suites, 22 upscale bars and restaurants, private villa estates, and an exclusive theatre for shows and events. This will be the first Wynn Resort of its six properties to be situated by the beach, and each room will offer a view of the exquisite white sandy stretch.

In a statement, Wynn Resorts expressed their gratitude for the license: “Wynn Resorts thanks the GCGRA for the confidence and trust the license grant signifies and is proud to be the recipient of the first commercial gaming facility license in the UAE. We are underway with the construction of our resort in Ras Al Khaimah and look forward to being a key partner in the development of its tourism economy.”

A Proven History of Luxury

Wynn Al Marjan Island will be a fusion of upscale accommodations and diverse entertainment meant to tap into the European and Asian markets. The UAE casino is expected to expose the Wynn brand to over 10 million people with a US$77,000 per capita income. The new property aligns well with the casino operator’s high-end clientele target, a model applied in the Wynn Las Vegas and Macau properties.

Marjan Chief Executive Abdulla Al Abdouli shared his excitement about working with Wynn, a company with a rich history of developing luxury resorts that draw in throngs of tourists.

“We are partnering with Wynn Resorts, one of the world’s most renowned integrated resort companies, which has a strong track record of developing luxury destinations, with exceptional accommodation, dining, entertainment concepts and gaming facilities,” Abdouli said.

A New Venture for the UAE

The UAE is catching the attention of major casino operators looking to expand their global presence since it announced it was accepting license bids. MGM Resorts International is also pursuing a license for an IR project in Abu Dhabi, Emirates. Soon, high-stakes gaming hubs will be a significant attraction in the Middle East.