“A Landmark Investment: The 225,000-Square-Foot Gaming Facility to Boost Tourism and Employment in the UAE.”
Wynn Al Marjan Island, the highly anticipated luxury resort in Ras Al Khaimah, is set to feature a sprawling 225,000-square-foot gaming area, according to recent disclosures made during an investor presentation. This expansive gaming facility will comprise approximately 4% of the total gross floor area of the property, marking a significant development in the UAE’s gaming landscape.
Earlier this month, the UAE’s General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) confirmed that Wynn Resorts has been awarded the country’s first commercial gaming operator’s license. Dubbed a ‘land-based gaming facility license,’ this milestone establishes a regulatory framework for Wynn’s operations, which are expected to redefine the tourism experience in the region. The license is valid for 15 years and can be renewed, with a stipulation that each emirate can issue a maximum of one land-based gaming license. Wynn anticipates that two additional “competitive integrated resorts” will eventually operate in the UAE, with MGM Resorts International recently applying for a similar license in Abu Dhabi.
Wynn Resorts expects the Al Marjan Island development to bring “meaningful long-term economic benefits” to Ras Al Khaimah. This includes the creation of approximately 7,500 jobs upon the resort’s opening and an anticipated increase in both leisure and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism, ultimately leading to higher tax revenues for the emirate.
The total inflation-adjusted cost of the project is estimated at $5.1 billion, with $4 billion earmarked for project-related expenses, excluding land and financing fees. This investment represents the “largest-of-its-kind foreign direct hospitality investment in Ras Al Khaimah,” signaling the region’s burgeoning status as a global tourism hub.
According to the project overview, the gaming facility will be centrally located within the resort, which also includes a private beach, marina, conference center, and retail spaces, making it a comprehensive leisure destination. Notably, while the gaming area will be prominently positioned, visitors can explore the rest of the resort without needing to enter the gaming section, enhancing its appeal to a broader audience.
Described as a “full-scale luxury integrated resort development,” Wynn’s Ras Al Khaimah property will be the first gaming resort in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Additionally, it will mark Wynn’s first beachfront resort, situated on the third island of the Al Marjan man-made cluster of four islands.
Construction commenced in early 2023, with the resort’s tower expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2025, aiming to become the tallest building in Ras Al Khaimah. Interior work will continue into the first quarter of 2027, with a pre-opening planned for early 2027.
The property will boast 1,542 rooms and suites, including 297 suites, six townhouses, and 22 villas. Furthermore, it will feature 22 dining outlets, a shopping esplanade, and a dedicated meetings and events center, solidifying its status as a premier destination for both leisure and business travelers alike.
Wynn Resorts holds a 40% equity ownership in the joint venture with Marjan and RAK Hospitality Holding, marking a significant step forward in the evolution of the UAE’s luxury tourism sector. With its ambitious plans and substantial investment, Wynn Al Marjan Island is poised to set new benchmarks in the hospitality and gaming industries.
