Wynn Resorts Secures UAE’s First Casino Licence for Al Marjan Island Project

Wynn Resorts made history in the United Arab Emirates on Friday, October 4, when the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) granted its first-ever commercial land-based casino gaming licence. The licence has been issued to Wynn Resorts for their highly anticipated project, Wynn Al Marjan Island Resort, currently under construction in Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), UAE. This marks a significant milestone for the company, which is partnering with Marjan and RAK Hospitality Holding in this venture.

In a statement released the same day, Wynn expressed its excitement for the project and appreciation for the trust placed in them by UAE authorities. “We are under way 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,” the company said. Wynn also thanked the GCGRA for its “confidence and trust” in granting the licence.

While Wynn has secured its position in RAK, MGM Resorts is also showing interest in the region. MGM Resorts CEO Bill Hornbuckle revealed at the Skift Global Forum in New York City that the company had submitted an application for a similar licence on September 19. Hornbuckle mentioned that MGM’s project would be located in Abu Dhabi, signaling a growing interest from major international casino operators in the UAE.

The Wynn Al Marjan Island Resort, set to open in 2027, promises to be a landmark development in the region. Located on Al Marjan Island, just 15 minutes from Ras Al Khaimah International Airport and 45 minutes from Dubai International Airport, the resort will be approximately 65 miles from Dubai. The multi-billion dollar project will feature a gaming floor, over 1,000 hotel rooms, convention facilities, shopping outlets, and various dining options.

Marjan, which has been designated as the "master-developer" of properties in RAK, is overseeing the emirate’s transformation into a major tourism and investment hub. As part of this responsibility, Marjan is working closely with Wynn to ensure the new resort bolsters the local economy and enhances RAK's tourism offerings.

Wynn Resorts CEO Craig Billings has previously described the man-made Al Marjan Island as “a pristine setting,” calling it “an ideal greenfield location for us to create the one-of-a-kind guest experiences” for which Wynn is globally recognized.

Abdulla Al Abdooli, chief executive of Marjan, has expressed his enthusiasm about partnering with Wynn, citing the company’s long history of developing world-class luxury resorts. “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,” Al Abdooli said.

He added, “By leveraging Wynn Resorts’ expertise in developing luxury hospitality destinations, the new development will raise the benchmark in luxury hospitality in the region. It will also create exceptional value to the Ras Al Khaimah economy and boost the leisure, business, and MICE tourism sectors.”

Wynn’s Al Marjan Island project is poised to become a premier destination in the UAE, driving tourism and economic growth, while marking a significant step in the evolution of gaming and hospitality in the Middle East.

By fLEXI tEAM