Wynn Resorts $3.9billion Casino Resort in UAE Named

Wynn Resorts have unveiled the name of their $3.9billion beachfront resort in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) – the Wynn Al Marjan Island set to host the Persian Gulf nation’s first-ever legal casino.

The Al Marjan islands just off the coast near Ras Al Khaimah have been chosen for the resort, which will have a 1000-foot (305m) hotel tower as its centrepiece.

It is Wynn Resorts’ first venture into the Middle East North Africa (MENA) region, with a 18,500 sq. meter casino as part of the 5.6million sq. feet integrated resort, set to join a portfolio that includes the Wynn Las Vegas, Encore Boston Harbor, Wynn Macau, and Wynn Palace, Cotai.

The resort will boast “1,500 lavishly styled rooms, suites and villas... a gaming area, 24 dining and lounge experiences, innovative spa and wellness experiences, a high-end shopping esplanade, a state-of-the-art events center, a theater hosting a unique production show, and other amenities.”

The casino will, however, not be open to UAE citizens, given gambling is ‘haram’ (forbidden) to the local Muslim population. However, non-citizens comprise 90% of the UAE’s population.

Wynn CFO Julie-Cameron Doe explained: “We’re confident that demand for gaming and non-gaming will be strong.”

She added that gaming revenues from the UAE’s first-ever casino will be taxed at a “reasonable” figure – the gross gaming revenue (GGR) tax rate expected to be between 10 to 12 percent.

Doe claimed that Wynn’s investment in the Al Marjan Island casino resort “is supported by a robust gaming regulatory framework based on global best practices.”

Craig Billings, CEO of Wynn Resorts, said this week: “We have spent the past year meticulously programming and concepting Wynn Al Marjan Island, carefully considering its unique location.”

He added: “I am incredibly proud of our design and development team's ability to impart our legacy of rich, thoughtful design into a sun-soaked beachside resort that will delight customers, new and old. We look forward to opening Wynn Al Marjan Island in early 2027.”

Nightly state-of-the-art laser and light shows will illuminate the new resort, while “every diner in the abundant restaurant offerings lining the beach-facing promenade at Wynn Al Marjan Island will enjoy sweeping views of the sea.”

Al Marjan Island boasts almost 8km of beaches and 23km of waterfront, with brands such as Radisson, Hampton and DoubleTree by Hilton already situated on the four-island development.

Nearby Ras Al Khaimah made it to CNN Travel's 50 best destinations to visit in 2023, describing it as the “adventure Emirate”, one of seven that make up the UAE.