Wynn Resorts Secures UAE's First Commercial Casino Gaming Licence

In a historic milestone for both Wynn Resorts and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Wynn secured the country's first-ever commercial land-based casino gaming license on Friday, October 4th, 2024. The license, issued by the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), paves the way for the development of Wynn’s ambitious resort project on Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah (RAK).

The Wynn Al Marjan Island Resort, a joint venture between Wynn Resorts, Marjan, and RAK Hospitality Holding, is already under construction. Slated for completion in 2027, the multi-billion-dollar resort will feature a gaming floor, over 1,000 hotel rooms, convention facilities, retail outlets, and dining establishments. Al Marjan Island’s location, just 15 minutes from Ras Al Khaimah International Airport and 45 minutes from Dubai International Airport, positions it as a prime tourism destination in the region.

In a press release, Wynn expressed gratitude for the GCGRA’s approval, stating, “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.” The company also thanked the GCGRA for its “confidence and trust” in awarding the license.

Wynn’s history of creating iconic luxury resorts is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the Al Marjan project. Wynn CEO Craig Billings previously described Al Marjan Island as “a pristine setting” and “an ideal greenfield location for us to create the one-of-a-kind guest experiences” that Wynn is known for.

The partnership between Wynn and Marjan, the master-developer tasked with promoting RAK as a tourism and investment hub, is expected to elevate the UAE’s status as a luxury destination. Marjan CEO Abdulla Al Abdooli emphasized the importance of working with a global leader like Wynn, stating, “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 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 (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) tourism sectors."

This development marks a new chapter for the UAE as it moves towards becoming a key player in the global gaming and hospitality industry, attracting tourists and business travelers alike. Meanwhile, MGM Resorts has also expressed interest in entering the UAE market, with CEO Bill Hornbuckle confirming that MGM filed for a license in Abu Dhabi in September. With multiple major players eyeing the region, the UAE is poised to become a significant destination for luxury resorts and gaming.