Wynn Resorts secures UAE’s first commercial gaming license for Ras Al Khaimah resort

Wynn Resorts has been awarded the UAE’s first commercial gaming license for its luxury project, Wynn Al Marjan Island, in Ras Al Khaimah. The license, issued by the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), marks a significant shift in the UAE’s policy on gambling, previously illegal across the Gulf region.

The multi-billion-dollar Wynn Al Marjan Island, scheduled to open in 2027, will feature a gaming floor, more than 1,000 hotel rooms, convention facilities, shopping, and dining options. Located just 15 minutes from Ras Al Khaimah International Airport and 45 minutes from Dubai International Airport, the resort aims to redefine luxury hospitality in the region.

Wynn Resorts CEO Craig Billings expressed enthusiasm for the development, calling Al Marjan Island a “pristine setting” and an “ideal greenfield location” for Wynn’s signature resort experience. "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," Billings said.

The Wynn Al Marjan Island project is a joint venture between Wynn Resorts, Marjan, and RAK Hospitality Holding. Abdulla Al Abdooli, CEO of Marjan, emphasized the strategic importance of the partnership with Wynn. “We are partnering with Wynn Resorts, one of the world’s most renowned integrated resort companies... The new development will raise the benchmark in luxury hospitality in the region,” said Al Abdooli.

The UAE’s decision to issue a commercial gaming license signals a broader shift towards liberal legal reforms as the country aims to maintain its status as the region’s hub for trade, tourism, and finance. With growing economic competition from Saudi Arabia, the UAE has established a federal entity to regulate gambling, bringing in U.S. industry veterans to lead the body.

Wynn’s entry into the market is seen as a key move in attracting high-end tourism and investment to Ras Al Khaimah. Additionally, MGM Resorts has also applied for a gaming license, with CEO Bill Hornbuckle confirming the application on September 19, 2024. MGM’s proposed project in Abu Dhabi further indicates the UAE’s commitment to opening its gaming market.