UAE Casino Update: RAK Wynn Resorts Secures Landmark Gaming License
In a significant development, Ras Al Khaimah’s Wynn Resorts is poised to receive the UAE’s inaugural gaming license for a casino venture. Craig Billings, the CEO of Wynn Resorts, shared exclusive insights with sister publication Hotelier Middle East about the upcoming project
The renowned Las Vegas-based company, famous for its lavish casino resorts, has obtained official confirmation for the establishment of a casino within the UAE, with a specific focus on the Northern Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah.
Billings stated confidently, “We possess all the necessary elements to operate a gaming facility in Al Marjan. I anticipate that our license for Ras Al Khaimah is imminent.”
He also addressed a common misconception, explaining, “There seems to be some confusion due to the distinction between individual Emirates and the UAE as a whole. This is analogous to a state and federal system, but there’s no need for concern regarding a legalization process for gaming at this property.”
A Monumental Endeavor by Wynn Resorts
The Wynn Al Marjan Island project is set to feature 1,500 accommodations, encompassing rooms, suites, and villas. The resort will offer various dining choices, a spa, an events center, and a theater for hosting distinctive production shows.
Engineered to cater to extended stays and day excursions from the other six Emirates, the resort will showcase nightly laser and light displays, reminiscent of the iconic Las Vegas ambiance.
With a colossal estimated value of $3.9 billion, this integrated resort is poised to unveil the UAE’s very first confirmed casino upon its grand inauguration in 2027.
Remarkably, the casino premises will occupy a modest 4% of the entire hotel complex, showcasing the resort’s commitment to providing a broad spectrum of leisure experiences.
Billings previously emphasized the substantial investment Wynn Resorts is committing to this UAE venture, stating, “[It presents] an opportunity with remarkably high returns, as we expect. Hence, our present focus is on design and development efforts for this venture.”
