UAE’s first casino: Ras Al Khaimah targets millions of visitors with $3 8 billion gaming resort

Since its formation, the GCGRA has sought to develop a regulatory framework to protect consumers and stakeholders. "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." Complete digital access to quality FT journalism with expert analysis from industry leaders. Our selected sites at Dubai Casinos excel in entertainment and uphold trusted iGaming licenses, expertly reviewed. While we provide insights into UAE establishments, remember it’s not legal counsel. Additionally, we’re committed to staying abreast of the law, and each user is accountable for their actions.

That includes having the hiring portal open now, which could ensure consumer-facing staff are trained in Wynn culture and methodologies well in advance of opening day. Max Topainer, former COO of Wynn Las Vegas, is moving to the UAE to oversee the venue with Arabian Business reporting that he’ll be joined by 200 other Wynn staffers from around the world. Before this step, prize draws had drawn increasing numbers of participants hoping for significant windfalls.

Located in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, Wynn Al Marjan Island sits on more than 60 hectares and draws some inspiration from the operator’s famed Las Vegas Strip properties. Arabian Business reported that the UAE venue is nearly 60% complete, indicating the frequently mentioned early 2027 opening date remains in play. Wynn Al Marjan Island is not merely a resort; it’s a milestone in Ras Al Khaimah’s burgeoning luxury hospitality scene, setting a high bar for future developments. With a blend of luxury, entertainment, and the serenity of the ocean, it’s a venture that encapsulates the essence of a premium hospitality experience in the heart of the Middle East. It was underlined that engaging in, conducting, or enabling commercial gaming activities within the UAE without approval from the GCGRA is illegal and anyone breaking the rules could face severe penalties.

More information about how to play is expected soon with representatives from the GCGRA stating it was a “pivotal” step for the country. The $3.8 billion Wynn Al Marjan Island resort in Ras Al Khaimah will seek to "capture untapped domestic gaming demand" from the UAE’s large expatriate community as well as draw in "high-end gaming clientele from abroad", the report states. “Commercial gaming” refers to “any game of chance, or combination of chance and skill, where an amount of money, in cash or cash equivalents, is wagered – placed as a bet – for the purpose of winning a sum of money or other valuable items”. "The licence award follows a diligent and extensive review by the GCGRA," Wynn said.

MGM Redefines Luxury in Dubai with ‘The Island,’ Skips Casino

Wynn, best known for its casino hotel resorts in Las Vegas, Boston and Macau, expect the project will create at least 4,000 jobs and become the next “catalyst” for tourism in the emirate. The economic benefits will be “massive”, stimulating foreign direct investment and employment, Raki Phillips, chief executive of the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, previously told The National. Still, the gaming element can’t be overlooked because Wynn Al Marjan Island is the first regulated venue of its kind in the history of the Arab world. Additionally, the property is expected to hold a lengthy monopoly in the UAE because it’s likely to be several years before regulators there approve another casino.

The planned resort is an epitome of luxury with an array of 1,500 meticulously designed rooms, suites, and villas. The tranquil and aesthetic ambiance of the resort is intricately intertwined with the oceanic backdrop, ensuring a serene and chic interior decor. In July, regulators in the UAE were awarded a licence for the country’s first authorised lottery. It will be operated by The Game LLC under the banner UAE Lottery and it is expected to offer a diverse range of games. The resort, which will have views of the Arabian Gulf, is a hotel and casino with 1,500 rooms, suites and villas, as well as two dozen restaurants, a spa, an event centre and a theatre.

Could Wynn Al Marjan Become the World’s 4th Largest Casino?

With a multi-billion dollar investment of USD 3.9 billion, the integrated resort is a haven for guests seeking a blend of relaxation, entertainment, and luxury shopping. The state-of-the-art events facility, an exclusive spa, and an extensive array of 24 dining and lounge venues, promise a lavish stay for the guests. Kevin Mullally, chief executive of the GCGRA, said at the time that the authority’s regulatory framework was designed to ensure the integrity, fairness and transparency of commercial gaming activities in the country “which include lottery games”. Part of a manmade archipelago highlighting breathtaking waterfront views and white-sand beaches, Al Marjan Island is conveniently located 50 minutes from Dubai International Airport and only 15 minutes from Ras Al Khaimah International Airport. From plush accommodations to exceptional dining and sought-after amenities, Wynn Al Marjan Island has been conceptualized as the centerpiece of an upscale destination offering the finest in hospitality and entertainment.

Provide your email and indicate your key interests to receive tailored best betting sites in uae news and exclusive offers prior to the debut of Wynn Al Marjan Island.

One of the operators at the time said the pause was the result of an “industrywide mandate” that was consistent with the new role to create a well-regulated gaming environment in the country. Marjan Island is a development of four reclaimed islands with more than 7.8km of pristine beaches and 23km of waterfront, in addition to world-class hotels and residential developments. "Wynn Resorts thanks the GCGRA for the confidence and trust the licence grant signifies and is proud to be the recipient of the first commercial gaming facility licence in the UAE. The hotel developer and operator said the gaming licence issued by the UAE’s General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority related to its property in Ras Al Khaimah. Though unlikely to ever rival Las Vegas or Macau, the UAE could become one of the largest casino markets in the world when it fully ramps up. It’s expected that most, if not all, of the higher-ranking staff of Wynn Al Marjan Island be in the UAE at least six months prior to the casino hotel’s opening to ensure a smooth transition.

A multibillion-dollar mega resort in Ras Al Khaimah planned by a major US hotel operator aims to be a magnet for "ultra high net-worth" customers and attract tourists from across the globe after securing a gaming licence from UAE authorities. A significant highlight of the resort is the UAE’s inaugural casino, as confirmed by Wynn Resorts CEO, Craig Billings, in September 2022. The casino resort is envisaged to surpass the scale of Wynn Las Vegas, holding promise for avid gamers. Besides the casino, guests can immerse themselves in a world of entertainment with a theater for unique productions and daily light and laser shows.

• Complete digital access to quality FT journalism with expert analysis from industry leaders.
• That’s par for the course with Wynn venues, which largely focus on amenities such as high-end eateries, entertainment, and plush accommodations for guests.
• In July, regulators in the UAE were awarded a licence for the country’s first authorised lottery.
• It will be operated by The Game LLC under the banner UAE Lottery and it is expected to offer a diverse range of games.

On schedule to open early 2027, Wynn Al Marjan Island has been created as an opulent and entertaining beachside destination for discerning guests More details to play and relax. The resort is located less than 50 minutes from Dubai International Airport and is currently under construction on a picturesque island totaling more than 60 hectares that gracefully curve into the beautiful Arabian Gulf. Wynn is self-funding its 40% share of the $5.1 billion integrated resort and it’s already making moves to ensure the venue is ready to go on day one.

Previous estimates indicated the main casino would control just 4% of Wynn Al Marjan Island’s 5.6 million square feet, which is to say gaming isn’t central to the allure of the property. That’s par for the course with Wynn venues, which largely focus on amenities such as high-end eateries, entertainment, and plush accommodations for guests. Wynn Al Marjan Island will feature 1,542 guestrooms — the bulk of which are completed.