Wynn Resorts has unveiled new images of its Wynn Al Marjan Island casino in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), anticipated to be the inaugural integrated resort in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
Wynn Al Marjan Island is a prominent destination that has garnered attention for its luxurious offerings and stunning location. This development is poised to redefine the hospitality landscape in the region, attracting visitors with its unique blend of elegance and modern amenities.
Wynn anticipates that the Wynn Al Marjan Island will welcome visitors in early 2027. A new resort in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah is projected to have a price tag of around $3.9 billion (£3.1 billion/€3.6 billion).

Work commenced on the casino, marking Wynn's inaugural beachfront resort, in the early months of 2023. The upcoming resort is set to feature a total of 1,542 rooms and suites, which will encompass 22 exclusive private villa estates. Additionally, there will be 22 options for lounging, dining, and bar experiences, along with a theatre.

Wynn UAE has made headlines recently, capturing attention with its latest developments and offerings. The establishment continues to be a focal point in the region, drawing interest from both locals and tourists alike.
The Wynn Al Marjan Island is set to feature more than 1,500 hotel rooms along with a variety of entertainment options.
Additionally, the venue will feature a 15,000sqm shopping esplanade, a five-star spa and a 7,500sqm meetings and events centre.

Todd Lenahan, who serves as the president and chief creative officer of Wynn’s design and development sector, is optimistic that the Wynn Al Marjan Island has the potential to emerge as a significant draw for the area.

“Our design for the 300m-tall resort tower reflects Ras Al Khaimah’s significant historical position as a prominent navigational sentinel,” Lenahan stated. “Our aspiration is for this to emerge as a significant landmark, a guiding light for visitors to Ras Al Khaimah from around the world.”

Wynn aims to explore opportunities in the UAE casino market
In the UAE, engaging in gambling activities is considered a criminal offence. Individuals discovered engaging in such activities may face a prison term of up to two years and a financial penalty of AED50,000 (£10,859/€12,650/$13,615).

In September, the UAE state-run news agency WAM revealed the establishment of the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA). The GCGRA is set to develop a regulatory framework for commercial gambling and the national lottery in the UAE.

The chief executive of Wynn, Craig Billings, has previously remarked that the UAE represents the most thrilling market launch in many years. In the company’s announcement of its 2023 financial year results, Billings further talked up the opportunity.

“We have a substantial growth opportunity in the UAE that will further diversify our portfolio and expand our brand into new markets,” Billings said.

Wynn aims to expand on its achievements in Macau
Wynn appears to hold a notable advantage in the UAE, even though it has not yet received a licence. Billings previously claimed Wynn’s Ras Al Khaimah licence would be issued “imminently”.

Wynn brings a wealth of experience from Asia. Macau played a crucial role in the company's impressive performance, with a remarkable 73.9% revenue surge, reaching $6.53 billion for its fiscal year 2023. Wynn's operations in Macau contributed significantly to the company's financial performance, accounting for $3.10 billion in revenue for the year, with an impressive $910.6 million generated in the fourth quarter alone.

Wynn Macau, boasting approximately 294,000 square feet of casino space, along with the 1,706-room integrated resort Wynn Palace, has experienced significant growth following the removal of Covid-19 restrictions in Macau.

In the fiscal year 2023, Wynn Palace generated $1.89 billion in revenue, whereas Wynn Macau contributed $1.21 billion.