Wynn Resorts Secures First UAE Casino License, Set to Open 2025

Wynn Resorts Secures First UAE Casino License, Set to Open 2025

Wynn Resorts has officially received the UAE’s first commercial gaming license, granted by the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), marking a historic milestone in the nation’s tourism landscape. The license allows Wynn to proceed with its development of the Wynn Al Marjan Island resort in Ras Al Khaimah, a multi-billion-dollar luxury resort and gaming destination poised to redefine tourism in the region.

Project Details and Strategic Vision

Wynn Al Marjan Island, located on a 62-hectare man-made island extending into the Arabian Gulf, is set to be the first integrated gaming resort in the Middle East and North Africa. Scheduled to open to the public in early 2027, this landmark development will feature:

• 1,542 rooms and suites, including 22 private villa estates
• A 300-meter-tall luxury resort tower
• An array of high-end dining, luxury shopping, and entertainment venues
• Convention and meeting facilities designed for upscale business and tourism

This project will be Wynn’s first beachfront property, adding a new dimension to its existing resorts in Las Vegas, Macau, and Boston Harbor.

Gaming Regulations and Economic Impact

The GCGRA, the newly established federal authority, defines commercial gaming as any game of chance or combination of chance and skill involving monetary bets for valuable prizes. Wynn’s gaming facilities will operate under strict regulatory oversight to ensure responsible gaming practices. The UAE’s move to allow regulated gaming is part of a broader strategy to attract high-end tourism and investment, as the Gulf region ramps up competition for tourism and leisure.

Wynn’s CEO Craig Billings expressed the company’s commitment to becoming a central player in Ras Al Khaimah’s tourism development, stating that the project “represents a pristine setting to deliver Wynn’s signature luxurious experiences.”

Broader Implications for the UAE Tourism Market

The issuance of the gaming license signals the UAE’s readiness to integrate regulated gaming into its leisure and tourism offerings, positioning Ras Al Khaimah as a competitive destination in the Gulf. This project aligns with the UAE’s recent liberalization efforts aimed at solidifying its position as a major global tourism hub, attracting international travelers with an array of exclusive experiences.

With Wynn Al Marjan Island poised to open in 2027, Ras Al Khaimah stands to benefit from increased tourism revenue and job creation, marking a transformative era for gaming and hospitality in the region.