Integrated Resort Opening 2027

"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. With the right facilities, on-site betting could expand to golf, football, and tennis events. The leading source of hotel industry news for lodging, real estate, and investment professionals. Before this step, prize draws had drawn increasing numbers of participants hoping for significant windfalls. Since its formation, the GCGRA has sought to develop a regulatory framework to protect consumers and stakeholders. More information about how to play is expected soon with representatives from the GCGRA stating it was a “pivotal” step for the country.

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”. Wynn Resorts has announced the development of two gaming areas at its new Ras Al Khaimah resort, including a main casino larger than the one in Las Vegas and a private gaming area on the 22nd floor. Although a third gaming space is considered, Wynn remains the sole license holder for casino operations in the UAE, a position it expects to maintain due to the lengthy development timelines for integrated resorts. The resort will feature over 1,500 rooms, numerous dining options, and various entertainment facilities.

Nearly half of respondents expressed interest in raffles and prize draws—something already familiar in the UAE, such as car, gold, and cash giveaways at Dubai airport. To gauge interest in betting, a survey was conducted with YouGov, targeting over 1,000 people in the UAE (1,051 to be precise). All demographics were represented, revealing what kinds of activities people might be most interested in.

The use of the word "gaming" is the same language used by the equivalent authorities in the US.

Nearly 1 in 5 adults (19 per cent) expressed interest in playing poker or other skill-based card games, and 15 per cent said they would consider playing bingo. Gambling remains prohibited in the Emirates, as it is across the Gulf, but the UAE’s gaming regulator has been set up to oversee and supervise commercial ‘gaming activities’. These include lottery, internet gaming, sports wagering and land-based integrated gaming centres or resorts. Those over 45 are nearly twice as likely to be interested in raffles and prize draws (62 per cent) than 18–24-year-olds (34 per cent).

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. The rooms are designed to mirror the opulence found at Wynn’s other integrated resorts, but to also reflect local customs and traditions. For example, sleeping quarters are closed off from other areas of the room and it’s possible for a husband and wife to share a room without the man having to see the woman, according to Arabian Business. Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks.

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. "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." The $3.8 billion Wynn Al Marjan Island resort in Ras Al Khaimah uae betting sites 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.

Conversely, 33 per cent of younger adults are interested in sports betting, compared to 18 Here per cent of older adults. 46 per cent of adult participants said they would be interested in entering raffles and prize draws, while over a third (34 per cent) would consider playing the lottery. Guests will discover 24 thoughtfully planned restaurants, lounges, a beach club, and nightclub.

• There are 9,100 construction workers on site daily, and more than 100 concrete trucks delivering payloads to the property.
• Arabian Business reported that the UAE venue is nearly 60% complete, indicating the frequently mentioned early 2027 opening date remains in play.
• Guests will discover 24 thoughtfully planned restaurants, lounges, a beach club, and nightclub.
• An award-winning in-house team of designers, architects, and creatives oversees every detail in a new Wynn resort, and that dedication to exceptional quality and singular vision extends to Wynn Al Marjan Island.
• The resort will feature over 1,500 rooms, numerous dining options, and various entertainment facilities.

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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. That’s a small gaming venue not comparable to the typical Wynn property, but the purchase is potentially useful as it relates to the UAE because many Crown members hail from the Middle East and are frequent travelers to the region. 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. As of last November, construction workers were finishing one floor of the UAE hotel tower per week and had completed 26 floors. There are 9,100 construction workers on site daily, and more than 100 concrete trucks delivering payloads to the property.

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In both fine- and casual-dining restaurants, outstanding culinary experiences have been planned amid environments that are simply stunning, with menus and interiors conceived and created by highly acclaimed, legendary chefs and designers. Several dining and lounge venues have been positioned along a picturesque terrace to highlight views of the poolscape, beach, and the glittering Arabian Gulf. The first is the well-known "main casino" – a 224,000 square feet space larger than the casino in Wynn Las Vegas. The second is a "sky gaming" area on the integrated resort’s 22nd floor, which had not been previously announced. 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.

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. 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. An award-winning in-house team of designers, architects, and creatives oversees every detail in a new Wynn resort, and that dedication to exceptional quality and singular vision extends to Wynn Al Marjan Island. Our beautifully appointed accommodations are matched by a curated selection of highly desired amenities and an exceptional level of personalized service, all to create moments that are unparalleled and unforgettable. Scheduled to open Spring 2027, Wynn Al Marjan Island has been created as an opulent and entertaining beachside destination for discerning guests to play and relax.

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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. 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.

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. Wynn Resorts’ Wynn Al Marjan Island in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is making fast progress on the construction with a new report indicating the casino hotel is nearly 60% complete, up from 55% last November. 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. The regulator’s first two licences come months after some operators of the UAE’s prize draws were required in January to pause business. In July, regulators in the UAE were awarded a licence for the country’s first authorised lottery.

The poll was conducted by communications agency duke+mir through researcher YouGov, across a representative sample of more than 1,000 people. 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.

Logical venues include purpose-built casinos and the world-class horse racing facilities across the Emirates. Globally, horse racing is closely tied to betting, and events like the Dubai World Cup already draw significant international betting pools—over $40 million is wagered through the World Pool on this event annually. Additionally, if legal and regulated, 23 per cent would consider betting on sports either at a venue or via online platforms.

Wynn and its local partners are aiming to have the hotel tower topped off by the end of this year. Wynn Resorts, which runs high-end hotel complexes in Las Vegas, Boston and the Chinese territory of Macau, said the UAE represented its most "exciting market for integrated resort development in decades" in an investors report shared on Tuesday night. 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. The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority, established by Federal Law by Decree and based in Abu Dhabi, holds exclusive authority to regulate, license, and supervise all commercial gaming in the UAE. This may also apply in the UAE, with 21 per cent of female residents showing interest in bingo wagering compared to 12 per cent of men.