Rolling the Dice in Style: UAE’s First Casino Resort

When the Las Vegas-based casino resort giant announced the opening of its debut branch in the United Arab Emirates, it drew the attention of simply everyone — from residents and frequent visitors to those interested in the region’s rapidly growing property market. Expected to open its doors in 2027, Wynn Al Marjan Island will be the brand’s first beachfront resort. Let’s dig deep and discuss the hotel's amenities, specifically the “Wynn casino component.”

About Wynn Resort

One of the upcoming RAK projects, Wynn Resorts, operates in the world’s most prominent destinations. Established in 2002, it emphasizes luxury and high-end experiences. The US hotel and casino operator boasts a collection of premier properties, which include the following.

Wynn and Encore Las Vegas

Their flagship property in Las Vegas features super-luxe rooms and suites, a casino, award-winning restaurants, exciting entertainment and nightlife, salons and two award-winning spas.

Encore Boston Harbor

The Wynn resort in Everett, Massachusetts, comprises 671 hotel rooms, an ultra-premium spa, specialty shops, dining spaces and lounges. Other amenities include meeting spaces, a six-acre public park, and the scenic Harborwalk.

Wynn Macau

In China's Macau Special Administrative Region, Wynn Macau is a luxurious resort with 1,010 spacious suites and hotel rooms.

Wynn Palace Cotai

Wynn Palace is an integrated luxury resort boasting 1,706 exquisite rooms, suites and villas on the Cotai Strip. It features meeting and convention spaces, a vast shopping esplanade, a spa and salon and a priceless art collection.

Construction of the Resort

ALEC Engineering and Contracting has secured the primary contract for constructing Wynn Resort. It is a subsidiary of the Investment Corporation of Dubai.

Marjan granted the contract to ALEC in collaboration with RAK Hospitality Holding and Wynn Resorts Limited. Meanwhile, Bauer International will deal with the piling and enabling work. Note that construction is already underway at the project site.

Craig Billings, CEO of Wynn Resorts, stated:

We have spent the past year meticulously programming and concepting Wynn Al Marjan Island, carefully considering its unique location. I am incredibly proud of our design and development team’s ability to impart our rich, thoughtful design legacy into a sun-soaked beachside resort that will delight customers, new and old. We look forward to opening Wynn Al Marjan Island in early 2027.

Facilities at Wynn Al Marjan Island

The under-construction resort in RAK is a collaborative effort between Wynn, Marjan, and RAK Hospitality Holding. After completion, the establishment will span over 7.8km of beachfront and 23km of waterfront spaces. There will be 1,500 suites, villas, 24 dining areas, and lounges in the Wynn Al Marjan, along with an upscale shopping arena and an event center.

Wynn Al Marjan Island will also feature a theater to host large-scale production shows. According to the company's statement, the resort will hold light and laser shows every night. The beach's natural curve inspires the Wynn's beach-facing promenade.

The Casino at Wynn Resort UAE

The major attraction of the Wynn Al Marjan will be its casino, which is over 18,500 square meters. According to the resort's management, the casino in UAE will be larger than the Wynn's Las Vegas branch.

The RAK casino is anticipated to offer high-level entertainment to visitors. Wynn and RAK tourism authorities still need to confirm the specific details.

Is Gambling in the UAE allowed?

Note that gaming in the UAE is illegal. However, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism and Development Authority has recently introduced a division to establish international standards for regulating gaming activities within resorts.

RAKTDA stated about the initiative:

The Department of Entertainment and Gaming Regulation within RAKTDA will consider the social, cultural and environmental landscape of the emirate and cover licensing, taxation, operational procedures and consumer safeguards.

Al Marjan Island

Al Marjan Island is a cluster of coral-shaped islands in RAK and a part of the region's rapidly developing tourism and real estate sector. Al Marjan Island is known for its luxury hotels and resorts, offering visitors a range of accommodation options with stunning views of the Arabian Gulf. It features pristine beaches, providing opportunities for leisure and water activities. 

Apart from Wynn Al Marjan, another mega project to be launched in Al Marjan is Address Residences by Emaar. The under-development property will offer seafront apartments and townhouses.

The high-end Nobu is also a notable hotel that will soon be open in the region. One of the upcoming RAK projects, Nobu Al Marjan Island, will house a renowned Japanese restaurant bearing the same name. Nobu Residences, comprised of lavish duplexes, luxury penthouses, and exclusive private villas, is part of the project.

Adding these finest developments to the list of attractions in RAK will further boost the emirate's reputation as the fastest-growing tourism market in the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who currently holds the ownership of Wynn Resorts?

Established in 2002 under the leadership of Steve Wynn, the former Chairman and CEO of Mirage Resorts, Wynn Resorts is currently under the stewardship of CEO Craig Billings.

How much will the construction of the casino in RAK cost?

According to Wynn, the development cost for the 305m tower is approximately US$3.9 billion.

How far is the Ras Al Khaimah casino from Dubai?

It's a 45-minute drive from Dubai to the Wynn resort location.

How much time does it take to reach from RAK to Dubai?

Traveling from RAK to Dubai can take roughly 1 to 1.5 hours via car. However, travel time depends on traffic conditions and the specific location. Keep in mind that travel times may vary, especially during peak hours.

What are the new island projects in Dubai?

There is a new island project soon to be launched in Dubai. This Vegas-style island in Dubai will be home to iconic hotels like MGM, Bellagio, and Aria.