Wynn Resorts’ under-construction casino resort in Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates, could position the emirate to become the fourth-largest gaming market in the world. Max Tappeiner, president of Wynn Resort Al Marjan Island, shared this optimistic view last month after the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority granted a gaming license for the Wynn venue, marking the first such approval in the region’s history.
“With Al Marjan, we’re excited for this opportunity,” Tappeiner stated at the Future of Ras Al Khaimah Conference last Friday. He hinted that the three major gaming jurisdictions currently are Las Vegas, Macau, and Singapore. Located in Ras Al Khaimah, the $3.9 billion Wynn Al Marjan Island has been in development for several months and is anticipated to open in early 2027. The project is a collaboration between the gaming company and RAK Hospitality Holding.
If other emirates follow suit in approving casino gaming, the UAE could potentially climb to the fourth spot among global gaming markets. Analysts predict that with future contributions from additional integrated resorts, the UAE might generate $3 billion to $5 billion in annual gross gaming revenue (GGR). This projection hinges on Wynn Al Marjan Island generating $1.4 billion in yearly GGR and the issuance of several other licenses. As of now, MGM Resorts International is the only other casino operator to publicly declare plans to bid for a UAE license, but a continuing liberalization of the market is likely to attract other well-known industry players.
The Wynn property benefits from its strategic location, being within an eight-hour flight of 96% of the world’s population. Tappeiner noted that Ras Al Khaimah itself falls within this range for 76% of the global population, and the emirate’s proximity to Dubai—about 52 miles—could play a crucial role. Dubai, as the UAE’s tourist hub, is home to numerous luxurious hotels that attract affluent visitors, the very clientele a gaming venue like Wynn Al Marjan Island aims to attract. The property is poised to leverage its accessibility to Dubai, potentially benefiting from a multi-year head start as the UAE’s sole casino resort.
Wynn Resorts seems well-positioned to captivate the UAE market due to its focus on non-gaming amenities such as fine dining, entertainment, and opulent hotel rooms, which align with regional sensibilities and wariness about gambling. The casino at Wynn Al Marjan is expected to occupy just 4% to 5% of the venue’s total square footage, underscoring that gaming won’t be the property’s main attraction.
“It takes somebody exceptional to build a building like this, somebody who is committed to the absolute best and will not compromise on their vision. We intend to drive this asset as fast as possible to ensure we fulfill the vision,” Tappeiner emphasized at the conference.
