Wynn Al Marjan Island is on track to open in early 2027, marking a historic shift in the UAE’s approach to luxury tourism and regulated gaming. This integrated resort will be the country’s first casino resort and a bold statement about how the UAE intends to compete in the global entertainment industry.
The project is already attracting worldwide attention. From its scale and luxury design to the legal changes it represents, Wynn Al Marjan Island could reshape tourism in the Gulf region. Here’s a closer look at what makes this project so significant.
The Rise of Wynn Al Marjan Island
Location and design
Wynn Al Marjan Island is located in Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) on Al Marjan Island, a group of artificial islands designed for tourism and hospitality. Less than an hour’s drive from Dubai International Airport, the location is perfect for international travelers.
The centerpiece is a 70-story tower that will rise 305 meters above sea level, offering stunning 360-degree waterfront views. The design blends modern luxury with elegant interiors, lush landscapes, and a wide range of high-end amenities.
Scale and features
The resort is designed on an enormous scale. It will feature 1,542 rooms, suites, and villas, along with 22 restaurants, bars, and lounges. Guests can enjoy a nightclub, a beach club, multiple swimming pools, and private cabanas.
A shopping promenade of around 15,000 square meters will host luxury brands, while a 7,500 square meter conference and events center is planned for meetings and performances.
The casino will occupy around 20,900 square meters of gaming space, making it one of the largest in the world. The property will also have a marina with 101 berths for yachts, adding a strong element of exclusivity.
Construction progress and timeline
As of late 2024, structural work had reached more than halfway, with the tower rising past the 25th floor. Interior work was already underway in some areas, and installation of elevators and escalators had begun.
By mid-2025, the resort was reported to be around 60 percent complete. The developers expect the structure to be topped out by the end of 2025, with an official opening in March 2027. Thousands of workers are involved daily, making this one of the most ambitious construction projects in the region.
Regulatory Shift in the UAE
From prohibition to licensing
Perhaps the most groundbreaking part of Wynn Al Marjan Island is its casino. For decades, gambling was strictly prohibited in the UAE, rooted in cultural and religious traditions.
This changed in 2023 with the creation of the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority, a federal body tasked with overseeing commercial gaming and lotteries. In 2024, Wynn Resorts was awarded the UAE’s first commercial gaming facility license, making this project the first of its kind in the nation.
Strict controls and exceptions
While the casino represents a major shift, strict rules will apply. Gambling is expected to be restricted mainly to foreign visitors, with UAE nationals likely prohibited from participating. Strong compliance frameworks will also be in place to combat risks such as money laundering and to ensure transparency.
This cautious approach reflects the UAE’s attempt to balance cultural sensitivities with its drive to diversify tourism and open new economic channels.
Why the UAE is Taking This Step
Diversifying tourism and revenue
The UAE has long worked to reduce dependence on oil, building its economy around tourism, aviation, and global trade. High-end casino resorts offer an attractive new market. Analysts suggest the UAE gambling industry could generate between three and five billion dollars annually.
Wynn Al Marjan alone could attract millions of visitors each year by 2030. Some estimates suggest the resort could generate more than one billion dollars in gaming revenue annually, a strong incentive for the government and investors.
Why Ras Al Khaimah?
Choosing Ras Al Khaimah as the site for the UAE’s first casino resort is strategic. The emirate has more flexibility compared to Dubai or Abu Dhabi, making it easier to test new policies. At the same time, its proximity to Dubai ensures it benefits from the huge tourist traffic already flowing into the region.
RAK’s quieter profile also allows the UAE to pilot this experiment away from the spotlight, while still being close enough to major markets to draw attention.
Competing globally
For Wynn Resorts, the UAE is a chance to expand into an untapped market. For the UAE, the project positions it as a competitor to established gaming hubs like Las Vegas, Macau, and Singapore. By combining its reputation for luxury with controlled gaming, the UAE could become a unique destination for high-spending travelers.
Challenges and Risks Ahead
Cultural sensitivities
Despite regulatory approval, casino gaming remains a sensitive topic in the Gulf. Many critics argue that it conflicts with cultural and religious values. While measures are being taken to limit access for locals, public opinion remains a potential challenge.
Regulatory and financial hurdles
The success of Wynn Al Marjan depends on strong oversight. Authorities must prove that the new regulatory system can ensure fairness, prevent crime, and protect players. On the financial side, risks such as construction delays, cost overruns, or global economic instability could affect the project’s success.
Market uncertainties
Casino resorts are new to the UAE, and it remains uncertain how global tourists will respond. While some will be attracted by the novelty, others may avoid the region due to cultural reservations. The resort will rely heavily on international visitors, making it vulnerable to global travel trends.
Wider Impact on the UAE and Gulf Region
Wynn Al Marjan Island could set a precedent for the region. If successful, it may encourage other emirates, such as Dubai or Abu Dhabi, to consider similar projects. It could also push neighboring countries, including Saudi Arabia, to rethink their stance on regulated gaming as they open up their economies.
The project is also expected to spark new developments around Ras Al Khaimah, from luxury real estate to high-end retail and entertainment ventures, boosting the local economy and creating thousands of jobs.
Key Milestones to Watch
Several important steps will determine whether the project stays on track:
- Topping out of the tower by the end of 2025
- Completion of interior design and systems through 2026
- Recruitment and training of staff in 2025 and 2026
- Marketing campaigns and pre-opening bookings in late 2026
- Visitor numbers and spending levels after the 2027 launch
These milestones will signal whether Wynn Al Marjan can deliver on its ambitious promises.
A New Chapter for UAE Tourism
Wynn Al Marjan Island represents more than just another resort. It is a test of how far the UAE can push its reputation as a global tourism hub while balancing cultural values. It shows the country’s willingness to embrace change in a highly controlled, strategic way.
If it succeeds, the UAE could gain a powerful new position in global tourism, attracting high-spending visitors who might otherwise choose destinations like Las Vegas or Macau. If it fails, it risks criticism both at home and abroad.
What is certain is that Wynn Al Marjan Island is a bold gamble—one that symbolizes the UAE’s vision for its future. As the 2027 opening approaches, the world will be watching closely to see whether this ambitious project reshapes not just Ras Al Khaimah, but the entire region.
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