Wynn Resorts released new pictures of the Wynn Al Marjan Island Casino in United Arab Emirates. This is the expected first integrated resort to open in Middle East and North Africa.
Wynn estimates that Wynn Al Marjan Island is expected to be opened in the early part of 2027. This resort in Ras Al Khaimah is estimated to cost $3.9 billion (PS3.1bn/EUR3.6bn)
The construction of Wynn’s first resort on the beach will begin in 2023. There will be 1,542 suites and rooms, as well as 22 villa estates. The resort will include 22 dining, lounge and bar options, as well a theater.
The venue also features a 15000sqm shopping mall, a 5-star spa, and a 7500sqm meeting and event centre.
Todd Lenahan is the president and chief creativity officer for Wynn’s Design and Development sector. He believes that the Wynn Al Marjan Island can become an attraction in the area.
Lenahan stated that the resort tower was designed with Ras Al Khaimah’s historical role as an important navigational beacon in mind. We hope that this will become a landmark for tourists from around the world who travel to Ras Al Khaimah.
Wynn looks to tap UAE casino potential
In the UAE, gambling is a crime. Anyone found to be doing so is potentially subject to a two-year prison sentence and an AED50,000 (PS10,859/EUR12,650/$13,615) fine.
In September, the state-run UAE news agency WAM announced that the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority was being created. GCGRA is responsible for establishing a framework of regulations in UAE to govern commercial gaming and the national lottery.
Craig Billings of Wynn stated that the UAE is the most interesting market to open in the last decade. Billings continued to talk up this opportunity when the company announced its results for the 2023 fiscal year.
Billings stated, “We are able to grow our business in the UAE and diversify our product portfolio. We will also expand our brand across new markets.”
Wynn hopes to continue Macau’s success
Wynn, who has not been issued a license yet, still enjoys a certain first mover advantage. Billings had previously stated that Wynn would receive a Ras Al Khaimah license “immediately”.
Wynn has also had experience in Asia. Macau was a major factor in Wynn’s 73.9% increase of revenue to $6.53bn during its FY2023. Wynn generated $3.10bn in revenue from Macau in the past year. $910.6m was generated during Q4.
Since the repeal of Covid-19 in Macau, Wynn Macau has flourished, with its 294,000sqft casino and 1,706 rooms.
Wynn Palace generated $1.89bn of revenue during Wynn’s FY2023, while Wynn Macau brought in $1.21bn.
