Wynn Resorts, a prominent American casino developer, has made a striking announcement that signals a significant shift in the hospitality landscape of the Middle East. The Nevada-based giant is set to develop a multibillion-dollar luxury resort in Ras al-Khaimah, an emirate of the UAE, marking the first instance of such a venture in a region that has traditionally eschewed gambling.
The ambitious project involves constructing a sprawling 1,000-room hotel replete with a myriad of luxury amenities, including 10 restaurants and lounges, a state-of-the-art spa, an expansive convention facility, various shopping venues, and intriguingly, a gaming area. This development aligns with the recent statement from the Ras al-Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), which introduced a new Department of Entertainment and Gaming Regulation. This department is tasked with overseeing “integrated resorts” that incorporate various facilities such as hotel operations, entertainment spaces, restaurants, spas, retail shops, convention areas, and potentially, gaming services.
While "gaming" often implies gambling in many global contexts, the specific nature of this aspect in the UAE project remains somewhat ambiguous. The introduction of gambling, if it occurs, would be a remarkable deviation from the UAE's historical stance, influenced by its official religion, Islam, which prohibits such activities.
The project, still in its early design phase and anticipated to be completed by 2026, is being developed in collaboration with Marjan, the Ras al-Khaimah developer. The resort is planned to be located on Al Marjan Island, a picturesque, man-made island less than an hour away from Dubai International Airport, offering a pristine setting for this groundbreaking development.
Craig Billings, the newly appointed CEO of Wynn Resorts, expressed enthusiasm about the venture, noting the region's immense potential for the hospitality and tourism industry. He described Al Marjan Island as an "ideal greenfield location" for the resort.