Wynn Al Marjan Island — First Licensed Casino Resort in the UAE

Wynn Al Marjan Island is a large-scale project set to transform the entertainment industry in the Middle East. It will become the first ever resort in the United Arab Emirates with a full casino license. The integrated resort is being built on the artificial Al Marjan Islands in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. The official opening is scheduled for early 2027.

Key Features of the Project

The project is developed by Wynn Resorts, one of the global leaders in the casino and hospitality industry. The complex will include:

• a hotel with 1,542 rooms of various categories;
• a spacious gaming area with modern casino halls;
• restaurants offering cuisines from around the world;
• SPA and wellness centers;
• shopping and entertainment facilities;
• venues for shows, concerts, and conferences.

Legal Aspect

The unique feature of Wynn Al Marjan Island is that it will be the first property in the UAE officially licensed to operate a casino. Until 2024, gambling was strictly prohibited in the Emirates. The adoption of a new regulatory framework marked a turning point: the government now aims to attract international tourists, increase investment flows, and create new jobs. For accountants and tax specialists, this opens up an entirely new market for reporting, taxation, and financial control.

Impact on the UAE Economy

The project is valued at several billion dollars and is already considered a cornerstone of the UAE’s tourism development strategy. It is expected that the launch of the resort will boost the construction sector, hospitality, retail, and service industries. During its operation, the complex will generate thousands of jobs and become a major source of tax revenues.

Regional Industry Influence

The introduction of a casino in the UAE will reshape the regional tourism map. Previously, casino resorts in the Middle East were concentrated in destinations such as Macau, the Philippines, or select European locations. Now the UAE will be able to compete for high-spending tourists who prefer combining leisure, shopping, and gaming in one destination. Ras Al Khaimah is also expected to gain significant popularity, competing with Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Architecture and Concept

The design of Wynn Al Marjan Island follows a futuristic style with Wynn’s signature touch of luxury. The tall hotel towers will be visible from the sea, becoming a new landmark of the region. The interiors will combine contemporary elegance with subtle Middle Eastern influences, emphasizing the unique setting of the resort on an artificial island.

Opening Prospects

Construction is progressing according to schedule, and Wynn Resorts has confirmed the resort’s grand opening in early 2027. The project is expected to attract tourists from all over the world and will become a landmark development for the global gaming industry.

Conclusion

Wynn Al Marjan Island is more than just another hotel or casino — it is a symbol of a new era in the UAE’s tourism policy. The resort will appeal not only to gaming enthusiasts but also to travelers seeking luxury holidays on the Arabian Gulf. In addition to casino gaming, guests will enjoy fine dining, shopping, live shows, and seaside activities. For those planning a trip to the Emirates after 2027, Wynn Al Marjan Island is a must-visit destination that blends Eastern opulence with world-class entertainment.