Wynn Resorts has made history by becoming the first company to receive a commercial gaming license in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). On October 4, the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) granted Wynn the license for its ongoing project on Al Marjan Island, located in Ras Al Khaimah (RAK).
The license will allow Wynn to operate a land-based casino as part of the massive Wynn Al Marjan Island Resort, which is expected to open in 2027. This luxury development is a joint venture between Wynn Resorts, Marjan, and RAK Hospitality Holding.
In a statement, Wynn Resorts expressed gratitude to the GCGRA, saying, “We are under way with the construction of our resort in Ras Al Khaimah and look forward to being a key partner in the development of its tourism economy.” The company also thanked the GCGRA for the confidence and trust placed in them with the approval of this license.
A Major Milestone for Gaming in the Middle East
Wynn’s Al Marjan Island project will be the first integrated gaming resort in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Spanning over 62 hectares on a man-made island, the project is located just 15 minutes from Ras Al Khaimah International Airport and 45 minutes from Dubai. It will offer more than just gaming, with plans for over 1,000 hotel rooms, convention facilities, luxury shopping, and high-end dining options.
Craig Billings, CEO of Wynn Resorts, described Al Marjan Island as an ideal location for this landmark development, calling it a “pristine setting” for Wynn to deliver its signature luxurious guest experiences.
The project is set to boost Ras Al Khaimah’s tourism industry, with Abdulla Al Abdooli, CEO of Marjan, emphasizing that Wynn’s reputation for creating world-class resorts will help attract visitors to the region. Al Abdooli said, “We are partnering with Wynn Resorts, one of the world’s most renowned integrated resort companies, which has a strong track record of developing luxury destinations with exceptional accommodation, dining, entertainment concepts, and gaming facilities.”
Other Operators Eyeing Opportunities
Wynn’s milestone comes just weeks after MGM Resorts CEO Bill Hornbuckle announced that his company had filed for a license to develop a gaming project in Abu Dhabi https://news.worldcasinodirectory.com/mgm-resorts-leads-the-charge-for-casino-licensing-in-the-uae-application-confirmed-115267. Speaking at the Skift Global Forum in New York City, Hornbuckle revealed that MGM applied for the license on September 19.
With the UAE’s commercial gaming landscape expanding, more global gaming giants may soon enter the market. For now, Wynn Resorts is leading the charge, with its Al Marjan Island resort expected to set a new standard for luxury hospitality in the region.
A First for UAE’s Gaming Sector
The GCGRA defines commercial gaming as games that involve a combination of skill and chance, where players wager money or equivalents to win cash or prizes. Wynn’s license is the first to be awarded for a land-based gaming facility in the UAE. However, the GCGRA previously issued a license for the country’s first authorized lottery earlier this year.
Wynn Al Marjan Island’s non-gaming amenities are also set to impress, featuring over 1,500 rooms and suites, a collection of 22 dining and lounge experiences, a sprawling pool complex, luxury shopping, and state-of-the-art meeting spaces. The resort will be topped off by 2025, with full operations expected to begin by 2027.
Source:
Wynn Resorts Announces Receipt of Gaming Operator License for Wynn Al Marjan Island, press.wynnalmarjan.com, October 5, 2024.
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