Wynn Resorts eyes UAE casino boom with Wynn Al Marjan Island
Wynn Resorts Ltd, international casino developer has announced that its Wynn Al Marjan Island casino resort, currently under development in Ras Al Khaimah, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), will feature elements tailored to the local market.
The resort will span 5 million square feet (464,515 square metres) and feature 1,500 rooms, 25 or more restaurants, an extensive gaming floor, and a brand-new production show, said Wynn Resorts’ CEO, Craig Billings.
UAE’s gaming market poised for growth
Industry analysts estimate that the UAE gaming market could generate between $5 billion and $8 billion annually. Billings highlighted this potential on CNBC, comparing it to the Las Vegas Strip, which sees over $6 billion in gaming revenue annually.
“To put that in perspective, the Las Vegas Strip is a little over USD 6 billion. So, that’s a substantial market opportunity,” he said.
Wynn Resorts holds a 40 percent stake in the project, partnering with Marjan LLC and RAK Hospitality Holding LLC. The company has also secured an exclusive 15-year casino licence for Ras Al Khaimah, with the property expected to generate a minimum of $1.33 billion in annual gross gaming revenue (GGR).
Strategic location and target market
The location of Wynn Al Marjan Island plays a crucial role in its expected success. Just 50 minutes from Dubai International Airport, the resort will benefit from the UAE’s strong tourism and expatriate population.
“There’s 10 million people […] 80 percent of them are expats … There are over 80 million airlifts at the airport in Dubai, 45 to 50 minutes from our property. That is very significant airlift,” Billings noted.
Wynn Resorts is focusing on attracting high-net-worth individuals from the region. “We’re really focused on the wealth, affluence and population in that market,” he added.
Wynn Resorts expands in UK
In addition to its UAE venture, Wynn Resorts is strengthening its presence in the United Kingdom. The company recently announced its acquisition of Crown London Aspinalls, an exclusive members-only casino in Mayfair.
Billings described this as a “strategic” acquisition, saying, “It was a small acquisition in dollar terms, but a big acquisition in strategic terms, because not only did we buy a database of customers that are from that region, but many customers that we will interact with in the UAE spend time in London every year.”
The deal is expected to be finalised in the second half of 2025, further expanding Wynn Resorts’ reach in the luxury gaming market.
First-mover advantage in UAE
With its exclusive casino licence, prime location, and strong brand presence, Wynn Resorts is positioning itself as a dominant player in the UAE’s emerging gaming industry. Billings emphasised the long-term potential, stating, “Wynn would be the only operator there for a significant amount of time.”
