UAE’s First Casino: What to Expect from the Upcoming Wynn Resort on Al Marjan Island

The UAE is making history with its first legal casino, coming to Ras Al Khaimah in the form of the Wynn Al Marjan Island Casino. This mega-resort is more than just a hotel; it’s a strategic shift that signals the nation’s growing commitment to luxury tourism and economic diversification.

Wynn Al Marjan Island Casino: A Landmark Development

The Wynn Al Marjan Island Casino will be part of a $3.9 billion integrated resort located on the picturesque Al Marjan Island. Scheduled to open in early 2027, this marks the first time casino gaming will be legally introduced in the UAE. Developed by Wynn Resorts in collaboration with local partners, the resort will combine hospitality, gaming, entertainment, and retail into one destination.

Set on a man-made island with stunning sea views, the development includes a 70-storey hotel tower rising 305 meters high. With floor-to-ceiling windows, 1,500 rooms and suites, and sweeping waterfront panoramas, the property aims to redefine luxury in the region.

Casino Design and Gaming Experience

The casino itself will span over 18,000 square meters, making it larger than Wynn Las Vegas. Visitors can expect a full suite of gaming options: table games, slot machines, and high-stakes VIP gaming areas. However, the Wynn Al Marjan Island Casino is being developed with more than just traditional gambling in mind.

The venue will incorporate entertainment zones, live music performances, and immersive events, creating an experience that appeals to both casual tourists and dedicated gaming enthusiasts. This holistic approach transforms the space into a social and cultural hotspot, not just a gaming hall.

Real Estate Surge and Investment Magnet

Beyond tourism, the resort is set to trigger a real estate boom. Demand for residential and commercial property near Al Marjan Island is rising as investors anticipate an influx of high-net-worth individuals and tourists. Developments, including beachfront villas, serviced apartments, and mixed-use complexes, are already in the pipeline.

This demand has pushed up property values and rental yields, with international buyers particularly drawn to the area’s relaxed ownership laws. The Wynn Al Marjan Island Casino is now a central factor in Ras Al Khaimah’s transformation into a real estate hotspot.

A New Chapter in UAE Entertainment Policy

The opening of the first-ever casino in Abu Dhabi has been long speculated, but it is Ras Al Khaimah that will pioneer regulated gaming in the country. In October 2024, the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) awarded Wynn Resorts the first casino license in the UAE.

This move reflects a major policy shift. While gambling remains prohibited across much of the region, the controlled introduction of a licensed resort is seen as a pragmatic step to attract global tourism without compromising cultural values.

Economic Impact on Ras Al Khaimah

Ras Al Khaimah has often lived in the shadow of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, but the Wynn Al Marjan Island Casino could dramatically alter that perception. Experts estimate the resort will attract up to 5.5 million visitors annually by 2030. That level of tourism will generate massive revenues and job opportunities across the hospitality, retail, and construction sectors.

The government is already investing in supporting infrastructure: expanding airport capacity, building roads, and improving transport networks. The scale of investment signals Ras Al Khaimah’s intent to become a leading leisure and lifestyle destination.

Beyond Gaming: Luxury and Lifestyle Offerings

The resort will not rely solely on gaming to attract visitors. It will feature 22 restaurants and lounges, a world-class spa, a retail promenade, and cultural venues. The resort’s theatre will host concerts, shows, and special performances, offering a robust entertainment calendar year-round.

Wynn’s signature brand of luxury will be evident throughout the property. Whether through design, culinary offerings, or personalized service, the Wynn Al Marjan Island Casino promises an unmatched guest experience that goes far beyond slot machines and roulette tables.

Cultural Sensitivity and Tourism Strategy

Wynn Resorts has stated that the resort’s design and operations will be in line with the UAE’s cultural norms and legal frameworks. This balance between innovation and respect for local traditions is critical for the project's acceptance and long-term success.

Tourism authorities believe the casino resort will complement the UAE’s broader tourism goals, which aim to attract 40 million hotel guests annually by 2030. The resort is expected to diversify the nation’s appeal, drawing visitors interested in gaming, entertainment, business, and wellness.

Construction Progress and Opening Timeline

In 2025, the Wynn Al Marjan Island Casino project in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, has made significant strides toward its anticipated early 2027 opening. As of March 2025, construction progress includes:

• Structural Completion: 64% of the structural concrete is completed up to the 34th floor of the main resort tower, with elevator cores extending to the 36th floor.

• Topping-Off Target: The construction team is completing approximately one floor per week, aiming for a topping-off milestone by December 2025.i

• Workforce and Operations: Over 9,100 construction workers are on-site, supported by more than 100 concrete trucks daily.

• Interior Development: Work is underway on fitting out approximately 820 rooms, including installation of walls, floors, ceilings, and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing services. Elevator and escalator installations have also commenced.

Additionally, Wynn Resorts has begun recruitment efforts, listing over 50 positions as of June 2025, with plans to have over 200 positions available by the end of the year. 

The resort, set to be the first-ever casino in Abu Dhabi, is expected to feature 1,542 rooms and suites, 22 restaurants and lounges, a luxury shopping promenade, a five-star spa, and extensive entertainment facilities.

The Wynn Al Marjan Island Casino is poised to become a landmark destination, contributing significantly to the UAE's tourism and hospitality sectors.

A Catalyst for Regulatory Reform?

Though no other casinos are currently planned in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, the success of this project could pave the way for expanded gaming regulations in the future. The UAE is using the Wynn model as a pilot to assess the viability and public response to legalized gaming.

Should it prove successful, more integrated resorts may follow, possibly even in cities once considered unlikely hosts for such developments. For now, Ras Al Khaimah holds the spotlight as the nation’s most progressive leisure frontier.

Wrapping Up

The Wynn Al Marjan Island Casino is set to redefine tourism and investment in the UAE. As the country's first licensed casino, it brings a new dimension to luxury hospitality. With entertainment, real estate, jobs, and policy reform all tied to its success, the resort represents far more than a gaming destination. It’s a transformative force for Ras Al Khaimah and a bold step in the UAE’s tourism evolution.