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Wynn Al Marjan Island: UAE breaks new ground with Beachfront Casino Resort

United Arab Emirates, ever a hub of innovation and advancement, continues to transform its desert landscapes into modern marvels.

From its strides in eSports to pioneering cryptocurrency ventures, the UAE never ceases to amaze.

While Dubai's Burj Khalifa stands tall as the world's highest skyscraper, there's a new development that's raising eyebrows.

Challenging conventional norms, the UAE is set to unveil its premier beachfront casino resort, the Wynn Al Marjan Island, located in Ras Al Khaimah.

Wynn Resorts expands in the Middle East in an ambitious project

With projects in Las Vegas, Boston, Macau, and China, Wynn Resorts confirmed its first resort in the Middle East.

The Wynn Al Marjan Island is the company’s most ambitious project yet, with a price tag of around 3,9 billion USD. Developed in collaboration with Marjan LL and RAK Hospitality Holding LLC, this is the first Wynn project in the MENA region, and everyone is excited to follow the developments. The Ras Al Khaimah emirate will host the new resort, and the first guests are scheduled to be welcomed in 2027, so there’s plenty of time for speculation and surprises. 

Besides being Wynn’s first resort in the Middle East, The Wynn Al Marjan Island is the company’s first-ever beachfront project. According to the plans, the property will be 305 meters tall, taking the Wynn luxury standard to another level. 

The foundation is already under construction, and the new resort's plans position the project as a nature-based, sustainable destination.

With Ras Al Khaimah being one of the fastest-growing tourism markets in the Middle East and Africa, it’s no surprise that Wynn chose this location for their next resort. 

Craig Billing, CEO of Wynn Resorts, declared that the board spent last year carefully programming and building the concept around Wynn Al Marjan Island.

They considered the unique location, and everyone is incredibly proud of the design that will impart Wynn’s rich legacy into a sun-soaked beachside resort welcoming new and old customers. 

Premium luxury experience at the Wynn Al Marjan Island

According to Casinoelarabs, a fast-growing digital platform for casino enthusiasts in the Middle East, the new Wynn resort will include exceptional gaming and entertainment amenities.

In an Islamic region where gambling is traditionally banned for cultural and religious reasons, the resort is seen as a shift towards diversifying tourism and entertainment opportunities for visitors.

No local will directly enjoy the casino area or other entertainment venues at the Wynn Al Marjan Island. However, the people living in the area will benefit from all the new jobs created by such a massive project. 

Already one of the fastest-growing tourist zones in the world, Ras Al Khaimah is set to boom after 2027 when the doors will open.

Wynn Al Marjan Island is not just a resort; it's an emblem of the evolving character of Middle Eastern luxury hospitality. Wynn’s project will improve the area’s growing portfolio of luxury five-star hotels and residential projects.

And what better place to do so than in an area with 7,7 kilometers of pristine beaches and 25 kilometers of waterfront? It’s a destination that begs to be taken to the first spot for seaside resorts. 

Other Wynn projects expected worldwide

While the unveiling of the Wynn Al Marjan Island resort spells good news for the company, there remains speculation regarding the fate of Wynn West in Las Vegas. Despite purchasing 38 acres just north of the Fashion Show Mall for $336 million, the company has shown little movement on the anticipated Wynn West project.

Originally, Steve Wynn aimed to shift tourist patterns and attract more visitors to the northern end of Las Vegas Boulevard.

However, these plans came to a standstill. After Steve Wynn's resignation, Matt Maddox briefly helmed Wynn Resorts, only to be succeeded by Craig Billings in February 2022.

Final Thoughts

While the future of the Las Vegas project remains uncertain, it's evident that the company's attention is squarely on the Middle East through at least 2027.

Wynn Al Marjan Island is a testament to the UAE's bold vision, blending the deep-rooted traditions of Islamic culture with global luxury standards. From its strides in eSports to pioneering cryptocurrency ventures, the UAE never ceases to amaze.

With a bright future ahead for the Arab gaming industry, there's much anticipation in the air. This pioneering endeavor further cements the UAE's reputation as an innovative trailblazer in the worldwide hospitality sector.