The United Arab Emirates, a region long associated with strict regulations against gambling, is suddenly emerging as a potential gaming powerhouse. Leading this charge is Wynn Resorts, which has embarked on a groundbreaking project in Ras Al Khaimah (RAK). With a $3.9 billion luxury resort set to open in 2027, Wynn is placing a significant bet on the UAE’s untapped gaming potential, bypassing established hubs like Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Wynn Resorts CEO Craig Billings caused a stir last year when he described the UAE as “the most thrilling market opportunity to emerge in decades.” His statement raised eyebrows, given the absence of any gaming infrastructure in the country at the time. Yet, Wynn’s vision was clear: transform RAK into a premier destination for high-end tourism and entertainment, with gaming at its core.

Wynn’s Vision Takes Shape

Wynn in 2022 announced an integrated resort on Al Marjan Island-a man-made development off the coast of RAK. The ambitious design will feature a 1,500-room luxury hotel, marina-side villas, 24 restaurants and lounges, a nine-acre pool area, and state-of-the-art entertainment facilities. Wynn’s vision also extended to a gaming floor, despite there not being a regulatory framework in place.

Last month, that gamble paid off. The UAE’s General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority, or GCGRA, awarded Wynn the country’s first-ever commercial gaming license. The decision represents a milestone of sorts: The UAE is moving forward simultaneously with a national lottery and plans to regulate online gaming, including sports betting.

The Partnership that made it possible

This Wynn Al Marjan project is being developed in a joint venture between Wynn Resorts and RAK Hospitality Holding headed by the UAE emirate of RAK’s crown prince, Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi. Wynn owns 40% of this project, whose total investment is projected to reach $1.4 B. In fact, construction is pretty well along since the hotel now rises 24 stories, the tallest building in RAK.

That deal with RAK is a lesser-known emirate. In comparison to the bustling business hubs of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, RAK had less complex predicaments and presented a more business-friendly state. “Reduced competition and an easier approval process likely made RAK an attractive alternative for Wynn,” says gaming industry analyst Chad Beynon.

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A Strategic Location

The appeal of RAK extends beyond its business-friendly policy: located just 55 minutes from Dubai International Airport, the emirate is well-placed to furnish a catchment area of international visitors. The UAE already welcomes 86 million air passengers annually, and Wynn’s resort is ambitious to grab a respectable share of the market.

Wynn is also looking to tap into the UAE’s large number of expatriates, around 88 percent of its 10 million residents. Many of those expatriates, often from South Asia and Egypt, can access Wynn’s gaming activities, a key demographic advantage to Wynn’s operations.

The High Stakes of Being First

This places Wynn at a well-timed entry into the UAE’s marketropy, which gives the firm a massive advantage. Wynn CEO Craig Billings estimated that the country’s gaming sector could be worth $3 billion to $5 billion annually. According to Beynon, Wynn can enjoy a five-year head start before any rivals, such as MGM Resorts and Caesars Entertainment, establish themselves.

But the stakes are high: if the resort succeeds, it could be a prototype for further development in the region; if it falters, it may discourage other operators from venturing into the market.

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A Global Trend in Emerging Gaming Markets

The cautious yet progressive approach toward gaming by the UAE parallels developments in Japan, which is also just now opening itself to casino operators. Both countries make it mandatory for foreign firms setting up operations in their respective jurisdictions to tie up with local companies, ensuring that the economic dividends are shared at home. For example, Osaka Integrated Resort in Japan, a joint venture between MGM Resorts and Orix Corporation, functions on similar lines. These regulated markets actually restrict competition and, in turn, spur growth that allows the first movers to emerge as leaders, such as Wynn.

A transformative future when Wynn Al Marjan opens its doors in 2027, it will be more than just a haven for luxury-it will also serve as a test case for the future of gaming across the Middle East. Its success would potentially pave the way for further development, making the UAE a significant player in the global gaming industry. For now, the world has set its eyes on Ras Al Khaimah while Wynn’s bold gamble takes shape and overhauls tourism and entertainment in a region known for pushy boundaries.

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