As the sun sets on the shores of the Arabian Gulf, a groundbreaking development is underway, marking a significant milestone in Ras Al Khaimah's landscape. Once a sleepy Emirate in the north of the country, RAK is now a major tourism destination thanks to projects such as Nobu Hotel and Residences, Al Marjan, marketed exclusively by Dubai Sotheby’s International Realty.
Off the back of this recent interest in the area, the UAE's first casino was given the go-ahead in 2024. The project will be situated in the northernmost emirate, on Al Marjan Island, and represents a collaborative effort between the developer and world-famous Wynn Resorts, who contributed $514.4 million (AED 1.88 billion) to the project so far. This ambitious venture has ignited a wave of excitement within the nation's hospitality and tourism sectors, set to redefine luxury experiences in United Arab Emirates.
From project details and the impact of the announcement, to controversies and what it means for the future, this is the Ras Al Khaimah casino project explained.
What is the RAK casino project?
A touch of Las Vegas will soon approach the shores of the UAE, after it was announced in 2024 that the first integrated gaming resort in the Middle East North Africa (MENA) region will open to the public in early 2027. The briefing outlined plans for a mega casino in the northern emirate, bringing to an end a historical ban on gambling in the country.
For centuries, the act of staking money on the outcome of a game, race, or any other event with an undetermined outcome has been technically illegal and has been prohibited under UAE law. However, it is thought the 2024 announcement will conclude the outright ban as the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) issued Wynn its first commercial land-based casino gaming licence in October.
Punters will be able to choose from a vast selection of casino games in a setting which is, incredibly, bigger than Wynn Las Vegas. Set to become a serious challenger in the global gaming world, the casino will also feature live music, special events and world-class dining to keep guests entertained.
The development marks a significant departure from tradition in RAK and is set to usher in a new era for tourism and entertainment, possibly providing a way for the emirate to compete with its wealthier neighbours in the southern emirates.
Wynn Ras Al Khaimah
The Wynn Resort on Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, is a highly anticipated project by the developer with the same name, a leading operator of luxury resorts and casinos. Headquartered out of Las Vegas, their portfolio includes the famous Wynn Las Vegas, Encore Boston Harbor Casino Hotel, Wynn Palace, and Wynn Macau.
Set to open its doors in early 2027 with construction already underway, the project marks the largest foreign direct investment in the emirate, aligning with the UAE's economic diversification goals. The resort's inclusion of a world-class casino is particularly remarkable in a region where gambling is traditionally outlawed, signalling a significant shift in the Gulf's tourism and entertainment landscape.
The landmark development puts Ras Al Khaimah on the global map as a premier tourist destination and also marks the first casino venture in the Middle East. The strategic location on Marjan Island, known for its picturesque views and superb beaches, enhances its appeal to international visitors seeking luxury experiences. The resort aims to offer the best of entertainment, hospitality, and leisure, catering to travellers and gaming enthusiasts globally.
About Marjan Island
Marjan Island is a set of four distinct coral-shaped islands set against the backdrop of the Arabian Peninsula and enclosed by the Yanis and Jais Mountains. It extends 4.5 kilometres into the sea and spans an area of 2.7 million square metres of reclaimed land. The construction was overseen by the Al Marjan Island Company in collaboration with RAK Tourism. Its charm lies in the panoramic views of the Gulf and the inviting beaches that adorn its shores.
The centrepiece of Marjan Island – Wynn Resort – marks the developer's first foray into beach resort development on an international scale. Guests will be treated to a stunning setting that combines luxury accommodations, world-class amenities, and access to the island's 7.8 kilometres of sandy beaches.
As Marjan Island evolves, its leisure and beachfront living appeal grow with it as well. With plans for 8,000 hotel keys spanning various categories, complemented by 12,000 residential units and 600 holiday villas, the island will offer a range of hospitality and lifestyle experiences unmatched in the region. Visitors can look forward to enjoying everything the place has to offer against the backdrop of stunning coastal vistas, making Marjan Island a coveted destination within the UAE.
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Why RAK?
Long underestimated by its richer, more well-known neighbours, Ras Al Khaimah – meaning ‘head of the tent’ in Arabic – is known throughout the UAE for its beautiful beaches and picturesque scenery. But what prompted Wynn's decision to bring a casino resort to RAK?
Quite simply, the company is hoping to mirror the success they have achieved in Macao. Since opening in 2006, their Macao project has contributed to 75% of its EBITDA and 25% of its operating margin. Despite previous gambling projects in the UAE falling flat – Bluewaters’ Caesars Palace and the QE2 cruiseliner, for example – Wynn believes the Al Marjan Island resort will be an unparalleled success story for a couple of key reasons.
RAK is just a one hour drive from Dubai, a city which serves as an excellent case study in how foreign investment can help an emirate flourish exponentially. Filled with tourists, as well as high-net-worth residents, Dubai is seen as a crucial market – for both RAK and Wynn – who will be hoping to attract excitement-seeking residents of the nearby emirate. It is also no coincidence that a third of the world’s population lives within a four-hour flight of the region.
The UAE's favourable foreign investment climate also makes Al Marjan an attractive prospect for Wynn, who will be hoping to turn the emirate into one of the premier gambling resorts in the region. Whilst construction work has been ongoing for some time, Wynn only secured their gaming license in October 2024. This headstart has placed the company in a strategically solid position in the UAE, although it is expected that competition will be forthcoming in the near future. MGM are looking into the possibility of launching in Abu Dhabi, with CEO Bill Hornbuckle stating in September 2024 that plans are in place for a resort in the country’s capital. JP Morgan have also realised the potential of the area, pointing to a considerable ROI potential in the low-20% range. Wynn will be hoping that particular forecast turns out to be correct.
Wynn Marjan Island Resort & Casino
Inspired by Al Marjan Island's serene seascape, the resort's design exudes elegance, offering 1,500 rooms, suites, and villas. Visitors can anticipate nightly laser shows, theatrical productions, and captivating displays. The resort is perched on a vast plot spanning nearly 250,000 square metres and offers views of the Arabian Gulf, sandy beaches, and a marina, all designed with sustainability in mind.
The resort will be the epicentre of extraordinary experiences, with a shopping mall, a spa, over 10 dining venues, a gaming area, a meeting and convention centre, and entertainment facilities. Notably, the casino is expected to be larger than the Wynn Las Vegas, their flagship gaming venue.
How is the UAE building a Casino?
Wynn Resorts' decision to venture into Ras Al Khaimah coincides with the establishment of a new division by the RAK Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), dedicated to regulating integrated resorts. The primary focus of this division is to create a robust framework that ensures responsible gaming practices across all levels of operation. This initiative underscores the commitment to promoting ethical and sustainable gaming practices within the emirate.
By drawing inspiration from established gambling regulations in the US and Singapore, the UAE wishes to create a conducive environment for the casino industry to thrive. Additionally, the implementation of reasonable tax rates and licensing structures reflects a strategic approach to balancing economic growth with social considerations.
The UAE has recently announced the formation of a new governmental entity, the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA). Tasked with introducing a regulatory framework for both national lottery and commercial gaming activities, the GCGRA comprises leading industry figures with expertise in global best practices for gaming regulation. Their mandate is to establish a well-regulated gaming environment, enforcing strict guidelines and maintaining the highest standards of compliance.
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Legal and economic implications
The RAK casino project is a bold move by the UAE to diversify its economy and will undoubtedly have positive implications for the emirate. The Al Marjan Resort is expected to bring thousands of tourists, creating hundreds – possibly thousands – of jobs in the short term. This will stimulate real estate development, as well as infrastructure improvements, which will positively impact residents and smaller businesses in the area. The announcement has already seen land value in the immediate area soar, a phenomenon which will, without doubt, increase as the project nears completion.
However, given the history of gambling being illegal in UAE, the project needs to be treated with a certain amount of nuance and care by its developers, who will want to approach it with the cultural sensitivity it deserves.
Influence on Economy and Tourism
The partnership of Wynn Resorts with Marjan and RAK Hospitality Holding to establish a presence in Ras Al Khaimah highlights the UAE's drive to diversify its economy and attract foreign investment across sectors. The resort's arrival aligns with Ras Al Khaimah's vision of hosting over 3.8 million visitors by 2027, as evidenced by the 1.13 million overnight hotel guests recorded in 2022.
Colliers International forecasts the Wynn Marjan Island Resort and Casino could draw in 5.5 million tourists by 2030, with many analysts predicting that it could go beyond that number. This ambitious goal highlights the substantial influence anticipated from this project on Ras Al Khaimah's tourism sector.
Regional Impact
The impact of the Wynn Marjan Island Resort and Casino stretches far beyond Ras Al Khaimah and the UAE, resonating throughout the entire Gulf region with the multibillion-dollar investment promising a significant economic boost. As the MENA region's first integrated resort, Wynn Resort symbolises the Gulf's strategic evolution, steering towards economic diversification beyond oil dependency.
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Ras Al Khaimah's Real Estate Boom
Since the debut of the Wynn in early 2022, Ras Al Khaimah, once a quiet emirate, has experienced a flurry of luxury development activity, predominantly centred on Al Marjan Island. This four-island archipelago, where the Wynn is situated, has become a focal point for upscale real estate ventures.
In addition to Wynn Resorts, Nobu Hospitality has also revealed plans for Nobu Al Marjan Island. The upscale development will bring to life luxury hotels and branded residences, further positioning Al Marjan Island as a hub for high-end hospitality and a prime investment destination.
What’s next?
The current climate is already attracting plenty of attention with RAK seeking to capture untapped domestic gaming demand from UAE’s expat community. There are those who believe the success of this venture is set to open the door for similar projects in other emirates, most notably Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Given the scale and cost of the project – somewhere in the region of $4 billion – local economists and commentators have suggested it simply has to succeed.
Final Thoughts
Ras Al Khaimah is ramping up its tourism efforts, focusing on nature, adventure tourism, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions). With RAKTDA's Tourism Vision 2030, the emirate is prepared to lead in sustainable tourism. The Wynn Marjan Island Resort and Casino marks a pivotal moment in the UAE's tourism and entertainment evolution. As the project progresses towards the grand opening, Ras Al Khaimah's tourism landscape will witness a major shift, generating significant economic value through job creation and growth in allied business sectors.
