Wynn Resorts, the US-based hotel and casino operator, has made history by securing the first commercial gambling license granted by the gaming authority in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the company announced on Friday. This significant milestone comes as the firm develops a luxury resort at Wynn Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah, a project carried out in collaboration with Marjan and RAK Hospitality Holding, as reported by various media outlets, including Reuters and Bloomberg.
The ambitious resort, which will feature 1,542 rooms, represents a substantial investment of $514 million from Wynn Resorts and is slated to welcome its inaugural guests in 2027.
Traditionally, the UAE has maintained a strict ban on both online and land-based casinos due to the prohibitions of gambling in Islam. However, recent developments indicate a shift in this stance, as casino operators explore opportunities to establish resorts aimed at attracting visitors from Europe, Asia, and beyond.
In a move towards regulating commercial gaming, the UAE established a new regulatory body last year, paving the way for a legal framework that includes a national lottery and commercial gaming options.
Additionally, MGM Resorts, another major US hospitality and entertainment company, recently applied for a gambling license for its upcoming property in Abu Dhabi.
This licensing development aligns with the UAE’s national tourism strategy, which was approved in 2022 and aims to draw approximately $27.2 billion in investment to the tourism sector. The plan also seeks to enhance the sector’s contribution to the national GDP to $122.5 billion and attract 40 million hotel guests by 2031.
