W Resorts Ltd. has made history by being awarded the first commercial gaming operator’s license in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), as announced on Friday. The Las Vegas-based company is developing a luxury resort on Wynn Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah, marking a significant milestone for the region’s burgeoning gaming industry.
The project, a joint venture with Marjan and RAK Hospitality Holding, is currently under construction and is expected to open in early 2027. The resort will feature 1,542 rooms, 22 dining venues, and a theater for live performances, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Arabian Gulf. Wynn has already invested over USD514 million into the USD3.9 billion development.
This regulatory shift comes as the UAE seeks to enhance its tourism appeal amid growing competition from neighboring Saudi Arabia. Last month, the UAE established a federal entity to oversee gambling operations, signaling a new era for entertainment in the conservative Gulf region.
As Wynn prepares to present its ambitious plans to investors on Oct. 8 (tomorrow), industry insiders are closely watching how this venture will reshape the landscape of luxury hospitality and gaming in the Middle East. NS
