Wynn Resorts has made history by being awarded the UAE’s inaugural commercial gaming operator’s license, as confirmed by the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) to Khaleej Times on Saturday. This landmark decision paves the way for Wynn to establish the first integrated gaming resort in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
The Wynn Al Marjan Island resort, set to open its doors to the public in early 2027, is a multi-billion-dollar project located on an expansive 62-hectare island that extends into the Arabian Gulf. In its announcement, Wynn Resorts stated that the license was granted to the entity developing the Wynn Al Marjan Island resort in Ras Al Khaimah, which is a collaboration between Wynn Resorts affiliates, Marjan, and RAK Hospitality Holding.
The GCGRA defines “commercial gaming” as any game of chance or skill involving a wager of money or cash equivalents for the opportunity to win money or valuable items. This includes land-based gaming facilities among the specified gaming operators.
The awarding of the license followed a thorough review process conducted by the GCGRA. A spokesperson for Wynn Resorts expressed gratitude for the trust and confidence represented by this license, emphasizing their commitment to constructing the resort in Ras Al Khaimah and contributing significantly to the region’s tourism economy.
This license marks the second issuance by the GCGRA, an independent entity within the UAE federal government responsible for regulating and supervising commercial gaming activities in the country. Earlier this year, in July, the authority granted the license for the first authorized lottery in the UAE to The Game LLC, based in Abu Dhabi.
Wynn Al Marjan Island is expected to offer a range of non-gaming amenities alongside its anticipated gaming features. The resort will include 1,542 rooms and suites, which will also feature 22 private villa estates. Notably, it will be the first Wynn Resort located on a beach, distinct from its existing properties in Las Vegas, Macau, and Boston Harbor.
Construction of the resort commenced in early 2023, with plans for a 300-meter-tall resort tower expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2025.
