For decades, the UAE kept gambling off limits. That era is ending. In September 2027, Wynn Al Marjan Island will open its doors on a 60-hectare private island in Ras Al Khaimah, marking the country's first licensed casino resort and signaling a dramatic shift in how the Gulf state approaches entertainment tourism.
The $5.1 billion project is no small bet. Wynn Resorts, the luxury hospitality giant behind iconic Las Vegas properties, is building a 70-storey tower on reclaimed land overlooking the Arabian Gulf. The location matters. Ras Al Khaimah sits roughly 80 kilometers north of Dubai, giving it breathing room from the hyperurban energy of its flashier neighbor. While Dubai dominates the shopping-and-skyscrapers narrative, Ras Al Khaimah has been quietly positioning itself as a beach-and-mountains alternative, and this resort represents a calculated escalation in that ambition.
The UAE didn't flip a switch overnight on gaming. Back in 2023, authorities created the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority to build a legal framework from scratch. In October 2024, Wynn Resorts became the first operator to receive a commercial gaming license. That approval came after the company demonstrated it could operate under strict oversight, setting a precedent for how the sector will function going forward.
What You'll Actually Find Inside
This isn't a casino bolted onto a hotel. Wynn is designing an integrated resort where gaming is just one layer in a much larger experience. The property will hold over 1,500 rooms and residences across multiple tiers, from standard suites to high-end penthouses. For food, expect 22 venues spanning international cuisines and concepts, including Delilah (an entertainment dining hotspot from Vegas) and a steakhouse helmed by French chef Alain Ducasse. A 900-seat theatre will host live performances and immersive shows.
Beyond the gaming floor and restaurants, guests access a private white sand beach stretching 420 meters, twelve swimming pools, a full-service spa, and a marina built to accommodate superyachts. There's a 15,000-square-meter luxury retail promenade, conference facilities, and a beach club designed for both short getaways and extended holidays. This model reflects a global trend where travelers increasingly expect destinations to bundle accommodation, entertainment, dining, and shopping under one roof, minimizing the need to venture out.
Getting There and What's Next
Infrastructure improvements are already in motion. A new bridge connection is planned to improve road access from Dubai, and authorities are exploring flying taxi services between the two emirates, which would dramatically cut travel time. For now, it's a straightforward 90-minute drive from Dubai International Airport.
Construction is in its final stretch, though the project hit headwinds. Supply chain disruptions tied to regional conflicts and shipping delays pushed costs up by around $600 million. The structural work on the tower is complete, and interior finishing is progressing across the site. Opening day remains locked in for September 2027.
The resort's arrival speaks to a broader recalibration of Gulf tourism strategy. While Saudi Arabia's Red Sea is opening now, with 11 luxury resorts already booking, the UAE is diversifying its playbook beyond traditional luxury shopping and architecture. Ras Al Khaimah is carving out its own niche, and a world-class casino resort fits that vision. Whether you're a gambler, a gourmand, or simply a traveler seeking a high-end beach escape with serious entertainment options, this property will reshape how you think about Gulf destinations when it opens next year.
