Wynn Resorts is moving forward with the development of the United Arab Emirates’ first casino resort, with CEO Craig Billings confirming during an investor call on 4 August that the project is expected to open in autumn 2027. Construction at the site on Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah is currently advancing, as teams work through the interior fit-out of hotel rooms, including electrical, mechanical, and finishing tasks.
The project, which represents the first commercial gaming operator's license issued by the UAE, has encountered hurdles. Billings had announced in May that there would be a "modest delay" in the project, citing "logistical and shipping challenges in the region" after the war broke out following strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran in late February. These ongoing disruptions have impacted both the project's timeline and its budget. Billings estimated that the development has faced approximately $600 million in additional costs, with roughly half of that figure linked to the conflict, alongside rising prices for materials and shipping.
Despite these setbacks, the development remains a major undertaking on a 60-hectare island overlooking the Arabian Gulf, situated about 80 kilometres north of Dubai International Airport. The resort is set to feature a 70-story tower housing 1,542 luxury rooms. Beyond the casino floor, the property will offer extensive amenities, including 22 restaurants, bars, and lounges, a beach club with a private beach, a luxury spa, fitness facilities, and designer boutiques. Guests will also have access to a kids’ club, multiple swimming pools, a full-service marina, and various event spaces.
Following the update, shares of Wynn Resorts saw a 5% increase in after-hours trading. The company, which already operates properties in Las Vegas, Boston, and Macau, continues to navigate the complexities of global supply chain disruptions and personnel movement as it approaches the final stages of construction. He added that the Middle East conflict was still affecting the casino's construction due to global supply chain disruptions and personnel movement.
