Wynn Resorts has announced that it will build a luxury resort in Ras Al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates complete with a ‘gaming area’, in what could be the first legal gambling venue in the Gulf state.
While the announcement does not clarify the type of gaming that will be available at the resort, at the same time, the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) revealed that it had created a new Department of Entertainment and Gaming Regulation to regulate “integrated resorts”.
In a statement released on state media, RAKTDA announced that the new department would prioritize the creation of a regulatory framework that ensured “the responsible practice of recreational gaming at all levels”.
Diplomats have previously intimated that the UAE may consider permitting gambling at its luxury resorts in a move to give the Gulf state an edge over its neighbors in the tourism industry.
The newly announced Wynn Resort is scheduled to open its doors in 2026 and will be located on Al Marjan, a man-made islandjust off the coast of Ras Al Khaimah.
Speaking of the new resort, Abdulla Al-Abdooli, Chief Executive of Marjan, the master-developer of freehold property in Ras Al Khaimah said:
“The integrated development, featuring a world-class hotel, entertainment and gaming amenities, will add to the emirate’s destination strategy to attract tourists from across the world.”
Craig Billings, CEO of Wynn Resorts, added:
“Al Marjan Island is a pristine setting and an ideal greenfield location for us to create the one-of-a-kind guest experiences for which Wynn Resorts is renowned. The region offers tremendous potential for the hospitality and tourism industry, and we are excited about the prospect of developing an integrated resort in Ras Al Khaimah.”
The news comes just a day after the New York Post reported that Wynn Resorts is ready to offload its sports betting division WynnBet.
Image credit: Thomas Hawk / CC BY-NC 2.0
An experienced iGaming commentator and analyst based in New York City - Jenny reports on regulation and gambling industry news and events.