The UAE has awarded its first-ever commercial gaming license to Wynn Resorts, marking a major development in the country’s hospitality and entertainment sectors. The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) confirmed the news to Khaleej Times on Saturday, cementing the Las Vegas-based casino giant’s plans to establish the region’s first gaming resort, Wynn Al Marjan Island, in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah.
A Landmark Development in the Middle East
Wynn Al Marjan Island, which is slated to open in early 2027, represents a multi-billion dollar project and is set to become the first integrated gaming resort in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The resort is being built on a sprawling island of nearly 62 hectares, extending into the Arabian Gulf. Wynn Resorts aims to provide a luxurious blend of gaming and non-gaming amenities, with 1,542 rooms and suites, including 22 private villas, making it a prime destination for both high-end tourism and entertainment.
Regulation and Licensing
This is the second license issued by the GCGRA, an independent body within the UAE federal government responsible for overseeing all commercial gaming activities. The first license, issued in July, authorized the operation of a national lottery by The Game LLC, an Abu Dhabi-based firm.
While details about the commercial gaming license granted to Wynn Resorts remain undisclosed, the introduction of this license is a significant move for the UAE, reflecting its evolving stance toward gaming and its strategy to diversify its tourism and entertainment offerings.
Wynn’s Middle Eastern Expansion
Wynn Al Marjan Island will also feature a wide array of non-gaming amenities, setting it apart from Wynn Resorts’ other properties in Las Vegas, Macau, and Boston Harbor. With this beachside resort, Wynn aims to introduce a unique experience that balances luxury hospitality with innovative gaming services, marking a new chapter in the UAE’s tourism industry.
