The Rumours Are True – Casino Giant Wynn Is Headed to RAK

A 1,000-room resort, complete with gaming facilities, is scheduled to open in 2026.

Not every hotel opening in the UAE raises eyebrows and makes headlines worldwide. Then again, not every new hotel arrives by way of Sin City. Developed in conjunction with Marjan and RAK Hospitality Holding, the integrated resort by Wynn Resorts will be located on the manmade Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah and scheduled to open in 2026, marking the Las Vegas-based hotel and casino operator’s first foray into the region.

Incidentally, Al Marjan Island is already an established tourism destination, comprising over 7.8 kilometres of sparkling beaches and 23 kilometres of waterfront in addition to world-class hotels and residential developments across an area of 2.7 million square metres. The new resort will take over one of the four islands, which covers an area of almost 250,000 square metres, will offer a pristine setting with spectacular views of the Arabian Gulf as well as sandy beaches and a marina.

The planned destination will feature a luxury hotel with over 1,000 rooms, world-class shopping, state-of-the-art meeting and convention facilities, a spa, more than ten restaurants and lounges, extensive entertainment choices and a gaming area, amongst other amenities. And while the exact definition of ‘gaming’ remains to be seen – gambling is still forbidden in the UAE – we know that the development is the first beach resort being developed by Wynn Resorts globally. As the largest project of its kind in Ras Al Khaimah’s growing hospitality sector, it will create substantial value to the local economy by accelerating tourism, creating jobs and energising the growth of related sectors.

Eng. Abdulla Al Abdooli, CEO of Marjan, said the new integrated resort highlights the fast-growing recognition of Ras Al Khaimah as a leading investment destination for high-quality hospitality projects. “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. We are partnering with Wynn Resorts, one of the world’s most renowned integrated resort companies, which has a strong track record of developing luxury destinations with exceptional accommodation, dining, entertainment concepts and gaming facilities. By leveraging Wynn Resorts’ expertise in developing luxury hospitality destinations, the new development will raise the benchmark in luxury hospitality in the region. It will also create exceptional value to the Ras Al Khaimah economy and boost the leisure, business and MICE tourism sectors.”

Craig Billings, newly appointed CEO of Wynn Resorts, said: “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 new resort is currently in the initial stages of design and development, and will be applying for an integrated resort licence from Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority in due time. Watch this space.

GO: Visit www.marjan.ae or www.wynnresorts.com for more information.