Wynn UAE Casino Resort Almost 60% Complete
Wynn Resorts’ Wynn Al Marjan Island in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is advancing quickly in construction, as a recent report shows the casino hotel is almost 60% finished, an increase from 55% last November.
Positioned in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, Wynn Al Marjan Island spans over 60 hectares and takes some inspiration from the operator's renowned properties on the Las Vegas Strip. Arabian Business noted that the UAE venue is approximately 60% finished, suggesting that the often discussed early 2027 opening date is still on track.
As of last November, construction crews were completing one floor of the UAE hotel tower weekly and had finished 26 floors. Daily, there are 9,100 construction workers on site, along with over 100 concrete trucks bringing loads to the property. Wynn and its regional partners plan to complete the hotel tower's topping off by the year's end.
Wynn Al Marjan Island will have 1,542 guest rooms — most of which are finished. The rooms are crafted to emulate the luxury present at Wynn’s other integrated resorts while also embodying regional customs and traditions. For instance, sleeping areas are separated from other parts of the room, allowing a husband and wife to occupy the same space without the man having to see the woman, as stated by Arabian Business.
Wynn Staffing UAE Casino Resort Already
Wynn is financing its 40% stake in the $5.1 billion integrated resort and is already taking steps to guarantee the venue is operational from day one.
This involves having the hiring portal currently active, which may guarantee that customer-facing employees are trained in Wynn culture and practices ahead of the opening day. Max Topainer, ex-COO of Wynn Las Vegas, is relocating to the UAE to manage the venue, with Arabian Business stating that he’ll be accompanied by 200 other Wynn employees globally.
It’s anticipated that nearly all the top management of Wynn Al Marjan Island will be in the UAE for at least six months before the casino hotel opens to facilitate a seamless transition.
Wynn, based in Las Vegas, is taking additional steps before the launch of the UAE property. In January, the operator revealed the acquisition of the Crown London casino located in London. It's a modest gaming establishment that does not compare to the standard Wynn location, but the acquisition could be beneficial in relation to the UAE, as numerous Crown members originate from the Middle East and often visit the area.
Preparation Crucial for Wynn UAE Casino
Earlier estimates suggested that the primary casino would manage merely 4% of Wynn Al Marjan Island’s 5.6 million square feet, implying that gaming is not the focal point of the property’s appeal. That’s typical for Wynn properties, which primarily emphasize features like upscale restaurants, entertainment, and luxurious lodging for visitors.
Nevertheless, the gaming aspect cannot be ignored since Wynn Al Marjan Island is the inaugural regulated establishment of its type in the history of the Arab region. Furthermore, the property is projected to maintain a long-term monopoly in the UAE since it may take multiple years for regulators to authorize another casino in the region.
While it may never compete with Las Vegas or Macau, the UAE has the potential to emerge as one of the biggest casino markets globally once it fully develops. Certain analysts project that Wynn Al Marjan Island might produce as much as $1.4 billion in annual gross gaming revenue (GGR), which could lead the overall UAE casino sector — provided additional gaming establishments receive approval — to achieve $3 billion to $5 billion in annual GGR.
