Wynn Resorts said it has been awarded the first commercial gaming operator’s licence in the United Arab Emirates by the country’s General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority.
The Las Vegas-based casino firm is developing a luxury resort at Wynn Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah, the company said in a statement on Friday. The project, which is currently under construction, is a joint venture between Wynn, Marjan and RAK Hospitality Holding.
The project is a major milestone for tourism in the region. The 1,542-room resort overlooks a white sandy beach. It features 22 bars and restaurants, as well as a theatre for shows.
Casino operators have long sought to built a resort that would attract visitors from Europe, Asia and other markets. MGM Resorts International said last month that it had applied for a gambling licence for a property it is building in Abu Dhabi.
Wynn is giving a presentation focused on its Al Marjan resort to investors on Oct 8. The company said in August that it had invested $514 million ($670.05 million) so far in the project. It is expected to open in 2027.
