The UAE’s first casino at Wynn Resorts’ integrated resort (IR) in Ras Al Khaimah will attract millions of tourists to the emirate, according to a report.
Located on Al Marjan Island, the estimated $2 billion project was announced in January 2022. The new IR will be the first in the MENA region by Wynn Resorts.
Colliers International’s report said the Wynn Marjan Island Resort and casino could attract 5.5 million tourists to Ras Al Khaimah by 2023 (via Arabian Business).
“Given the scale of the project, its unique concept, and existing global demand, the Wynn Al Marjan Island is expected to have significant impact on the tourism segment of the emirate,” it said.
$2bn project in the UAE
“Based on an analysis which studied the impact of the opening of gaming facilities on visitation, and considering the characteristics of RAK’s tourism, it is envisioned that the Wynn Al Marjan Island will induce significant demand in its first year.”
In addition to the casino, the resort will include more than 1,000 hotel rooms, a shopping mall, an exclusive spa, more than 10 restaurants and lounges, a gaming area and entertainment facilities.
Earlier this month, Wynn Resorts named ALEC Engineering and Contracting as its main contractor for the works on the property.
The announcement was made in partnership with RAK Hospitality Holding and Ras Al Khaimah-based developer Marjan.
5.5 million tourists to RAK
In January 2022, Craig Billings, the CEO of Wynn Resorts, said the resort will feature “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.”
Abdulla Al Abdooli, the CEO of Marjan, said the IR “will add to the emirate’s destination strategy to attract tourists from across the world”.
Elsewhere, Saudi Arabia‘s entertainment sector is rapidly growing in a bid to diversify the economy and reduce the kingdom’s reliance on oil.
Image: Marjan / RAK Hospitality Holding / Wynn Resorts
