While best known for casino gambling, the Las Vegas brand hasn’t unveiled any explicit plans for a casino resort, focusing more on holiday and leisure. But this doesn’t mean that casino plans are forever off the cards. The UAE recently unveiled a host of new casino regulations and laws, putting the wheels in motion for an exciting new period in the history of the nation.
Ras Al Khaimah is at the forefront, with analysts expecting others in addition to Wynn Resorts to set up on its pristine beaches. Architects and builders in the UAE have proved time and time again they can create vast and incredibly impressive complexes in a short period of time – just look at the most famous emirates of Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
While Ras Al Khaimah isn’t likely to surpass or even match these iconic destinations any time soon, the seeds are being sown for a significant transformation in the emirates. This will likely fuel developments further afield, with other emirates in the UAE unlikely to pass up the opportunity to boost tourism.
Keep reading for a look at the Wynn Resorts plan for Ras Al Khaimah, alongside an exploration into what this means for the UAE and the rest of the Middle East.
Ras Al Khaimah: a history
Historically known as Julfar, Ras Al Khaimah is the sixth-most populated city in the UAE. Situated on a peninsula and network of artificial islands in the Persian Gulf, it’s one of the most northern emirates, traditionally having a closer connection to Iranian culture than other UAE locations.
Ras Al Khaimah was the last place to join the UAE, becoming an emirate in 1972. Since then, the city hasn’t been in the public eye anywhere near as much as neighbours Dubai and Abu Dhabi, although various construction projects have also made it a postcard destination. Ras Al Khaimah has some of the most beautiful and naturally pristine beaches in the area, something that was instrumental in bringing Wynn Resorts to the area.
The lowdown on Wynn Resorts’ Ras Al Khaimah resort
Wynn Resorts is a globally renowned gaming and hospitality company with roots in Las Vegas. The news that the brand was planning a world-class integrated resort in Ras Al Khaimah was incredibly exciting, joining attractions like Zero Gravity as compelling new entertainment destinations in the UAE.
The Wynn Resorts project has been off the ground for a couple of years now, but a recent development really put into perspective just how huge the resort will be. The company acquired an additional 70 acres of land on Al Marjan Island recently, displaying their ambition to create one of the largest resorts the Middle East has ever seen.
And it’s not just holidaymakers getting excited by the news. Wynn Al Marjan Island, as the resort is officially known, is also expected to be the first hotel in the UAE with an integrated casino. News concerning this has been subdued, as gambling still hasn’t formally been legalized, but new laws and the creation of a regulatory body clearly suggest a legal casino and gambling industry is on its way.
Residents may have to wait for land-based casino opportunities, but there is already a wealth of options for online casino fans. For example, emiratescasino.com can provide a range of slots, live dealer games and more. Players also get dedicated bonuses and other exclusive online features.
And for those prepared to wait, Wynn Al Marjan Island will certainly be impressive. The resort will feature 1,542 rooms overlooking a pristine sand beach, with the Hajar Mountains and the Arabian Gulf in the background. There will also be 22 villa estates in the marina, with various swimming pools, entertainment centres, shops and restaurants dotted around the complex.
How UAE changed gambling laws
There have been rumblings within the UAE of a new approach to gambling laws for the last few years, with lawmakers making headway in 2023 by establishing a new regulator to build a legal framework with the view to eventually issuing licenses to compliant operators.
The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority was tasked with creating the blueprint, recently publishing the full set of guidelines. These were welcomed as being highly conscious of responsible gambling concerns, with various key obligations that operators must follow.
