Wynn Resorts has made historical past by changing into the primary firm to obtain a industrial gaming license within the United Arab Emirates (UAE). On October 4, the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) granted Wynn the license for its ongoing challenge on Al Marjan Island, situated in Ras Al Khaimah (RAK).
The license will permit Wynn to function a land-based on line casino as a part of the large Wynn Al Marjan Island Resort, which is predicted to open in 2027. This luxurious growth is a three way partnership between Wynn Resorts, Marjan, and RAK Hospitality Holding.
In an announcement, Wynn Resorts expressed gratitude to the GCGRA, saying, “We are under way with the construction of our resort in Ras Al Khaimah and look forward to being a key partner in the development of its tourism economy.” The firm additionally thanked the GCGRA for the arrogance and belief positioned in them with the approval of this license.
A Major Milestone for Gaming within the Middle East
Wynn’s Al Marjan Island challenge would be the first built-in gaming resort within the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) area. Spanning over 62 hectares on a man-made island, the challenge is situated simply quarter-hour from Ras Al Khaimah International Airport and 45 minutes from Dubai. It will supply extra than simply gaming, with plans for over 1,000 lodge rooms, conference services, luxurious buying, and high-end eating choices.
Craig Billings, CEO of Wynn Resorts, described Al Marjan Island as a perfect location for this landmark growth, calling it a “pristine setting” for Wynn to ship its signature luxurious visitor experiences.
The challenge is about to enhance Ras Al Khaimah’s tourism trade, with Abdulla Al Abdooli, CEO of Marjan, emphasizing that Wynn’s popularity for creating world-class resorts will assist entice guests to the area. Al Abdooli stated, “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.”
Other Operators Eyeing Opportunities
Wynn’s milestone comes simply weeks after MGM Resorts CEO Bill Hornbuckle introduced that his firm had filed for a license to develop a gaming challenge in Abu Dhabi https://news.worldcasinodirectory.com/mgm-resorts-leads-the-charge-for-casino-licensing-in-the-uae-application-confirmed-115267. Speaking on the Skift Global Forum in New York City, Hornbuckle revealed that MGM utilized for the license on September 19.
With the UAE’s industrial gaming panorama increasing, extra world gaming giants might quickly enter the market. For now, Wynn Resorts is main the cost, with its Al Marjan Island resort anticipated to set a brand new customary for luxurious hospitality within the area.
A First for UAE’s Gaming Sector
The GCGRA defines industrial gaming as video games that contain a mixture of talent and probability, the place gamers wager cash or equivalents to win money or prizes. Wynn’s license is the primary to be awarded for a land-based gaming facility within the UAE. However, the GCGRA beforehand issued a license for the nation’s first licensed lottery earlier this 12 months.
Wynn Al Marjan Island’s non-gaming facilities are additionally set to impress, that includes over 1,500 rooms and suites, a group of twenty-two eating and lounge experiences, a sprawling pool complicated, luxurious buying, and state-of-the-art assembly areas. The resort will likely be topped off by 2025, with full operations anticipated to start by 2027.
Source:
Wynn Resorts Announces Receipt of Gaming Operator License for Wynn Al Marjan Island, press.wynnalmarjan.com, October 5, 2024.