Wynn Resorts has pushed the opening of its Al Marjan Island integrated resort in Ras Al Khaimah to September 2027. The launch was originally scheduled for March, but conflict in the Middle East forced construction to halt in February following US and Israeli strikes on Iran.
The conflict reduced operations at Dubai's airport and disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, causing material shortages and cost overruns. Work resumed in March after security measures were put in place. Wynn invested $48.1m in the project during the second quarter, bringing its total stake to roughly $1.06bn for a 40% share.
CEO Craig Billings said construction is moving quickly despite logistics challenges. Room finishing is nearing completion while hiring and operational planning run in parallel. Billings visited the site in June and called the build quality outstanding, describing the property as the most significant IR opening globally in a decade.
Wynn received the UAE's first land-based gaming licence in October 2024 from the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority and remains the only licensed operator in the country. Billings expects two competitors to enter and estimates the market potential at $3bn to $5bn in GGR. The online segment is already live, with Play971 becoming the first licensed betting and iGaming platform in Abu Dhabi.
