Everything You Need to Know About the Wynn Al Marjan Island Casino

The UAE has never had a legal casino. In Spring 2027, it will have the largest casino resort in the Middle East.

Wynn Al Marjan Island is a $5.1 billion integrated resort currently under construction on Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah. It is Wynn Resorts' first beachfront property anywhere in the world, its first venture into the MENA region, and the first development in the UAE to hold a commercial gaming operator license from the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA).

The numbers are staggering. A 70-story tower rising 352 meters above the Arabian Gulf. A 20,900-square-meter casino floor split across two levels, housing 275 gaming tables and over 2,000 machines. 1,530 rooms and suites. 22 restaurants and lounges. A 98-berth marina designed for superyachts up to 85 meters long. A 420-meter private beach. 12 pools. A theater. A nightclub. A luxury spa. A shopping arcade with Rolex among the confirmed tenants.

And Wynn holds the only casino license in the country. No competing casino has been announced. The GCGRA has indicated it may eventually allow up to four integrated resorts in the UAE, but for the foreseeable future, this is it.

This guide covers every verified detail available as of March 2026: the casino floor, the gaming lineup, the hotel, the dining, the entertainment, how to get there, and what the broader market looks like.

The Casino: Two Gaming Floors Across 20,900 Square Meters

The gaming area at Wynn Al Marjan Island is not a single room. It is a two-level operation spanning 20,900 square meters, or approximately 225,000 square feet. That represents roughly 4% of the total built area of the resort, according to financial disclosures reported by World Casino Directory.

To put that in context: the gaming floor at Wynn Las Vegas is approximately 189,000 square feet. Wynn Al Marjan Island's casino will be significantly larger than its Las Vegas sibling.

The Main Casino Floor

The primary gaming area occupies the ground level of the resort. Based on investor presentations and regulatory filings, the floor will house 275 gaming tables and more than 2,000 gaming machines.

The GCGRA defines commercial gaming as "any game of chance, or combination of chance and skill, where an amount of money, in cash or cash equivalents, is wagered for the purpose of winning a sum of money or other valuable items." The regulator has listed approved game categories including slot machines, roulette, blackjack, baccarat, craps, and poker. All games will operate under the GCGRA's licensing conditions, which include strict responsible gaming requirements, AML compliance, and player protection frameworks.

Licensed B2B gaming technology vendors supplying the UAE market already include Aristocrat, Light & Wonder, IGT, and Konami, four of the largest gaming equipment manufacturers in the world. This supplier roster signals that the gaming floor will feature globally recognized, premium equipment rather than proprietary or unfamiliar systems.

The Sky Gaming Casino

On the 22nd floor of the resort tower, Wynn is building what it calls the Sky Gaming casino. This is a separate, elevated gaming space designed specifically for high-value players.

Details on the Sky Gaming floor remain limited, but reporting from multiple sources indicates it will be exclusive and invitation-based, requiring either an invitation or meeting certain betting thresholds to access. The positioning on the 22nd floor provides panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf, creating a setting that competes directly with the VIP rooms in Macau's Cotai Strip or Monte Carlo's private salons.

The combination of a large-scale main floor and a dedicated high-roller environment mirrors the two-tier model that Wynn operates successfully in Las Vegas and Macau, where mass-market gaming and VIP programs generate separate but complementary revenue streams.

The Gaming License

Wynn Resorts received the UAE's first commercial gaming operator license from the GCGRA in October 2024. Reporting from iGaming Business and The National confirms that the license has a 15-year term. Under the GCGRA's framework, only one land-based gaming operator is permitted per emirate, giving Wynn an effective monopoly on casino gaming in Ras Al Khaimah for the duration of its license.

Wynn Resorts CEO Craig Billings has stated publicly that the company modeled its market projections assuming two eventual competitors in the UAE, with a total market size of $3 to $5 billion in annual gross gaming revenue (GGR). He has also noted that analysts have placed estimates as high as $5 to $8 billion, pointing out that the Las Vegas Strip generates a little more than $6 billion annually for comparison.

With no announced competition, Wynn expects to hold 100% market share at launch. Industry reports from early 2026 indicate that MGM Resorts has submitted an application in Abu Dhabi, which could eventually make the UAE a two-operator market, but no license has been granted.

For the full legal and regulatory context, read our guide: Is Gambling Legal in the UAE? The Complete 2026 Guide.

The Resort: 1,530 Rooms Across Five Accommodation Tiers

Wynn Al Marjan Island is not just a casino with a hotel attached. It is a fully integrated resort designed to function as a self-contained destination. The accommodation breakdown reflects Wynn's approach of serving multiple guest segments under one roof.

The Enclave deserves particular attention. Unveiled in July 2025, it is described as a "hotel within a hotel," occupying the upper floors of the tower. Guests entering Enclave bypass the main resort lobby entirely through a separate, private entrance. The interiors use a palette of platinum, sapphire, cream, gold, and sea mist. No more than 15 suites occupy each floor, ensuring a density closer to a private residence than a hotel. Enclave guests have their own pool, their own stretch of beach, and a dedicated restaurant.

Wynn has not publicly released room rates. For reference, entry-level rooms at Wynn Las Vegas start from approximately $299/night (AED 1,098). Given the scale of the property, the beachfront location, and the novelty of the casino, rates at Al Marjan Island are expected to carry a premium.

Dining: 22 Restaurants, Lounges, and Bars

Wynn's track record in dining is one of its strongest brand pillars. The Las Vegas properties consistently rank among the top restaurant destinations in the US. Al Marjan Island will carry forward that approach with 22 venues spanning fine dining, casual restaurants, and social lounges.

Two marquee restaurants have been formally announced.

Delilah

Delilah is a supper club concept originally developed at Wynn Las Vegas in partnership with The h.wood Group. It combines dinner service with curated live music in a theatrical, 1950s-inspired setting. What's On reports that the RAK version will see guests "descend from a luxe bar and lounge into a spectacular dining room" described as evoking a Beirut-inspired supper club atmosphere. The venue has a strict no-cameras policy at its Las Vegas location, contributing to its reputation as a destination for celebrities and high-net-worth guests.

Alain Ducasse Steakhouse

French chef Alain Ducasse, who holds more Michelin stars than almost any living chef, will operate what Wynn describes as an "elegant French-American steakhouse." The restaurant will span approximately 1,820 square meters across two floors, making it one of the largest fine dining venues in the resort. The concept has been described as "culinary theatre," which fits Wynn Design & Development's approach of designing dining spaces as immersive experiences rather than traditional restaurants.

The remaining 20 venues have not been individually named, but Wynn has confirmed they will include beach clubs, casual eateries, cafes, and a mix of concepts imported from Wynn's global portfolio alongside new creations developed specifically for the RAK property.

Entertainment: Sea of Dreams, The Showroom, and Nightlife

Sea of Dreams

Wynn Las Vegas is famous for Lake of Dreams, a multimedia water show that plays nightly in front of the resort. At Wynn Al Marjan Island, the concept is being reimagined as Sea of Dreams, an animated beachfront experience that Wynn says will be six times larger than its Las Vegas predecessor. The show has been described as "atmospherically rich" and "theatrical," taking advantage of the resort's 420-meter beachfront setting and Arabian Gulf backdrop.

The Showroom

A purpose-built theater called The Showroom will host live entertainment. While specific programming has not been announced, Wynn's Las Vegas theaters have hosted residencies ranging from Cirque du Soleil-style productions to comedy acts and musical performances. The UAE venue is expected to attract both international touring acts and potentially develop its own resident productions.

Nightlife

A dedicated nightclub is confirmed as part of the resort's entertainment lineup. Wynn's Las Vegas nightclub (XS) has historically been among the highest-grossing nightlife venues in the United States. The RAK property is expected to bring a comparable format adapted to the regional market.

Beyond Gaming: Marina, Beach, Spa, Shopping, and Events

Marina

The resort includes a 98-berth deep-water marina designed to accommodate superyachts measuring up to 85 meters in length. This positions Wynn Al Marjan Island as one of the few destinations in the northern Emirates capable of serving the ultra-yacht community, a market segment that currently gravitates toward Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Beach and Pools

420 meters of private white-sand beach wrap around the resort's waterfront. The poolscape features 12 swimming and wading pools designed for different occasions, from active laps to lounge-style cabana settings. Private bungalows and cabanas are available alongside the pools.

Spa and Wellness

Wynn describes its spa as "the region's most opulent spa and beauty destination." It will include a five-star spa facility with salon and fitness center. Programming details have not been released, but Wynn's other properties feature extensive treatment menus, thermal experiences, and wellness programming.

Shopping Parterre

A "skylit shopping parterre" will house a curated selection of luxury designer boutiques. Reporting indicates high demand for retail space, with Rolex among the brands mentioned as a likely tenant. Wynn's Las Vegas retail spaces house brands like Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Dior, and a similar tier of tenants is expected.

Coral Court Events and Celebrations Center

Coral Court is a purpose-built events venue spanning 7,708 square meters. It includes a 2,633-square-meter column-free Grand Ballroom, six meeting rooms configurable in multiple arrangements, dedicated salons for bride and groom, private prayer rooms, and a 1,390-square-meter outdoor event lawn overlooking the Arabian Gulf. This facility targets destination weddings (RAK's MICE and wedding revenue grew 25% in 2025), international conferences, and large-scale celebrations.

Kids' Club

A dedicated kids' club is confirmed, which positions the resort as a family-viable destination rather than a purely adult-oriented casino property. This is a deliberate choice: Wynn's Las Vegas properties do not have kids' clubs, making the RAK approach a clear adaptation to the regional market where family travel is a significant segment.

Construction Status: Where Things Stand (March 2026)

The project is on schedule for its Spring 2027 opening. Here is the current status of major construction elements.

Follow our monthly construction update series for the latest progress reports, photos, and milestone tracking.

How to Get to Wynn Al Marjan Island

Wynn Al Marjan Island sits on Al Marjan Island, a man-made archipelago off the coast of Ras Al Khaimah. It is accessible by three main routes.

From Dubai (45-60 minutes by car)

The primary route is via the E11 (Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road) heading north from Dubai. The drive takes approximately 45 to 60 minutes depending on traffic and starting point. Once the Wynn Bridge opens in late 2026, the resort will connect directly to the E311 and E611 highways via Wynn Boulevard, creating a seamless highway-to-resort corridor.

A $200 million expansion of the E111 highway is also underway, which Wynn says will reduce travel time from Dubai by up to 45%. Taxis, Uber, and Careem all operate between Dubai and RAK.

From RAK International Airport (15 minutes)

RAK International Airport is a 15-minute drive from Al Marjan Island. The airport has expanded significantly, adding direct routes from Poland, Romania, Russia, Uzbekistan, the Czech Republic, and Saudi Arabia in 2025. A new VVIP private aviation terminal and hangar complex is targeting completion in 2027 to serve high-net-worth travelers arriving by private jet.

Future: Electric Air Taxis

Wynn has disclosed plans for electric air taxis (eVTOL) operating between Dubai and Al Marjan Island by 2027. If delivered, this would reduce the Dubai-to-Wynn travel time to approximately 15 minutes, creating what Wynn describes as the UAE's first vertical take-off and landing air taxi network.

The Bigger Picture: What the UAE Casino Market Could Become

Wynn Al Marjan Island is not just a single hotel opening. It is the anchor of what could become one of the world's major gaming markets.

Wynn's modeling, presented during investor briefings, frames the opportunity this way: 2.4 billion people live within a four-hour flight of the UAE. The company projects that even a modest 0.04% penetration of that catchment area would produce a high-frequency visitor base, with an expected 2.8 to 3.1 annual trips per visitor.

The competitive dynamics are unusually favorable. Gambling is prohibited across the rest of the Gulf region. The nearest comparable casino destinations are hours away by flight (Turkey, Georgia, or further to Macau and Singapore). The UAE's existing tourism infrastructure, visa policies, and global connectivity give it a structural advantage that new casino markets rarely enjoy at launch.

Wynn has already moved to capture international demand through its acquisition of Crown London Aspinalls in early 2025 (rebranded as Wynn Mayfair), which serves as a direct pipeline to bring British and European high-rollers to the RAK property.

The resort has also reserved land for a potential second integrated resort on Al Marjan Island, and Wynn's joint venture with Marjan has already broken ground on Janu Al Marjan Island (Aman's lifestyle brand), targeting a late 2028 opening. Together, these projects position Al Marjan Island as a multi-property hospitality destination rather than a single resort.

Ras Al Khaimah itself is in the middle of a transformation. The emirate welcomed 1.35 million overnight visitors in 2025 and is targeting 3.5 million by 2030. Tourism revenue grew 12% year over year. New luxury hotel brands are stacking up. Read our guide to the best tourist places near Wynn Al Marjan Island for what the region already offers.

How Wynn Al Marjan Island Compares to Other Wynn Properties

The standout differentiators for the RAK property: it is Wynn's first beachfront resort (no other Wynn property has beach access), the only one with a marina, and it carries a larger total investment than any previous Wynn development.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does Wynn Al Marjan Island open?

Spring 2027. Marjan Group CEO Abdulla Al Abdouli has publicly confirmed a March 2027 target. Construction is on schedule.

Where exactly is Wynn Al Marjan Island?

On Al Marjan Island, a man-made archipelago in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE. It is approximately 50 miles from Dubai International Airport (45-60 minutes by car) and 15 minutes from RAK International Airport.

How big is the casino?

The gaming floor spans 20,900 square meters (225,000 square feet) across two levels: a main casino floor with 275 tables and 2,000+ machines, and an exclusive Sky Gaming casino on the 22nd floor for VIP players.

What games will be available?

The GCGRA has listed approved game categories including slot machines, roulette, blackjack, baccarat, craps, and poker. Licensed equipment suppliers include Aristocrat, Light & Wonder, IGT, and Konami.

How much does it cost to stay at Wynn Al Marjan Island?

Room rates have not been publicly released. For context, entry-level rooms at Wynn Las Vegas start from approximately $299/night (AED 1,098). RAK rates are expected to carry a premium given the beachfront location and casino exclusivity.

Do I need to be a hotel guest to visit the casino?

This has not been confirmed. At Wynn Las Vegas and Macau, the casino is accessible to non-hotel guests. The RAK property is expected to follow a similar model, though specific access policies will be determined by GCGRA licensing conditions.

Can UAE nationals (Emiratis) enter the casino?

Current GCGRA regulations impose additional requirements on UAE nationals that may vary by emirate. This mirrors Singapore's approach where citizens face additional controls at integrated resort casinos. Specific policies for Wynn Al Marjan Island have not been published.

Is there a dress code?

No dress code has been announced. Wynn Las Vegas enforces a smart-casual standard with no athletic wear, flip-flops, or excessively casual clothing in the casino and premium dining areas. A similar or stricter standard is expected in the UAE given cultural norms.

Will there be other casinos in the UAE?

Eventually, yes. GCGRA Chairman Jim Murren has suggested up to four integrated resorts. MGM Resorts has reportedly submitted an application in Abu Dhabi. But no additional casino licenses have been granted, and Wynn holds a 15-year exclusive license for Ras Al Khaimah.

What else is there to do near the casino?

Ras Al Khaimah offers the Jebel Jais zipline (world's longest), desert safaris, beach resorts, cultural heritage sites like Dhayah Fort, water sports, and a growing luxury dining scene. Read our complete guide to RAK tourist places for a full breakdown.

What Comes Next

Between now and Spring 2027, the Wynn Al Marjan Island story will accelerate. The spire installation will push the tower to its full 352-meter height. The Wynn Bridge will complete, connecting the resort directly to the UAE highway network. Interior construction will finish across all 1,530 rooms. Dining concepts and entertainment programming will be revealed. And the hiring machine will ramp up dramatically as the opening date approaches.

RAK Party will cover every milestone as it happens. Our monthly construction update series tracks progress with verified data from official sources.

For the regulatory and legal context behind the casino, read our companion piece: Is Gambling Legal in the UAE? The Complete 2026 Guide.

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