Key points:
- Wynn Resorts received the first commercial gaming facility licence in the UAE
- The licence pertains to the development of the Wynn Al Marjan Island resort
- The resort is a joint venture between Wynn Resorts, Marjan LLC and RAK Hospitality Holding
Wynn Resorts has been granted a Commercial Gaming Facility Operator licence by the UAE’s General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), allowing the company to proceed with its planned resort on Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah.
This licence is the first of its kind in the UAE, marking a significant regulatory development in the region.
The Wynn Al Marjan Island project is being developed as part of a joint venture between Wynn Resorts, Marjan and RAK Hospitality Holding.
The GCGRA’s decision follows a detailed review process. The licence permits the company to operate a commercial gaming facility within the upcoming resort.
The Wynn Al Marjan Island resort is designed to include various hospitality and entertainment facilities, including 1,500 rooms, suites and villas, in addition to dining venues, shopping areas and a gaming space.
Good to know: With the new licence in hand, Wynn Resorts is moving forward with its Al Marjan Island project, marking its entry into the Middle Eastern market as the region’s first licensed commercial gaming operator.
The project is expected to contribute to Ras Al Khaimah’s tourism industry, with the resort slated for completion by 2027.
In September 2024, Max Tappeiner was appointed as the President of Wynn Al Marjan Island, taking over from Thomas Schoen. Tappeiner has previously held roles within Wynn Las Vegas and other luxury brands, bringing experience in managing large-scale hospitality operations.
The UAE licence comes as Wynn Resorts continues to navigate challenges in other regions. Last month, Wynn Las Vegas agreed to a $130m forfeiture in a settlement with US authorities over allegations involving unlicensed money transfers.
The settlement concluded an investigation into transactions that allowed foreign gamblers to transfer money into the casino without adhering to US financial regulations.
