Wynn Resorts is closing in on a transformational milestone with its flagship Middle Eastern project, Wynn Al Marjan Island, on track for a highly anticipated early-2027 opening. The integrated resort—rising from the shores of Ras Al Khaimah—has reached its 47th floor, and remains firmly on schedule for completion. Designed to capture high-value tourism in the Gulf, the property is being positioned as the region’s premier luxury gaming and hospitality destination. Executives are bullish on its prospects, citing a projected US$5 billion-plus gross gaming revenue (GGR) market, backed by rising inbound tourism and affluent regional clientele.

Construction Reaches New Heights, Opening Timeline Intact

Wynn Al Marjan Island has reached its 47th floor and is expected to top out later this year, signaling steady progress toward its early-2027 debut. The resort is slated to be the first integrated gaming destination in the UAE, delivering a high-touch blend of hospitality, entertainment, and VIP services.

Craig Billings, the company’s Chairman and CEO, emphasized confidence in the schedule during the Q1 earnings call, describing it as the “most compelling development opportunity” in the global casino industry today.

Capital Commitment and Budget Forecast Through 2026

The company has now invested a cumulative US$682.9 million in equity into the Al Marjan project, including US$51.2 million in Q1 2025 alone. Capital expenditure is expected to rise further, with projections of US$350–375 million in 2025, increasing to US$350–400 million in 2026 as interior and operational systems move into full swing.

This level of disciplined investment underlines Wynn’s conviction in the long-term viability and profitability of its UAE expansion.

Market Strategy Targets Three Distinct Customer Segments

The resort’s success will hinge on tailored engagement across three tiers of potential clientele: Ras Al Khaimah tourists, Dubai residents, and international luxury travelers.

For Ras Al Khaimah visitors, the challenge is maximizing dwell time by offering enough amenities to claim at least a quarter of their trip.

Dubai-based patrons are treated as a “local” segment, with specific attention given to curated food & beverage offerings, loyalty engagement, and day-trip appeal.

Destination VIPs, akin to Wynn’s Las Vegas audience, will require bespoke service, high-end exclusivity, and elevated entertainment experiences.

This segmentation strategy aims to capture both volume and value, making Wynn Al Marjan uniquely positioned among regional resorts.

Leadership Structure Assembled, Staff Expansion Underway

Wynn Resorts has now completed appointments for all key leadership positions across its gaming and non-gaming verticals in the UAE. The organization currently employs 49 senior-level executives and managers, with the headcount expected to rise to 327 by year-end. This structured buildout reflects a phased operational ramp-up in anticipation of pre-launch testing and regulatory compliance.

Wynn’s organizational approach mirrors its Las Vegas and Macau frameworks, ensuring operational continuity and global brand coherence.

London Crown Acquisition Expands VIP Data Synergies

The acquisition of Crown London Aspinalls adds strategic depth to Wynn’s VIP outreach, strengthening ties between European high-rollers and its upcoming UAE property. Executives highlighted a significant overlap in elite clientele between London and the Middle East, making the deal a valuable data asset beyond its standalone earnings potential.

This move positions Wynn to cross-leverage loyalty programs, host exclusive events, and personalize engagement for top-tier players across markets.

Measured Approach to Asian Expansion: Japan and Thailand

Wynn remains cautiously optimistic about Asia, but is adopting a wait-and-watch stance toward Japan and Thailand due to legislative ambiguity.

In Japan, the company has expressed hesitation due to complex licensure and ownership models. “We would only look at Japan if the setup was right,” said Billings, signaling the need for a more favorable regulatory structure.

Regarding Thailand, while acknowledging its immense tourism potential and infrastructure, Wynn flagged key issues in the proposed entertainment complex bill, citing that certain provisions are unworkable in their current form.

This tempered stance indicates Wynn’s strategic discipline—prioritizing regulatory clarity and capital efficiency over opportunistic growth.

Al Marjan’s Competitive Edge: First Mover in a Billion-Dollar Market

Industry analysts estimate that the UAE gaming market could exceed US$5 billion in GGR within a few years of liberalization, giving Wynn a rare early-mover advantage. With no direct competition on the horizon and a powerful combination of location, brand equity, and luxury positioning, Al Marjan stands out as a cornerstone of Wynn’s global expansion.

From Vegas to the Gulf, the company is deploying its time-tested playbook—strategic site selection, curated luxury experiences, and data-driven marketing—to reinvent the high-end resort concept in a new geography.

Betting Big on the Gulf’s Luxury Gaming Future

Wynn Resorts is not just building a property—it’s crafting a category-defining experience in the Middle East’s evolving entertainment landscape. Al Marjan Island is shaping up to be a flagship resort that blends ultra-luxury with precision execution, regional nuance, and cross-market synergy. As the tower rises skyward, so too does investor optimism. With the right leadership, timely execution, and favorable market dynamics, Wynn may very well be laying the foundation for the next global gaming epicenter—one floor at a time.