UAE – Wynn Resorts has confirmed that construction of its US$5.1 billion Al Marjan Island Resort in Ras Al Khaimah is progressing steadily, with a projected opening in the first quarter of 2027.
This landmark development marks the UAE’s debut into the world of integrated resorts, establishing itself as a major player in the regional hospitality industry.
The project, which has already surpassed its original budget estimate of $3.9 billion, reached a significant milestone with the resort’s main tower now standing at 26 floors, with walls extending to the 29th.
Over 55% of the structural concrete work is complete, with construction advancing at a pace of one floor per week. Craig Billings, CEO of Wynn Resorts, expressed optimism about the project’s trajectory.
“The UAE represents an extraordinary opportunity for growth. We are confident in our ability to deliver an unparalleled experience here,” he said.
Once completed, the resort will offer 1,542 rooms and suites, with 73% of the accommodations already structurally finished. Fit-out work, including mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, has commenced in over 800 rooms.
The property will also feature 22 dining and nightlife venues, a nightclub, a luxurious beach club, and a tropical pool area.
Other highlights include a sprawling 15,000-square-meter shopping promenade, a five-star spa, a salon, and a 7,500-square-meter events center. A theater is also under development, promising to host world-class performances.
The ambitious project is being led by Wynn Design and Development (WDD), which has deployed a team of 90 architects and designers alongside a 9,100-member construction workforce. The involvement of 100 concrete trucks daily underscores the scale of the operation.
Wynn Resorts is collaborating with Marjan and RAK Hospitality Holding to bring the development to life. In October 2024, the company secured the UAE’s first casino license from the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), further enhancing its market position.
The UAE’s gaming industry is projected to generate between US$3 billion and $5 billion annually, with Wynn’s Ras Al Khaimah location anticipated to contribute US$1 billion to US$1.67 billion in gross gaming revenue.
This positions Wynn ahead of competitors like MGM Resorts, which has announced plans for a similar venture in Abu Dhabi.
The project’s completion timeline remains firm, with a topping-off ceremony anticipated by December 2025. “We are building more than a resort; we are creating an experience that sets a new standard in hospitality,” Billings stated.
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