Wynn Resorts, a renowned hotel and casino operator based in Las Vegas, announced on Friday that it has secured the UAE’s first-ever commercial gaming operator’s license. The license was granted by the country’s newly established General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority. Wynn is currently developing a luxury resort on Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah, set to be named Wynn Al Marjan Island.
The resort, which is still under construction, is a collaborative project involving Wynn Resorts, Marjan, and RAK Hospitality Holding. While both Ras Al Khaimah’s Government Communications Office and RAKTDA were contacted for comments, they have yet to respond to requests from Reuters.
The UAE recently formed a federal authority to oversee gambling regulations, marking a significant shift in the country’s legal landscape. This decision follows years of speculation about whether gambling would be permitted in the country, which is known for its traditionally conservative stance on the issue. The UAE’s move to legalize gambling comes amid growing economic rivalry within the Gulf region, particularly with Saudi Arabia. As part of its efforts to sustain its position as the Gulf’s leading hub for trade, tourism, and finance, the UAE also introduced a series of liberal legal reforms last month.
