The opening of the first casino in the United Arab Emirates is delayed

War impacts project timeline

Wynn Resorts CEO Craig Billings explained that the war in the Middle East continues to affect the resort's development due to global supply chain issues and difficulties in moving staff.

During the presentation of the financial results for the second quarter, the executive noted that, although construction is progressing at a good pace, the company now plans to open the complex to the public in September 2027, instead of the beginning of that same year.

The first licensed casino in the UAE

In October 2024, Wynn Resorts obtained the first license to operate a casino in the United Arab Emirates, a historic development in a country where gambling continues to be prohibited by legislation inspired by Islamic law.

The project is part of a luxury hotel complex that the company is developing on the artificial island of Al Marjan, in the emirate of Ras al-Khaimah, one of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates.

The resort will have 1,542 rooms and represents one of the largest tourism investments in the region.

The conflict also raised costs

Billings had already anticipated in May that the project would suffer a "slight delay" due to logistical and transportation challenges generated by the regional conflict.

According to him, the interruptions not only modified the construction schedule, but also increased the cost of the project by around 600 million dollars, of which approximately half is directly linked to the consequences of the war in the Middle East.

A key project for the gaming industry

The opening of the Wynn Resorts resort is considered a historic step for the development of tourism and entertainment in the United Arab Emirates. The complex will mark the debut of the country's first licensed casino and will be closely watched by the global gaming industry, which is watching the Emirati market evolve as a potential new hub for international investment.