The first full-scale casino in the United Arab Emirates will be in operation in 2026, built on an artificial island off the coast of the Ras Al Khaimah emirate.
Wynn Resorts was granted permission to build a resort “with gaming,” although “gambling” was not specifically mentioned, in January. This week, however, Wynn CEO Craig Billings confirmed the casino. For many years, casinos have not been permitted in the Gulf Arab region.
Billings said that the casino, which for some time would be operating on its own, without competition, would “shape up to be somewhat larger than Wynn Las Vegas.”
He added: “When you think about a market like that where you are, for some period of time, the only operator, you certainly don’t want to under-build the casino, but you want to maintain that sense of energy.”
The UAE has seven emirates, of which RAK is one of the smallest and less well-known. In the neighbouring emirate of Dubai, Caesars Palace has a resort, but without a casino, and MGM Resorts is at present engaged in constructing a resort.
It has fuelled speculation that they will at some stage in the future join Wynn in competition.
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