Wynn Resorts the name behind Las Vegas icons—is making history. ALEC Engineering and Contracting is constructing the Middle East’s first-ever casino on Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah, a peaceful emirate just an hour from Dubai.
Wynn Al Marjan Island is a $5 billion luxury mega-resort opening in 2027, featuring a 300-meter golden tower, over 1,500 rooms, nearly 300 suites, and 22 private villas. Guests will enjoy 12 swimming pools, a private marina, 225,000+ square feet of gaming and entertainment space, 130,000 square feet of retail, and a vibrant neighborhood of restaurants, bars, and theaters—bringing Las Vegas-level spectacle to the Gulf.
Ras Al Khaimah, historically known for mountains and pottery, is betting on tourism as its growth engine. The emirate attracts 1.3 million visitors annually and aims to more than double that by 2030. With only six hotels currently on Al Marjan Island and 19 more planned, Wynn’s project is positioned to reshape the emirate’s economy and global profile.
In 2023, the UAE created the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), and Wynn secured exclusive casino rights for 15 years—a historic move in a nation long opposed to gambling. Analysts project the UAE could generate $8.5 billion in annual gaming revenue, rivaling Las Vegas and Singapore. Other global gaming giants, including MGM Resorts.
Investment and Revenue Potential: Wynn holds a 40% equity stake, with RAK Hospitality Holding and Al Marjan Island LLC holding 60%. Total equity investment could reach $875 million. Once operational, the resort is expected to generate $1.6 billion in gaming revenue annually, with total revenues approaching $1.8 billion, potentially delivering profit margins up to 40%—making it one of Wynn’s most lucrative projects.
The project is already transforming real estate: Al Marjan Island property values have tripled, villas now start at 6 million dirhams, and luxury brands are investing billions nearby. Wynn isn’t just building a casino—it’s creating a global entertainment and lifestyle destination, blending Las Vegas-style leisure with Middle Eastern ambition.
Casino lovers from Singapore and Hong Kong are already watching closely. For investors, this is more than a resort—it’s a first-mover opportunity in a newly legalized, high-potential market. Ras Al Khaimah is poised to become the Middle East’s Las Vegas, and Wynn Al Marjan Island is leading the charge.