Ras Al Khaimah set a precedent in the United Arab Emirates, where gambling is a taboo subject. The authorities of Ras Al Khaimah confirmed several months ago that they had obtained the license to establish Wynn Resorts there, the first “gambling facility” in the entire emirate.
In the territory, such institutions are prohibited, but the industry could begin to establish itself permanently, changing market rules and the economy. According to experts, once casinos proliferate in the UAE, they could contribute 1.7% to the GDP, generating revenues of $10 billion annually.
How Ras Al Khaimah Could Change the Rules in the UAE
Wynn Resorts is Ras Al Khaimah’s (RAK) most ambitious project, as it positions itself as an emirate with significant proposals for tourism and real estate investment. This precedent has been highlighted by experts, who claim that major entrepreneurs are operating behind the scenes to establish a new Las Vegas across the country. For now, everything remains an open secret, and the laws in the UAE remain strict regarding gambling.
The need to grow this industry in the country began with the aforementioned announcement of the construction of the “integrated resort” with Wynn Resorts, which features a “gaming zone” and is set to open in 2027. Shortly after this announcement, RAK established the Department of Entertainment and Gaming Regulation to oversee integrated tourist sites and gaming activities.
The Precedent of Ras Al Khaimah
The construction of a Wynn Resorts in RAK with an integrated casino marked a precedent for this industry in the UAE. As mentioned earlier, such projects do not yet have existing legislation. However, in September 2023, the United Arab Emirates established the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), which the following year launched an official website with information for those seeking a gaming license.
The GCGRA is the same entity that granted Wynn Resorts its license in 2024 under the title of “Commercial Gaming Facility Operator” to develop its own Las Vegas-style sector in RAK. In this context, experts suggest that the installation of this new industry is being orchestrated through secret negotiations that nonetheless provide significant clues. For now, the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority has not commented on gambling activities at this resort.
Ras Al Khaimah’s Big Move
With the presence of Wynn Resorts, Ras Al Khaimah aims to outshine its top competitors: Dubai and Abu Dhabi. This massive hotel will be built on Al Marjan Island, an artificial archipelago off the coast of Ras Al Khaimah, and is designed to attract millions of tourists from around the world, shifting the focus to this often-overlooked emirate. The development of this space required an initial investment of $3.9 billion, and to meet expectations, it will feature top-tier amenities.
The resort will include over 1,500 rooms, 24 restaurants, and the ambition to become the most talked-about casino in the region and the world. It also promises to surpass its Las Vegas counterpart in size, boasting more than 10,000 square feet. With all these developments, Wynn Resorts’ arrival in the UAE marks both a challenge and a shift in regulations for those seeking to diversify the economy and bet on gambling taking on a new role within the territory.
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