Casino Ras Al Khaimah is the first legal casino in the United Arab Emirates. The Wynn Al Marjan Island project is already transforming the region and attracting investors from around the world. This is not just another hotel — it is a historic moment for the entire country.
Where is Casino Ras Al Khaimah located?
Casino Ras Al Khaimah is situated on Al Marjan Island — a man‑made archipelago in the Arabian Gulf. It is approximately 45 minutes from Dubai International Airport.
The under‑construction 548‑meter Wynn Bridge will connect the resort to the E311 and E611 highways, providing a direct link to Dubai and the Northern Emirates. Currently, 48% of the bridge work is complete.
What is Wynn Al Marjan Island?
Wynn Al Marjan Island is the first casino in the UAE. The project is developed by the legendary Wynn Resorts — the company behind the famous casinos in Las Vegas and Macau.
Key figures that show the scale:
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$5.1 billion (AED 18.7 billion) — total investment
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352 meters — tower height, making it the tallest building in the Northern Emirates
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70 floors
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1,530 guest rooms
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22 restaurants and lounges
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12 swimming pools
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420 meters of private beach
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225,000 sq. ft. gaming area
The first casino license in UAE history
On 4 October 2024, Wynn Al Marjan Island received the first‑ever casino license in the UAE, issued by the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA). This was a true sensation — in a country where gambling was strictly prohibited, the first legal casino has now emerged.
The license is valid for 15 years. To date, this remains the only casino in the UAE.
What’s inside the resort?
Wynn Al Marjan Island is more than just a hotel. It is a carefully curated space where every detail matters. For example, the rooms feature private entry vestibules that separate the bedroom from the corridor — a thoughtful solution that ensures privacy when staff deliver food or luggage.
Room design: carpets, gold, and luxury finishes
The rooms are designed by Wynn Design & Development — the same team behind legendary Wynn interiors worldwide.
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Entry vestibule. Each room has a separate vestibule that separates the bedroom from the corridor. As a result, staff never see the bedroom or the guest when making deliveries. This solution respects cultural norms and enhances privacy.
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Floor‑to‑ceiling windows with panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf.
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Finishes. Arches, reflective surfaces, and layered textures draw inspiration from regional heritage and the elegance of 18th–19th century design.
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Colours and light. Warm tones create a sense of place. Individual lighting and mirrored accents echo the rhythm of the sea. The interior is described as “calm, thoughtful, and deeply felt.”
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Bathrooms. Double vanities, walk‑in showers, and freestanding bathtubs.
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Carpets. Rooms feature carpets with intricate henna‑like patterns on a sandy background. Furthermore, gold accents appear throughout the finishes.
Restaurants: world‑renowned chefs
A total of 22 restaurants and lounges will open. Two venues have already been confirmed:
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Delilah — the world‑famous celebrity‑favourite restaurant with a “no‑cameras” policy.
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A steakhouse by legendary chef Alain Ducasse — one of the most decorated chefs in the world.
Entertainment: immersive shows and art
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Punchdrunk — the iconic immersive theatre show. In late June 2026, the company announced that it will make its Middle East debut at Wynn Al Marjan Island, with an original production created specifically for this resort.
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A 900‑seat theatre will host a variety of performances.
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Museum‑grade art collection. On opening day, the resort will present a museum‑level collection — the “immersive Living Gallery.” It will feature rare masterpieces, new commissions, and iconic works from Wynn’s global collection. Artworks will be placed in public areas, rooms, and suites. Notably, the curator is Todd‑Avery Lenahan, President of Wynn Design & Development.
Coral Court: a versatile events space
At the heart of the resort lies Coral Court — an elegant events centre. The main hall is a columned ballroom of 2,633 sq. m with Roman windows and marina views. Therefore, it can be transformed for any format: from weddings to gala dinners or conferences. The design uses a neutral, sun‑drenched palette so that “the space does not compete with the story guests want to tell.” In addition, there are six meeting rooms named after great artists: Bourdelle, Calder, Miró, and Klimt.
When will Casino Ras Al Khaimah open?
The opening was originally planned for spring 2027. However, in May 2026, Wynn Resorts CEO Craig Billings confirmed that the project faces a “small delay”.
A new date has not yet been announced. We are awaiting official information.
Why does this matter for investors?
Casino Ras Al Khaimah is the only casino in the country. As a result, it creates a unique opportunity for early movers. The project will create over 9,000 jobs. Wynn Resorts has already invested $1.01 billion** of its own capital and secured a **$2.4 billion loan from a banking syndicate. Furthermore, global experience shows that the arrival of a first casino in a country always leads to significant property price appreciation. Consequently, Ras Al Khaimah is becoming a new hub of attraction.
Wynn Al Marjan Island is not just another development project in the UAE. Instead, it represents a tectonic shift in the economy and tourism appeal of an entire emirate. The first casino in the UAE is a once‑in‑a‑lifetime event, and we are right at its epicentre.
As a broker working in the Dubai and Oman real estate markets, I see clear parallels with how Dubai transformed into a global hub in the early 2000s. Back then, few believed the desert could become a city of the future. Today, however, no one doubts that Ras Al Khaimah with Wynn Resorts will become a new magnet for wealthy individuals worldwide.
What does this mean for you as an investor?
Early buyers always capture the highest margin. While the project is under construction, property prices are rising. Once the casino opens, property values in the area will multiply — this has been proven by Singapore, Macau, and Las Vegas.
Tourist flow is guaranteed. Wynn is a brand that attracts millions of tourists annually. Therefore, demand for rentals and hotels will be enormous.
Oman and Dubai are close. Ras Al Khaimah is just 45 minutes from Dubai. As a result, it offers an ideal location for those who want to combine business activities in Dubai with seaside living and, now, access to the region’s first casino.
I personally recommend that my clients consider Ras Al Khaimah as an entry point into a new market. Wynn Al Marjan Island is not just a resort — it is a catalyst for the entire region. Those who enter the project now will be among the first to reap the rewards of this historic moment.
If you have any questions about Ras Al Khaimah — feel free to reach out. I have access to up‑to‑date data and floor plans that are not always available in public sources.
Lilia Ibragimova
Founder of Alira Real Estate
📞 +971 58 833 7903
