Ras Al Khaimah’s Wynn Al Marjan resort eyes March 2027 opening
The construction of the Wynn Integrated Resort on Marjan Island is progressing on schedule, with the project set to open in March 2027, according to a top official.
“We are committed to delivering the resort by 2027, and it is on plan,” said Abdulla Al Abdouli, CEO of Marjan, in a recent interview with Khaleej Times. “If you look at the site, you will see a lot of work happening. March 2027 is approaching fast.”
The 70-storey Wynn Al Marjan tower had reached the 61st floor as of August 2025. The resort is a joint venture between US-based Wynn Resorts, Marjan, and RAK Hospitality Holding. Wynn Resorts was awarded the UAE’s first commercial gaming operator licence in 2024, making this the first integrated gaming resort in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).
Boost for tourism
Abdouli said the resort will significantly increase visitor numbers in Ras Al Khaimah. “It is one of the biggest projects in the UAE and one of the most anticipated in the region,” he said. “It will add 1,542 hotel keys and more than 22 F&B lounges and experiences. It will increase the number of visitors to the emirate.”
He added that the resort will have a broader economic impact. “The Wynn resort will provide an offering, but supporting it requires residential units and apartments as well. Many businesses will be created there. It will be an integral part of Ras Al Khaimah’s economy.”
Recruitment & jobs
Hiring for the resort is already underway. As of 21 September, 78 positions were open. In April, Wynn reported onboarding 80 employees, with plans to reach around 300 staff by the end of the year.
Michael Weaver, Chief Communications Officer at Wynn Resorts, said: “We will be hiring across all areas, from room attendants and bartenders to finance, marketing and IT. It’s like a small city, and we want to ensure all departments are staffed and trained before we open.”
Gaming and non-gaming offerings
The $3.9-billion resort will sit on its own 60-hectare island extending into the Arabian Gulf. While gaming will be a central attraction, the resort will also offer luxury hotel rooms, beach clubs, 22 restaurants and lounges, a marina, nightlife venues, a spa, and custom-designed entertainment shows.
According to Wynn Resorts CEO Craig Billings, the UAE’s gaming market could reach up to $5 billion.
Ras Al Khaimah expansion
Abdouli spoke shortly after Marjan announced the completion of infrastructure works for RAK Central, the emirate’s newest business district and the largest in the Northern Emirates. “The Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority aims to attract more than 3.5 million visitors by 2030,” he said. “To achieve this, we need more hospitality keys and active investor participation in real estate, including hotels and apartments.”
He stressed the importance of planning for sustainable growth: “We conduct research and development based on a scientific approach, monitoring supply and demand. Once a master plan is launched, we know it is beneficial for all parties, and we ensure a 30 percent development margin for any developer.”
Long-term strategy
Earlier reports indicated that Wynn Resorts and its partners have designated land for a second integrated resort in Ras Al Khaimah, signalling a long-term plan to create a casino hub in the UAE similar to Las Vegas and Macau.
The resort is set to draw visitors from the UAE, India, Russia, Europe, and Central Asia, while generating thousands of jobs and boosting residential and commercial growth on Marjan Island.
