Wynn Resorts Ltd. has unveiled more details on the $3.9 billion integrated resort (IR) that it plans to build in Ras Al Khaimah on Al-Marjan Island in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Casino.org reported.
The casino resort is looking at an early 2027 opening. Construction has already begun on what the company envisions as one of the world’s largest casinos.
Wynn Resorts has also named Thomas Schoen as president of Wynn Al Marjan Island, which was revealed as the official name of the resort. Schoen will oversee all operational aspects of the IR. Schoen has more than three decades’ experience in the hospitality industry in Europe, the U.K. and Africa.
Wynn Resorts CEO Craig Billings said in a statement: “Wynn Al Marjan Island is an exciting project for Wynn Resorts.” He added, “We’re delighted to welcome Thomas to lead our operating team at this new venture. In his role, he will lead the delivery of the exceptional Wynn guest service for which we are so well known. Thomas’ passion for hospitality and extensive experience will be an important part of the success of Wynn Al Marjan Island.”
Schoen commented: “I am delighted to lead the operations of Wynn Al Marjan Island and feel privileged to be part of such a significant new chapter for the group. The iconic destination will not only mark a new one-of-a-kind guest experience in the Emirates but will further establish the brand across the globe. I look forward to embarking on this exciting journey.”
The project will be $1.2 billion more expensive than the Wynn Las Vegas, which is 18 years old this week. It will also be Wynn’s first beachfront property.
In its announcement, the gaming giant unveiled several design renderings of the resort, which will include a 1,000 foot tower, a 1,500-room hotel, 24 restaurants, all with a view of the ocean. It will also boast several villas along the beach. It will also have an events center and theater.
The announcement declared, “With a rapidly growing portfolio of luxury five-star hotels and residential developments that offer a wide range of amenities and services and boasting over 7.8 kilometers of sparkling beaches and twenty-three kilometers of waterfront, Al Marjan Island is today seamlessly transitioning into a world-class resort destination.”
Wynn has partnered with RAK (Ras Al Khaimah) Hospitality LLC, a hotel developer based in the UAE, and will provide about a third of the investment. Its other partner is Marjan LLC, a Dubai-based developer.
The UAE has grown in recent years to be one of the top tourist destinations in the region, and RAK has been the tip of the spear in building that excitement.
This builds on the fact that Las Vegas, Macau and Singapore have become saturated markets, leaving gaming developers searching for new, unexploited markets—and hoping to be the first to open in those markets.
For Wynn, the UAE resort will serve to diversify a portfolio that has become too dependent on Macau for comfort. If the project turns out to be profitable, it may encourage other emirates of the UAE to lift restrictions against gambling.
