Wynn Resorts secures first UAE gambling licence as region eyes tourism and economic growth

Wynn Resorts has now announced it has been awarded the first-ever commercial gaming operator’s licence in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a significant step towards reshaping the country’s economic and tourism landscape. This development comes amidst a wave of liberal reforms designed to secure the UAE’s position as a regional hub, particularly in competition with neighbouring Saudi Arabia.

The Las Vegas-based hospitality giant revealed that the gaming license will facilitate operations at its upcoming luxury resort on Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah, a joint venture between Wynn Resorts, Marjan, and RAK Hospitality Holding. With construction underway, this resort marks the first casino in the UAE, a nation historically known for its conservative stance on gambling. This shift signals broader intentions from the UAE to diversify its economy, attract international tourism, and remain a key player in the ever-intensifying race for economic dominance within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

Bold shift in UAE’s conservative policies

The UAE’s decision to issue the gambling licence follows the formation of the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) just last month. This federal body is tasked with overseeing gambling activities, a once unthinkable concept for the UAE, where gambling has been prohibited for decades due to religious and cultural restrictions. However, the tides have turned. With economic competition escalating across the Gulf—particularly with Saudi Arabia’s ambitions to develop its tourism sector—the UAE appears intent on staying ahead.

The establishment of the GCGRA involved the hiring of seasoned veterans from the U.S. gaming industry, signalling the UAE’s desire for expertise and efficiency in this new frontier. Wynn Resorts’ venture, particularly given its status as a reputable player in the global gaming industry, is a strong first step in the UAE’s broader push to liberalise certain sectors to appeal to Western tourists and investors.

While Ras Al Khaimah’s government and its tourism authorities have remained tight-lipped, it is clear that this move aligns with the UAE’s strategy to create diversified attractions beyond Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The country recently enacted a series of liberal legal reforms aimed at solidifying its position as the top destination for trade, tourism, and finance in the region...[Read More]