Wynn Resorts Awarded UAE’s First Commercial Gaming License
Wynn Resorts has officially received the UAE’s first commercial gaming operator’s license, as confirmed by the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) to Khaleej Times. The Las Vegas-based hotel and casino operator is constructing Wynn Al Marjan Island, the first integrated gaming resort in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The multi-billion-dollar project, situated on a 62-hectare island extending into the Arabian Gulf, is set to welcome guests in early 2027.
While specific details about the gaming license remain undisclosed, this is the second license issued by the GCGRA. The first license, granted in July 2024, was awarded to Abu Dhabi-based The Game LLC for operating the UAE’s first authorized lottery.
In addition to its gaming features, Wynn Al Marjan Island will boast a range of luxury, non-gaming amenities. These include 1,542 rooms and suites, 22 private villa estates, and other world-class facilities. It will also be Wynn Resorts’ first beachfront property, adding to its prestigious portfolio, which includes locations in Las Vegas, Macau, and Boston Harbor.
This landmark development is expected to attract both regional and international tourists, setting a new standard for luxury resorts in the UAE.
