Wynn Resorts says it gets UAE’s first gambling license
Wynn Resorts, the Las Vegas-based hotel and casino operator, announced on Friday that it has been awarded the first commercial gaming operator’s license in the United Arab Emirates by the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority. This groundbreaking development comes as the UAE seeks to diversify its economy and enhance its tourism offerings.
Wynn Resorts is currently developing a luxury resort at Wynn Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah. The project is a joint venture involving affiliates of Wynn Resorts, Marjan, and RAK Hospitality Holding, and is currently under construction.
This licensing decision follows the UAE’s recent establishment of a federal entity to regulate gambling, a significant shift for a country where such activities have historically been illegal. The government has appointed experienced leaders from the U.S. gaming industry to oversee the new regulatory framework, marking a pivotal moment for the region.
The move to legalize gambling aligns with broader efforts by the UAE to maintain its competitive edge against neighboring countries, particularly Saudi Arabia, amid increasing economic competition in the Gulf. Last month, the UAE also introduced a series of legal reforms aimed at bolstering its status as a hub for trade, tourism, and finance.
The government communications office in Ras Al Khaimah and RAK Hospitality Holding did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Reuters regarding the implications of this new gaming license.
As the UAE navigates this transition, the introduction of legal gambling is expected to attract tourists and boost the local economy, further solidifying the country’s reputation as a premier destination in the region.
