Tourism Expansion in RAK Fuels Confidence in Wynn Integrated Resort

Wynn Resorts is leaning into rapid tourism growth in Ras Al Khaimah as it prepares to launch Wynn Al Marjan Island, the first integrated casino resort in the UAE. With a 2027 opening on the horizon, analysts were briefed on a destination expanding at a pace few global markets can match.

Good to Know

• Wynn Al Marjan Island will operate under the UAE first land-based casino licence
• Ras Al Khaimah tourism expected to grow nearly 27% annually to 2030
• UAE gaming GGR forecast ranges from $2 billion to $5 billion

Tourism Surge Sets Stage for Wynn Al Marjan Island

Wynn Resorts told investors that RAK tourism is projected to rise sharply over the next several years. Forecasts from the Emirate tourism board and the RAK Centre for Statistics show visitor volume climbing to 5.3 million by 2030, with overnight stays jumping to 9.6 million. Growth rates of this scale position RAK as one of the UAE most dynamic tourism markets.

The resort received the nation first land-based casino licence from the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority in 2024. Each Emirate may issue one licence under current rules, though Sharjah will not participate.

RAK Hospitality Investment Fuels Expansion

RAK Hospitality Holdings, Wynn local partner, outlined major investments across hotels and infrastructure. The Emirate expects 12% yearly revenue growth in tourism to 2030, supported by an expanding inventory of premium rooms. Four- and five-star hotels are forecast to dominate the landscape, reaching nearly 92% of total supply. Hotel key growth in these categories may climb 134% by the end of the decade.

Developers have also accelerated land activity since Wynn project became public. On Al Marjan Island, land prices nearly tripled between 2021 and 2024. Average transaction rates rose from 86 dollars per square foot in 2022 to 207 dollars this past September. Several luxury hotel brands have since committed to new builds, including JW Marriott, Fairmont, Nikki Beach, and the newly announced Janu Al Marjan Island.

Infrastructure Push Reinforces RAK Long-Term Vision

RAK plans to modernize roads, expand its airport terminal, and add housing and schools to support rising economic activity. A new district, RAK Central, will anchor the next phase of tourism growth, drawing comparisons to Dubai as a multi-use hub.

These improvements align with Wynn forecast for the UAE gaming market. The company expects nationwide GGR between 2 billion and 5 billion dollars, assuming two more integrated resorts join the market. Wynn anticipates holding roughly one-third of the total, potentially up to 1.7 billion dollars in GGR.

Per-adult GGR in the UAE could reach 180 dollars, placing the country just behind Las Vegas at 211 dollars. As a share of GDP, Wynn projects the UAE gaming sector to exceed the USA, with estimates at 0.94% versus 0.29%.

Development Progress Remains on Track

Wynn Al Marjan Island is still targeting a March 2027 debut. Facade work is mostly complete, including 70% of glazing. Interior construction begins next, with pre-opening activity set for late 2026 into early 2027.