Wynn Resorts announced on Friday that it has received the first commercial gaming operator’s licence in the UAE from the country’s General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority.
The Las Vegas-based casino operator revealed plans for a luxury resort at Wynn Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah.
This under-construction project is a joint venture involving affiliates of Wynn Resorts, Marjan, and RAK Hospitality Holding, according to Wynn.
The government communications office of Ras Al Khaimah, RAKTDA, and RAK Hospitality Holding did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Reuters.
Last month, the UAE established a federal body to oversee responsible gaming and appointed experienced professionals from the US gaming industry to lead it.
These developments allowing for commercial gaming come in response to increasing economic competition in the GCC region, particularly from Saudi Arabia. The UAE also introduced a series of liberal legal reforms last month to maintain its status as the region’s leading trade, tourism, and financial centre.
