Wynn Resorts Secures $2.4 Billion Loan for UAE's First Casino Resort

Renowned gaming and hospitality company Wynn Resorts has recently secured a $2.4 billion financing package to bring its innovative Wynn Al Marjan Island project to life in the United Arab Emirates. Set to be the first Las Vegas-style casino resort in the Middle East, the project promises to combine world-class gaming with luxury accommodations and entertainment facilities, marking a new chapter in the region’s tourism and leisure industry.

Under construction in Ras Al Khaimah, the resort is slated to open its doors in 2027. Wynn Al Marjan Island is designed to include the first commercial casino floor in the Arab world, aiming to rival prominent gambling hubs such as Macau and Las Vegas. The integrated resort will offer upscale hotel rooms, a variety of dining venues, a shopping esplanade, extensive leisure areas, and a state-of-the-art events center—all crafted to serve both local guests and international visitors.

The secured loan carries a seven-year term and is structured as a delayed draw facility, a design that offers significant financial flexibility to the joint venture partners managing the project. Denominated in both U.S. dollars and UAE dirhams, the financing package was arranged by a consortium of regional and international banks. Institutions such as First Abu Dhabi Bank PJSC, Emirates NBD Capital Limited, and the National Bank of Ras Al Khaimah have all contributed to releasing funds for this ambitious endeavor. According to a company statement, “The term of the loan is seven years at a competitive market interest rate and is structured as a delayed draw facility which provides significant financial flexibility to the joint venture partners.”

The project’s forward momentum is further supported by the regulatory framework in the UAE. The local authority, known as the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority, has granted a license approval exclusively for Wynn Al Marjan Island. This regulatory decision effectively creates a temporary monopoly, as no other commercial casino operations are currently permitted in the country. Investors have expressed confidence in this measured approach, anticipating that it will delay the entry of competing operators while the resort establishes itself in the market.

Despite being the first mover, Wynn Resorts is not expected to maintain a long-term monopoly in the burgeoning UAE casino market. Several other major operators, well-known from Las Vegas, are reportedly interested in exploring similar opportunities. These potential competitors are initially focusing on hotel developments, with the possibility of expanding into full casino operations at a later stage. Wynn Resorts, for its part, is following a phased development strategy, with a hotel tower scheduled for completion by the end of the current year, followed by additional phases designed to expand the overall project.

The financing milestone for Wynn Al Marjan Island comes at a time when the Middle East is gradually embracing regulated gaming as a tool for economic diversification and tourism enhancement. Historically, many countries in the region maintained strict controls over gambling; however, recent shifts in policy have paved the way for controlled, high-end casino resorts. This move is part of broader efforts by governments to attract international investment, diversify revenue streams, and develop world-class leisure destinations. The success of such projects could set a precedent for future ventures in the region, potentially drawing in global brands and investors eager to tap into this emerging market.

In summary, the $2.4 billion loan secured by Wynn Resorts represents a significant step toward realizing the Wynn Al Marjan Island project. With a construction timeline aimed at a 2027 opening, the development is poised to become a landmark destination in the UAE. The combination of robust financing, strategic regulatory support, and a phased expansion plan underscores the project’s potential to transform the region’s gaming and tourism landscape.

About Wynn Resorts

Wynn Resorts is a leading global developer and operator of luxury resorts and casinos, with a rich history that dates back to the visionary leadership of Steve Wynn. The company has built its reputation on a commitment to excellence, innovation, and refined elegance, consistently delivering unique and immersive guest experiences. Known for its high-end design and meticulously curated environments, Wynn Resorts has set a benchmark in the hospitality and gaming industry. Its properties are celebrated for their exceptional service, state-of-the-art facilities, and world-class amenities, which include fine dining establishments, premium entertainment options, and exclusive retail experiences. This focus on quality has enabled Wynn Resorts to secure a loyal customer base and win numerous industry awards over the years.

The company’s portfolio boasts several flagship properties in key markets around the world, notably in Las Vegas and Macau. In Las Vegas, Wynn Las Vegas and its sister property Encore stand out as paragons of modern luxury, offering expansive gaming floors, lavish accommodations, and dynamic entertainment venues. These properties have become synonymous with sophisticated leisure and opulence, attracting high-net-worth guests and tourists from across the globe. In Macau, Wynn Resorts has successfully adapted its signature style to cater to the Asian market with resorts such as Wynn Macau and Wynn Palace, which feature grand architecture, impressive art collections, and a harmonious blend of Eastern and Western design influences. These international properties not only reinforce the brand’s reputation for excellence but also illustrate its ability to innovate and tailor experiences to diverse cultural contexts.

Looking ahead, Wynn Resorts is focused on strategic growth and innovation to maintain its competitive edge in a rapidly evolving global market. The company is investing in new technologies to enhance guest engagement and streamline operations, such as advanced digital platforms and personalized service initiatives that improve the overall visitor experience. In addition, Wynn Resorts is exploring opportunities for expansion into emerging markets where luxury tourism is on the rise, aiming to replicate its successful model in new environments. Alongside its expansion efforts, the company is also committed to corporate social responsibility, actively pursuing sustainable business practices and community outreach programs. These initiatives reflect Wynn Resorts’ dedication not only to operational excellence but also to making a positive impact on the communities in which it operates.