UAE Grants First Commercial Gaming License to Wynn Resorts
Luxury resort with casino set to open on Al Marjan Island as UAE moves to regulate gambling
UAE Issues First Gambling License to Wynn Resorts
Hotel and casino operator Wynn Resorts said on Friday that it has been granted the first commercial gaming operator license in the United Arab Emirates by the country’s General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority.
The Las Vegas-based casino company said it is developing a luxury resort on the island of Wynn Al Marjan in Ras Al Khaimah.
The project, which is under construction, is a joint venture between subsidiaries of Wynn Resorts, Marjan and RAK Hospitality Holding, Wynn said.
Ras Al Khaimah’s government communications office, RAKTDA and RAK Hospitality Holding did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comment.
The UAE last month set up a federal agency to regulate gambling and hired US industry veterans to lead it, ending years of speculation over whether the country would allow illegal gambling across the conservative Gulf region.
The moves to allow gambling come amid intensifying economic competition in the Gulf, particularly with Saudi Arabia. The UAE introduced liberal legal reforms last month as it tries to maintain its edge as the region’s trade, tourism and financial hub.
