Wynn Al Marjan opening remains on track as UAE tourism rebounds
Wynn Resorts’ flagship Wynn Al Marjan Island project in Ras Al Khaimah appears likely to remain on track for its planned 2027 opening despite recent concerns that regional tensions could disrupt construction and delay the UAE’s first integrated gaming resort.
The $5.1 billion development had faced issues this year as the war involving Iran led to logistical and shipping challenges across parts of the Middle East. As reported by local news agencies, improving geopolitical conditions and signs of recovery across the UAE’s tourism sector have strengthened confidence that the project can largely maintain its current timeline.
Speaking earlier this year, Wynn CEO Craig Billings said the project had been affected by some logistical disruptions linked to the conflict in the region. While the situation created challenges for deliveries and supply chains, he said construction had continued to progress, with the company finding alternative routes and suppliers to minimise the impact on the overall schedule.
22K workers actively working
The latest updates suggest the project remains well developed. The main tower was ready in December 2025, while structural work across the resort has largely been completed. Wynn has previously confirmed that all 1,530 hotel rooms and suites are structurally finished, with interior fit-out works now progressing across most of the property.
Around 22,000 workers remain on site as construction enters its final stages. Alongside the main resort complex, other projects like Wynn Bridge and employee accommodation facilities are scheduled for completion next year.
The resort is expected to play a major role in the UAE’s emerging gaming and tourism industries. Once operational, Wynn Al Marjan Island is projected to create more than 7,500 jobs, making it one of the largest hospitality employers in the country. Recruitment and training programmes are expected to ramp up significantly ahead of opening, although any major delays could affect hiring schedules and operational preparations.
The improving outlook for Wynn Al Marjan Island comes as the wider UAE tourism sector begins showing signs of recovery after a difficult start to the year.
UAE tourism hopeful of recovery
Hotel operators across the country have reported growing confidence following a preliminary agreement between the United States and Iran aimed at easing regional tensions. The framework, signed on 17 June, extends an existing ceasefire and provides a window for negotiations on a longer-term settlement.
At the same time, nations like the United Kingdom have removed the UAE from its travel advisory list, a development welcomed by hotel operators given the importance of British visitors to the market. Industry executives from major hotel groups including Accor, Leva and Rotana have said they expect demand to improve during the second half of 2026, with the winter season likely to drive much of the recovery.
Dubai’s hotel sector had endured a sharp downturn earlier this year, with occupancy briefly falling to 22.8 per cent in March, according to STR and CoStar data. While challenges remain, Wynn Al Marjan Island now appears well positioned to welcome its first guests in 2027, helping both Ras Al Khaimah’s tourism sector and the UAE’s emerging gaming industry.
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