(AsiaGameHub) – Wynn Resorts is reportedly considering a delay to the opening of its casino resort in the United Arab Emirates due to the latest escalation of conflict in the Middle East.
Wynn Al Marjan Island, a resort under development in Ras Al Khaimah, is estimated to cost between $3.9 billion and $5.1 billion and was originally scheduled to open in spring 2025. However, according to a recent Bloomberg report, that launch date may now be postponed.
The project would mark the first licensed casino resort in the country, but ongoing hostilities in the Middle East have significantly disrupted industries, business operations, and tourism throughout the broader region.
The casino operator had announced in March that construction had resumed after a brief pause, with measures taken to ensure the safety and security of all employees on-site, while also stating it would continue monitoring the situation.
A fragile ceasefire between Iran and the U.S. was further destabilized by Iranian attacks on the UAE and subsequent retaliatory actions in the Gulf. In response, Tehran declared it was “just getting started.”
There had been optimism that the ceasefire would restore security across Gulf nations, which had previously faced instability due to the conflict, but those expectations are now fading as the truce appears increasingly untenable.
Wynn Resorts’ previous confidence
In its statement earlier this year, Wynn Resorts noted: “The Wynn Design and Development team responsible for overseeing construction, architecture, and design of the project, along with the resort executive team leading operational strategy and planning, have continued their work consistently.”
“Wynn employees have been given the option to work from abroad if recommended to do so by their home embassy.”
Investors may not need to wait much longer for confirmation on whether the project’s launch has been delayed, as Wynn Resorts is expected to release its financial results for the first quarter of 2026 on 7 May following the close of U.S. stock markets.
The UAE’s gambling regulator, the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), granted Wynn Resorts a gaming operator license for Wynn Al Marjan Island in October 2024.
MGM Resorts International is also building a non-gaming facility in the country. Chief Executive Officer Bill Hornbuckle recently stated that the company sees potential in its non-gaming management agreement to expand its brands into the region with Wasl Hospitality in Dubai, suggesting it could eventually house a casino.
iGaming Business has contacted Wynn Resorts for comment on reports indicating it is considering delaying the opening of its UAE resort.
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