By obtaining the first-ever gaming license in the United Arab Emirates, Wynn Resorts is ushering in a new era in the region. An era in which luxury casino complexes are establishing themselves as strategic drivers of tourism and economic development.
The company's project is called Wynn Al Marjan Island. With it, they are not only entering a new market, but also building a unique tourism hub with the potential to change the map of gaming tourism and the industry.
The complex is located on the artificial island of Al Marjan in the emirate of Ras al-Khaimah. The project is worth $ 5.1 billion and is located on an area of 600,000 sq m. It has a casino with an area of 18,500 sq m, over 1,500 rooms, luxury villas, 24 restaurants, a theater, a convention center and a boutique shopping complex. The casino will be strategically separated and designed to meet the cultural norms of the region. This emphasizes Wynn's approach to creating a premium entertainment environment, in which gaming is discreetly integrated into the broader framework of tourism and luxury.
The project's key importance is not limited to infrastructure. It is part of an ambitious vision for the economic transformation of the United Arab Emirates, where gambling was until recently a taboo subject, but is now seen as an opportunity to enter a new segment of the tourism industry. The location of the complex, which is only 45 minutes from Dubai International Airport, makes it extremely accessible to tourists from all over the world.
The interest in gambling tourism is not new and is already observed in various parts of the world, including in Southeastern Europe. One example in this direction is the Palms Royale Sofia complex in Bulgaria - located in the very heart of the capital, with an exceptional design, a top-class casino area and specially developed programs for VIP tourists from the Middle East, Turkey, Israel and other countries. It ranks among the largest entertainment complexes in Europe.
Located in the prestigious five-star Grand Hotel Millennium Sofia, next to the iconic National Palace of Culture, Palms Royale Sofia spreads over an area of 6,000 sq m and offers an unparalleled experience for discerning guests. The gaming area is approximately 2,000 sq m, featuring 18 live gaming tables, 6 roulette tables, 18 card game tables, as well as 200 state-of-the-art slot machines from leading global manufacturers. The complex features VIP gaming lounges, accessible through exclusive VIP entrances and personalized concierge services.
The interior impresses with high-quality contemporary design elements, including marble, velvet, crystal chandeliers and exquisite art lighting. The Palms Royale Sofia complex regularly hosts exclusive events such as private fashion shows, tournaments, presentations of luxury brands, premieres of music albums by prominent artists. The complex has two restaurants offering different types of food - Asian and Mediterranean, a club for private events and gatherings.
The five-star luxury Grand Hotel Millennium Sofia, where the gaming complex is located, features over 400 luxurious rooms and suites, including panoramic and presidential suites, ensuring a superb stay for all guests. With over 10 restaurants and bars, including a rooftop sky bar offering breathtaking 360° views of Sofia, a spa and wellness center spanning over 3,000 square meters including a 25-meter swimming pool, panoramic saunas, massage areas, salt rooms and a modern fitness center, the hotel attracts the most discerning guests.
For business and social gatherings, it offers more than 5,000 square meters of space, including a grand ballroom with a capacity of up to 700 guests, along with numerous conference rooms and private lounges. Centrally located on Vitosha Boulevard, the hotel offers convenient pedestrian access to key cultural and government landmarks. Guests can enjoy panoramic views of Sofia and the majestic Vitosha Mountain from almost every point of the hotel.
Palms Royale Sofia and Grand Hotel Millennium Sofia offer a combination of luxury, entertainment and sophistication, making them a premier destination for elite international visitors and sophisticated travelers seeking an exceptional experience in Sofia.
The complex regularly welcomes groups of international guests who combine their visit to Bulgaria with entertainment, shopping and cultural tourism. Thus, gaming tourism is becoming an important element of the national tourism strategy, especially for countries that combine affordable services, a high level of service and good infrastructure.
Wynn Al Marjan Island follows the same logic – creating a holistic experience, where the casino is just one part of a much broader mix of experiences. The project is financed through a partnership between Wynn Resorts (40%), Marjan LLC (the state-owned company that manages the island) and RAK Hospitality Holding. Long-term financing has been secured from international institutions and the resort is expected to open in 2027.
The combination of strategic location, luxurious amenities, a regulated market and an experienced operator makes Wynn Al Marjan Island a symbol of a new type of tourism that integrates cultural delicacy, economic ambition and world standards into one.
An interesting fact is that during the construction of the complex, investment interests in real estate are increasing. Currently, residential complexes, villas, houses are being actively built near Wynn Al Marjan Island, because huge interest in it is expected after its completion and it is believed that the capacity of the complex will not be able to absorb the entire flow of tourists who are interested and this is considered a very good investment. Investor interest is huge, because it is believed that property prices will increase dramatically in a year and when the complex opens.
This is not just a resort. This is an economic and tourism engine that will change the rules in the region. And it will show that when properly regulated, gambling can be a source not only of revenue, but also of innovation, international partnership, and sustainable economic value.
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