It is not clear what the status of that project is.Ī decade before that, Abu Dhabi government-owned Mubadala Development signed a deal with MGM Mirage to develop non-gaming hotels and resorts in Abu Dhabi and Las Vegas. In 2017, MGM Hospitality announced a deal with Dubai-based Wasl Hospitality and Leisure to develop a resort in Dubai. That ran through until July 2021, when MGM bought out its partner. A subsidiary of Dubai World signed a deal with MGM in 2007 involving a $5bn investment by the UAE investor. 'Once you open the door to this and tourists come in, then Dubai I’m sure will follow, but it might take a few years,” said Kisser.ĭubai has some past experience which may prove useful. If all goes smoothly other emirates are expected to follow suit, chief among them Dubai. Wynn has not said how much it is investing in the project but said it is “a significant foreign direct investment.” It will also operate the resort.

The term ‘integrated resort’ is also often used to describe a casino and hotel complex and the decision to set up a new department to deal with such places suggests the Wynn resort might not be a one-off. Marjan chief executive Abdulla Al Abdooli said the “entertainment and gaming amenities” at the 1,000-room development would help the emirate with its strategy of trying to attract more tourists.Ī spokesman for Marjan declined to define what was meant by “gaming” but said “The gaming facility is currently in the design phase and will be purposely built … taking into consideration culture and societal norms.”īefore then the developers will need to apply for an integrated resort license from the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority’s newly-established Department of Entertainment and Gaming Regulation. The development is scheduled to open in 2026.

Wynn is partnering with the local Marjan – the master-developer of freehold property in the emirate – and RAK Hospitality Holding, which owns and operates a string of hotels and leisure assets.

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