Just 50 minutes from Dubai, a bold new project is rising from the coastline of Ras Al Khaimah, covering 5+ million square feet on a man-made island, Wynn Al Marjan Island is more than a resort.

It is a $5.1 billion turning point for the UAE, marking a new chapter in luxury hospitality, legal gaming, and high-impact tourism infrastructure.

A New Global Landmark

Wynn Al Marjan will include a 75-story glass tower, over 1,542 rooms and suites, and 22 ultra-private villas reserved for VVIP guests. This isn't an ordinary resort; it's a fully integrated luxury destination designed for the world's wealthiest travelers, investors, and business leaders.

Its design, scale, and purpose reflect a national ambition to reposition Ras Al Khaimah as a serious player in the global luxury and tourism market.

The UAE’s First Legal Casino

The most groundbreaking feature of this resort is the inclusion of the UAE’s first-ever legal casino, covering 225,000 square feet. It includes a Sky Casino on the 22nd floor, reserved for high-stakes players who demand discretion, exclusivity, and first-class service.

This decision shifts the UAE's regulatory landscape and signals a controlled entry into the gaming sector. It will attract a new class of tourists, business conferences, and private capital from global players in the entertainment and investment sectors.

Beyond Gaming: A Full Lifestyle Destination

Wynn Al Marjan Island is a complete ecosystem of hospitality, lifestyle, and commerce. It offers:

• A 900-seat theater with large-scale shows and immersive entertainment
• 4 high-end restaurants led by celebrity chefs
• A luxury beach club, nightclub, and private business venues
• Over 161,000 square feet of designer retail, curated for global luxury brands
• A spa, fitness center, salon, and wellness suites
• 420 meters of private beach with full concierge-level services 

This is not built for a single demographic. It’s built to serve high-net-worth individuals, corporate leaders, luxury travelers, and international events—all in one integrated destination.

Why Businesses Should Pay Attention

This resort is a magnet project. Its scale and visibility will attract a steady flow of ultra-wealthy visitors and large-scale events. Businesses that align with this ecosystem should consider setting up or expanding in Ras Al Khaimah immediately. These include:

• Luxury Retail: Fashion, watches, jewelry, and high-end homeware brands looking for premium placement
• Fine Dining and Hospitality Concepts: Operators with established restaurant brands or Michelin-level ambitions
• Event Management and Entertainment Companies: Agencies that curate private events, executive retreats, and bespoke experiences
• Wellness and Beauty Services: Premium spa, cosmetic, and personal care brands catering to high-end clientele
• Gaming Technology and Compliance Firms: As the casino industry emerges, compliance, security, and software providers will find fresh opportunities
• Real Estate and Investment Advisory: With a likely property boom following the resort’s opening, developers, brokers, and investment firms will benefit from early positioning

Who Should Move Their Business to Ras Al Khaimah?

• Entrepreneurs in luxury services or high-end tourism who want to access the Gulf’s elite market
• European or Asian companies looking to expand into the Middle East without the saturation and cost of Dubai
• Private investors and holding companies seeking footholds in a region with strong sovereign backing and rising international visibility
• Tech firms in gaming, hospitality, and AI that want to partner with flagship destinations

Ras Al Khaimah is no longer a secondary emirate. For businesses seeking to tap into Gulf spending power and tourist inflow, the timing could not be better.

What Incentives Are Available?

The Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) is already a preferred setup location for businesses, offering:

• 100 percent foreign ownership
• Zero personal and corporate income tax
• Customs duty exemptions in designated free zones
• Fast-track business licensing and approvals
• Affordable setup packages for SMEs and multinationals alike
• Access to infrastructure support including offices, warehouses, and land
• Tailored incentives for strategic sectors such as tourism, gaming, luxury retail, and sustainability 

For qualifying projects, the RAK government is known to negotiate bespoke incentives, especially when aligned with major tourism drivers like Wynn Al Marjan. Businesses entering early and aligning with the resort's timeline stand to benefit the most.

Strategic Fit with Vision 2030 and the Wider Region

This development arrives at a pivotal time. With Saudi Arabia investing heavily in its own giga-projects like NEOM, and the UAE solidifying its lead in tourism and innovation, Ras Al Khaimah’s move is bold and strategic. It positions the emirate as a smart destination for high-end tourism, regulated gaming, and experience-driven luxury.

Wynn Al Marjan Island is more than a resort. It is a launchpad for Ras Al Khaimah to enter the global stage with a clear message: the UAE is redefining luxury, regulation, and investment on its terms. For businesses ready to align with that message, the opportunity is real, and the timing is now.

If you are in luxury, gaming, entertainment, or high-value services, it may be time to stake your ground in Ras Al Khaimah—while the doors are still opening.

Middle East Business Insights: Strategic Business Opportunities in Saudi Arabia and the UAE with R Consultancy Group.

Contact us to find out more: info@rconsultancy.co.uk