Wynn Resorts and MGM Resorts International are closely monitoring the ongoing military conflict and fallout in the Middle East regarding their construction projects in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), according to reports.
Since 2024, Wynn Resorts and MGM have led construction projects in the UAE – Wynn is building the country’s first regulated casino resort in Ras Al Khaimah called Wynn Al Marjan Island, while MGM is working alongside Wasl Asset Management Group on a non-gaming resort development in Dubai.
Regarding the Wynn Al Marjan Island project, Michael Weaver, Spokesperson for Wynn Resorts, said in a statement to the Nevada Independent that the operator was “closely monitoring the situation” with “plans in place to secure the safety of our employees should the situation necessitate”.
According to the media outlet, MGM Resorts Spokesperson Brian Ahern also said in an email that the operator’s employees “are safe and sheltering in place, per guidance from authorities” and that they’re in “close contact with them and having regular check-ins”.
Wynn Al Marjan progress
Wynn Resorts was awarded a gaming operator licence from the UAE’s gambling regulator, the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), for Wynn Al Marjan Island in October 2024.
Just last month, as part of its fourth quarter financial reporting, Wynn Resorts stated that the UAE resort was expected to open in the first quarter of 2027.
During Q4, the operator topped off its Al Marjan tower at the 70th floor, while its guest rooms’ interior fit-out is underway and its exterior glass is around 80% complete.
Wynn Resorts also stated that the opening of the UAE location next year will mark a shift in the company’s strategy to derive most of its income coming from non-US dollar markets.
Craig Billings, Chief Executive Officer at Wynn Resorts, said on the operator’s Q4 earnings call: “We’re moving toward a portfolio where we expect over 55% of our revenues will be generated in non-US dollar-denominated markets, from assets we developed and operate, each meticulously designed around the most valuable consumers in these key markets.
“So as we begin 2026, Wynn Resorts is on track to become one of the most globally diversified companies in our industry.”
