Wynn Resorts has stated that they are “very sensitive” to the concerns of people about the project. Other casinos are located in the Arab World, most notably Egypt. Wynn, however, will be the first to open a gaming facility in the UAE. This country borders Saudi Arabia and is the center of Islam.
Michael Weaver spoke to Skift on Tuesday at the Arabian Travel Market about the company’s plans to expand in this region.
Skift reported that “it has been really smooth”. “We have tried to be respectful and sensitive of the people’s feelings.”
Wynn Resorts will operate The resort is planning to open two gaming zones in Ras Al Khaimah in 2027.
Middle Eastern Visitors
Weaver confirmed Wynn will be expecting a significant Middle Eastern business in its resort. Wynn purchased Crown London in January, a small casino and members’ club located in London. Crown London is not a large acquisition. It has only 20 gaming table compared with hundreds at Wynn Las Vegas. Wynn is using the acquisition as a way to lure more Londoners into RAK.
Weaver stated: “There’s a lot of people from the Middle East that go to London. Summertime is a great time to visit London, whether for business or just a change in climate. In the summer, London’s tourism is awash with Middle Eastern visitors. The whole thing is based on that [club] “Create relationships in Ras Al Khaimah”
Wynn believes that a great deal of business will come from Abu Dhabi, Dubai and other neighboring emirates. Not to steal from them but to make their stay longer in the UAE.
In the case of Dubai or Abu Dhabi, it’s about a staycation and a getaway. It’s also about how long they want to go away. We will be programming the resort in order to meet the demands of all these markets, including those who live in Dubai or Abu Dhabi and want to go away for one, two three, four, five days.
It is a good idea to get in touch with someone who can help you. investor presentation shared last OctoberWynn said that 90% of UAE travelers surveyed had a positive outlook on the project’s launch and found it “acceptable.” GCC travellers specifically felt 81% positive about the project’s opening in the UAE.
How to handle the local population
How Wynn plans to accommodate the local population of around 10% in the UAE is a question.
Weaver replied, “Yes, absolutely.”
He continued: “So who gets to play in the gaming room is decided by the GCGRA [General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority]. As of right now, GCGRA has stated that Emiratis are not allowed to play. But elsewhere [in the resort] Would be fine.”
Skift’s comment request was not immediately answered by the GCGRA.
Many bars in the UAE have a rule where local Emirati clothing is not allowed inside. The same goes for those entering bars.
Max Tappeiner, Wynn Al Marjan Island President, stated in a keynote that “the royals could not be any more supportive of this project.” The ruling family of RAK oversees the government in the emirate, which is a part-owner of Wynn.
“We were welcomed to dinner by His Highness, where he laid down his vision for Ras Al Khaimah. This is a real privilege. Ras Al Khaimah is aiming to become a luxury destination and a world-class destination.
“It’s a place with a unique sense of culture that is hard to find elsewhere in the world. We [Wynn] “I fully agree with all of these values.”
