Stock image, for illustration only. Not related to the actual events.
Wynn Resorts has pushed the opening of its Wynn Al Marjan Island casino resort in the United Arab Emirates back to September 2027 from an earlier spring target, while raising the project budget by $600 million to more than $5.7 billion.
The company announced that half of the cost increase stems directly from the regional conflict in the Persian Gulf, with the remainder attributed to rising materials and shipping expenses.
The project had most recently carried a budget of approximately $5.1 billion. The additional costs push the total investment beyond the $5 billion mark initially associated with the development when it was first announced.
The delay represents the latest shift in the timeline for Wynn’s first property in the Middle East. The company had originally targeted a 2026 opening before pushing the date into early 2027, and CEO Craig Billings previously acknowledged a “modest delay” tied to the ongoing conflict in the region.
Background on Wynn’s UAE entry
Wynn Al Marjan Island marks the casino operator’s entry into the UAE market, part of a wave of international gaming companies expanding into the Gulf region as regulatory frameworks evolve. The resort is being built on Al Marjan Island, an artificial archipelago off the coast of Ras Al Khaimah in the northern part of the UAE.
The company has continued to cite rapid construction progress in recent updates despite the setbacks, suggesting the project remains on track under the revised timeline. Wynn has not disclosed whether additional delays beyond September 2027 are being considered or what contingencies are in place if regional conditions deteriorate further.
The budget increase and schedule shift come as Wynn navigates expansion projects in multiple markets. According to industry reports, the company has also indicated that expansion work on its Macau properties is set to begin this year, adding to its capital commitments across Asia and the Middle East.
Key questions answered
Why did Wynn Resorts increase the budget for its UAE casino project by $600 million?
Half of the cost increase is due to the regional conflict in the Persian Gulf, with the rest coming from rising materials and shipping expenses.
When is the Wynn Al Marjan Island casino resort now scheduled to open?
The opening has been delayed to September 2027 from an earlier spring 2027 target.
Where exactly is the Wynn Al Marjan Island resort being built?
It is being built on Al Marjan Island, an artificial archipelago off the coast of Ras Al Khaimah in the northern part of the UAE.
What is the total budget for the project now?
The total budget is now more than $5.7 billion, up from approximately $5.1 billion.