When will the casino in Ras Al Khaimah open?

20 May 2026 7 min read

Wynn Al Marjan Island is on track for a Q1 2027 opening. That timeline was confirmed in Wynn Resorts' November 2024 construction update and reconfirmed by the CEO of Marjan (the master developer) in September 2025.

The basics

  • Investment: USD 5.1 billion all-in budget. By late 2024, around USD 3.4 billion (66.7%) had been spent or fully contracted.
  • Location: Al Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah — approximately 50 minutes from Dubai International Airport.
  • Scale: 1,542 hotel rooms. As of November 2024, the structure was complete to the 26th floor and growing at roughly one floor per week. By February 2025, over 80% of rooms were internally completed.
  • Licence: On 5 October 2024, Wynn received the UAE's first Commercial Gaming Facility Operator Licence from the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) — the first time a UAE federal authority issued a commercial gaming licence.

The property market impact

The Wynn catalyst has fundamentally re-rated RAK real estate:

  • Average RAK apartment price: AED 2,838/sqft (AGBI, November 2025).
  • Al Marjan Island specifically: AED 3,073/sqft — now above Downtown Dubai (AED 2,800–3,000/sqft).
  • Price growth since 2023: ~40%.
  • RAK residential capital values: +12.7% in 2025.
  • Off-plan share of Q4 2025 transactions: 88%.
  • Total 2025 RAK market value: AED 15.08 billion.

For context, early 2023 Al Marjan entry prices were AED 1,200–1,600/sqft. Early entrants have nearly doubled their money on paper.

Key projects on and near Al Marjan

  • Nikki Beach Residences (Aldar) — sold out, from AED 5.9M, delivery Q4 2028.
  • Rosso Bay Residences (Aldar) — active beachfront.
  • Address Residences Al Marjan Island (Emaar) — branded hotel residences.
  • Ellington Views I & II (Al Hamra Village) — sold out, from AED 855K, Q1 2027.
  • Sobha Siniya Island — in neighbouring Umm Al Quwain; large luxury private island development, partnership with UAQ Properties.

The investor view

The easy-entry window has largely closed. Pre-opening pricing has already absorbed most of the casino catalyst. The next leg, if it materialises, comes from post-opening operating performance — visitor numbers, hotel ADRs, and demonstrated regional gaming demand. For income-oriented buyers, well-managed serviced apartments on Al Marjan still offer 7–9% gross yields ahead of opening.

For a current view on RAK allocations, reach out.

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