Wynn Resorts has pushed the opening of Wynn Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah to September 2027, delaying one of the most closely watched luxury resort projects in the Middle East while increasing its budget by approximately $600 million.
The integrated resort was previously expected to open during the first quarter of 2027. CEO Craig Billings said construction is still moving quickly, but regional conflict has disrupted supply chains, raised shipping insurance costs and complicated the movement of materials, equipment, consultants and staff.
Interior work is underway across the resort’s 1,530 hotel rooms and suites, with mechanical, electrical and finishing teams progressing through the property. Structural work is largely complete, while around 22,000 workers remain involved as the project enters its final construction phase.
Wynn says roughly half of the additional $600 million is directly connected to conflict-related disruption, higher material and shipping expenses, and the extra pre-opening and financing costs created by the extended timeline. The remainder reflects trade coordination, revised measurements and other expenses associated with a project of this scale.
The revised budget places the total development cost at around $5.1 billion. Wynn Resorts owns a 40% stake in the joint venture and contributed another $48.1 million during the latest quarter, bringing its total cash investment to approximately $1.06 billion.
Despite the delay, Billings remains confident in Ras Al Khaimah and the wider United Arab Emirates market. He said a recent visit showed healthy activity in nearby Dubai, with full flights reinforcing the company’s long-term view of the region.
Wynn Al Marjan Island is expected to become the UAE’s first integrated resort with regulated gaming. The development is also planned as a hospitality and employment hub, with more than 7,500 jobs expected once operations begin.
Supporting infrastructure, including the Wynn Bridge and employee accommodation, is scheduled for completion before opening. Pre-opening recruitment and operational planning are also advancing alongside construction.
For Ras Al Khaimah, the project is central to efforts to raise the emirate’s international profile beyond beach holidays and traditional resort tourism. A Wynn-branded destination gives the market a globally recognized luxury operator while introducing a new entertainment model to the Gulf.
The delay is significant, but it is not a sign that the project has stalled. Wynn has responded by changing suppliers, rerouting shipments and paying more to keep progress moving. The company is effectively spending an additional $600 million to protect the resort’s scale and quality rather than reducing the original vision.
When the property opens in September 2027, its success will be judged not only by gaming demand, but by whether it can turn Ras Al Khaimah into a destination capable of competing with the region’s established luxury tourism centers.
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