Ras Al Khaimah Delegation Tours US Tourism Centers to Build Partnerships Before Wynn Al Marjan Island Launch
A Ras Al Khaimah delegation visited Las Vegas and multiple US cities to study tourism strategies ahead of Wynn Al Marjan Island’s September 2027 opening. Tourism could triple its GDP contribution over the next decade. Project costs rose by $600M to $5.7B with supply chains now normalized.
SCCG Take — Wynn serves as a clear catalyst for Ras Al Khaimah’s expansion. The outreach and regulatory focus signal concrete steps to integrate US practices with UAE gaming market development.
Officials from the UAE emirate of Ras Al Khaimah visited Las Vegas along with Miami, New York, Florida, Michigan and Utah. The trip focused on learning from US tourism leaders, government officials and economic development representatives on how to create business opportunities.
Ras Al Khaimah anchors much of its recent growth around Wynn Al Marjan Island. The US$5.7 billion integrated resort is scheduled to open in September 2027 and will house the only licensed casino-resort in the region.
Carel Richter, an adviser on international relations to emirate ruler Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, described tourism as “the fastest growing sector at the moment, which could triple its contribution to our [gross domestic product] over the next decade.” Richter added that “The emirate is a growing business hub and Wynn has been a catalyst for this expansion.”
The delegation met with Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority CEO Steve Hill and Las Vegas Mayor Shelley Berkley. Hill stated, “They’re kind of stepping into this in a big way. They were looking for thoughts on how to structure things, putting on trade shows or sporting events. We’re happy to answer those questions, particularly when we have hometown folks who are doing business there.”
Richter emphasized infrastructure priorities. “We have road infrastructure improvements and we’re looking at building 45,000 housing units,” Richter said. “Beyond real estate we’re growing across many areas. The manufacturing sector is growing.”
Project and Regulatory Updates from G2E
Wynn CEO Craig Billings spoke at the G2E trade show. The group only missed a single day of construction due to the Middle East war. Supply chains are now “completely normal.” The conflict contributed to a US$600 million cost increase, raising the total from US$5.1 billion to US$5.7 billion.
Ciarán Carruthers, CEO of the UAE’s General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority, attended G2E and outlined his desire to establish the UAE as an exemplar of regulator and operator collaboration. The delegation’s engagements, as reported by The Nevada Independent, tie directly to Ras Al Khaimah’s push to align its tourism infrastructure with the Wynn project’s timeline.
Reporting: Inside Asian Gaming
Generated by SCCG’s automated editorial system from published source reporting. SCCG Management holds editorial responsibility.
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