Ras Al Khaimah Announces ‘Wynn Boulevard’ to Connect Casino Resort with Dubai
Introduction of Wynn Boulevard in Ras Al Khaimah
Ras Al Khaimah has announced the development of a significant new road named Wynn Boulevard. This thoroughfare will serve as the primary connection between the upcoming Wynn Al Marjan Island resort and various key locations throughout the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The announcement was made alongside the launch of Marjan Beach, a vast residential development adjacent to the casino site.
Wynn Boulevard to Link Major Roads by 2027
The Ras Al Khaimah authorities have allocated more than AED 1 billion (approximately $272 million) to fund this infrastructure project. According to Graham Hallett, the head of development at Marjan, Wynn Boulevard is planned to traverse the Marjan Beach area, connecting directly to the major E311 and E611 highways. This will offer convenient access to Dubai and other emirates. Construction contracts have been signed, and work is already underway.
The Marjan Beach development itself is expansive, covering 85 million square feet, and is expected to include up to 22,000 homes and 12,000 hotel rooms. This area could eventually accommodate over 70,000 residents. The goal is to complete Wynn Boulevard ahead of the scheduled opening of the Wynn resort in early 2027.
While government bodies are overseeing the project, Wynn Resorts is heavily involved in the infrastructure design. Their in-house team is responsible for the architectural planning of a bridge included in the boulevard. The project is managed by Island 3 Infra Enterprises, which is the infrastructure division of a partnership between Marjan, Wynn, and RAK Hospitality Holding. Wynn holds a 40% stake in this joint venture, with RAK Hospitality owning the majority share.
Progress on the $5 Billion Wynn Resort on Al Marjan Island
The $5 billion Wynn resort on Al Marjan Island is advancing steadily, with 61 of its 70 floors completed. This progress keeps the project on track for its expected 2027 opening. Once finished, the resort will feature 1,500 rooms, a marina, upscale dining options, entertainment venues, and will house the Middle East’s first legal casino. The gaming area alone will cover 21,000 square meters and incorporate modern technology such as smart gaming tables and potentially even support cryptocurrency payments.
This development is seen as a significant economic catalyst for Ras Al Khaimah. Officials anticipate the resort will assist in attracting a portion of the 3.5 million visitors expected annually by 2030. Wynn predicts that the UAE’s gaming sector could generate between $3 billion and $5 billion in annual revenue, with some experts estimating the figure could exceed $8 billion.
Future Vision and Expansion Possibilities
Although there has been speculation about Ras Al Khaimah creating a Las Vegas-style strip, leaders at Marjan emphasize that Wynn Boulevard is primarily an essential infrastructure investment rather than an entertainment district. Nevertheless, Wynn has registered trademarks such as “Marjan Strip” and “Arabian Strip” in the UAE, hinting at potential larger-scale plans in the future.
Wynn has also reserved land on Al Marjan Island for a second integrated resort. While no final decisions have been made, the company has expressed interest in expanding its projects in the region. Additionally, they have mentioned the possibility of taking their UAE operations public once their primary resort commences business.
