The highly anticipated Wynn Al Marjan resort is steadily progressing toward becoming the UAE’s first integrated gaming destination—an ambitious project set to redefine hospitality in the Middle East and beyond. With construction now 60 percent complete, the resort is scheduled to open in early 2027.
A look at Wynn’s operations in Las Vegas offers a glimpse of what’s to come. The Wynn and Encore resorts operate as a seamless unit with over 4,500 rooms combined, making it one of the largest hospitality properties in the world. From guests and casino players to visitors and locals, the grounds are constantly buzzing.
A resort of this magnitude—with multiple restaurants, bars, clubs, pools, retail stores, golf courses, and gaming facilities—demands the precision of a well-tuned operation. That same approach is now being applied to Ras Al Khaimah with Wynn Al Marjan, set across more than 60 hectares and housing 1,500 rooms.
Every design element—from lighting and fragrance to carpets and furniture—has been carefully curated by Todd-Avery Lenahan, President and Chief Creative Officer of Wynn Design & Development. The same meticulous attention to detail is being replicated in Al Marjan. Lenahan describes the new property as “something entirely distinctive for this region.”
A Global Team with a Regional Vision
Leading the project in the UAE is Max Topainer, former COO of Wynn Las Vegas, who will serve as President of Wynn Al Marjan Island. His relocation to Ras Al Khaimah reflects the global commitment backing this development.
A team of approximately 200 experienced Wynn professionals will also transition to the UAE within six months of the resort’s opening. This early mobilization ensures that the brand’s unique culture and operational standards are embedded from the start.
“It’s early, yes, but when the doors open, everything has to be perfect,” explained Michael Weaver, Chief Communications and Brand Officer. “The critical decisions need to be made now—when there’s time to think clearly and plan thoroughly.”
Wynn Al Marjan has already launched its recruitment portal, with hiring strategies focused on building a team that embodies the Wynn ethos while respecting regional values.
Cultural Sensitivity Meets Global Luxury
While Wynn Al Marjan will carry the brand’s signature touches—from luxurious bed linens and custom floral arrangements to curated in-room amenities—it’s being thoughtfully tailored for the regional audience.
“This is our most culturally responsive room and suite design ever,” said Lenahan. “We carefully considered personal modesty, religious values, and the unique ways guests in the Middle East experience hospitality.”
Certain suites, for example, will be designed so that female guests can enjoy complete privacy—even during room service. The King rooms will feature entry vestibules that separate the bedroom from the hallway, offering an added layer of discretion.
Design elements draw from the region’s architectural and artistic heritage—featuring arched forms, layered textures, and reflective surfaces. The spa will be fully gender-separated, with dedicated wellness areas for men and women, offering the same luxurious experience on both sides.
Outdoor areas include 12 pools with zones for adults, families, and children—but notably, no gaming areas near the water, as seen in Las Vegas.
Gaming: Segregated and Regulated
Gaming will remain physically and operationally distinct from the rest of the property. Guests can explore the resort in its entirety without encountering the gaming floor.
Regulations for gaming operations are currently being developed by the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority, established under federal law and headquartered in Abu Dhabi.
A bespoke entertainment show is also in development and will debut exclusively at Wynn Al Marjan—though specific details remain under wraps.
Immersive Experience, Down to the Finest Detail
True to Wynn’s legacy, every detail is considered. In Las Vegas, the resort bakes up to 14,000 pieces of bread daily in over 200 varieties, using premium seasonal ingredients. The floral program features 10,000 flowers refreshed every month and 800 orchids.
Wynn Al Marjan will have its own signature scent, echoing the brand’s tradition of immersive sensory design. And instead of the iconic flower (Wynn) or butterfly (Encore) motifs, a new cultural symbol will be introduced—unique to the Al Marjan property and integrated throughout the resort.
Curated art will also play a major role. The resort will showcase pieces sourced from around the world, with possible loans from other Wynn properties. “We’re preparing a major art collection for the opening—ranging from ancient works to contemporary pieces from leading artists,” Lenahan revealed.
While many details remain under wraps, one thing is certain: Wynn Al Marjan will be unlike anything the region has seen before—bold in scale, refined in execution, and immediate in impact.
