Complete Guide to Casinos in Dubai, UAE | Wynn Al Marjan Island and Real Estate Investment (Opening 2027)

"Will a casino be built in Dubai?" – This is one of the most frequently asked questions in recent years.To cut to the chase, **the UAE's first legal casino resort, "Wynn Al Marjan Island," is scheduled to open in 2027 in Ras Al Khaimah, a neighboring emirate, not Dubai.**On this page, our Japanese staff in Dubai will provide an investor's perspective on everything from the history of casino legalization in the UAE to an overview of Wynn Al Marjan Island, and the impact of the casino's opening on real estate prices and rental demand in the UAE.## 1. Will Casinos Be Built in the UAE? — A History of LegalizationThe UAE, which has long not permitted gambling as an Islamic nation, has been developing a regulatory framework for commercial gaming as part of its tourism and economic diversification efforts. Between 2023 and 2024, the federal regulatory body, the GCGRA (General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority, headquartered in Abu Dhabi), was established, creating a unified framework to oversee casinos, online gaming, lotteries, and other related activities. Jim Murren, former CEO of MGM Resorts, serves as its chairman.Effective June 1, 2026, regulations concerning gambling were formally separated from the Civil Transactions Law and transferred to the jurisdiction of the GCGRA. **This marked the stage where casinos can be legally operated in the UAE, from a regulatory standpoint.**As the first recipient, U.S.-based Wynn Resorts obtained the UAE's first commercial gaming (land-based casino) license in 2024.## 2. "Are There Casinos in Dubai?" — Clarifying Common MisconceptionsWhile search queries like "casino in dubai" and "Dubai casino location" are very common, there are no casinos within Dubai city. The UAE's first casino is under construction on Al Marjan Island in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), located north of Dubai.- Approximately 60 minutes (about 50km north) by car from downtown Dubai- Administratively, it is part of "Ras Al Khaimah," not "Dubai."- Although often referred to as "Dubai's casino," it is accurately Ras Al Khaimah's casino.> 👉 For more details on Al Marjan Island and properties, please visit the Marjan Island Area Page.## 3. What is Wynn Al Marjan Island?| Item | Details ||---|---|| Location | Al Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE || Operator | Wynn Resorts (UAE's first commercial gaming license) || Scheduled Opening | Early 2027 (Q1) / March target [To be confirmed: reports of delays] || Number of Rooms | Approx. 1,530-1,542 rooms (including approx. 313 suites) [To be confirmed] || Gaming Area | Approx. 225,000 sq ft (approx. 20,900 sqm) [To be confirmed] || Total Project Cost | Approx. $3.9 billion (some reports indicate up to $5.1 billion) [To be confirmed] || Structure | Approx. 70-story high-rise tower [To be confirmed]> For detailed background and future challenges, please refer to the related articles:> The Future and Challenges Unveiled by the UAE's First Casino Resort,> For the latest developments on the opening timeline:> Opening in Spring 2027: Tower Reaches 70 Stories> Please also see.※ The opening date may be subject to change due to external factors such as material transportation. We will update the latest information as it becomes available.## 4. Impact of Casino Opening on UAE Real EstateThe opening of an Integrated Resort (IR) impacts surrounding real estate through several channels:1. Increase in Tourists – Boosts annual visitor numbers → Increased demand for hotels and short-term rentals2. Job Creation – Relocation of operational staff and related industries → Increased mid- to long-term rental demand3. Area Branding – Rising recognition as "the island with a casino" → Underpins asset values4. Infrastructure Development – Expansion of access roads and commercial facilities → Improved convenienceEspecially now, before the opening (off-plan stage), is being noted as an opportune investment time, anticipating price appreciation post-opening.## 5. Investment Appeal — Al Marjan / Ras Al Khaimah Real EstateIn Al Marjan Island, close to the casino, and throughout Ras Al Khaimah, development is accelerating in anticipation of the opening. The fact that acquisition costs are relatively lower compared to downtown Dubai is also attractive to investors focused on yield.- Find Properties → Marjan Island Area Information- List of Available Properties → Properties List- Purchase Procedures & Costs → Purchase Guide## 6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)**Q. Are there casinos in Dubai?**A. No, there are none within Dubai city. The UAE's first casino, "Wynn Al Marjan Island," is scheduled to open in 2027 on Al Marjan Island in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, located north of Dubai.**Q. When will Wynn Al Marjan Island open?**A. It is targeted for early 2027 (Q1). Reports suggest the timing may vary due to external factors such as material transportation.**Q. How far is the casino from Dubai?**A. It's about 45-60 minutes by car from downtown Dubai, approximately 50km to the north.**Q. Is gambling legal in the UAE?**A. Yes. Commercial gaming has been institutionalized under the federal regulatory body GCGRA, and Wynn Resorts has obtained the UAE's first license.**Q. How will the casino opening impact real estate investment?**A. Increased rental demand due to a rise in tourists and employment, and an underpinning of asset values due to enhanced area recognition are expected. Off-plan investment, especially before opening, is drawing significant attention.