Published on: March 13, 2026, 01:16h.
Updated on: March 13, 2026, 01:16h.
- Construction at Wynn Al Marjan Island has resumed after a temporary suspension due to Iranian assaults on UAE hotels.
- Wynn confirms ongoing communication with both US and UAE authorities.
Wynn Resorts (NASDAQ: WYNN) announced earlier this week that work has recommenced at its casino resort in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) following a brief interruption due to Iranian attacks on two hotels in the UAE.
Collaborating with local partners, Las Vegas-based Wynn is developing a $5.1 billion casino resort in Ras Al Khaimah, located near Dubai, where recent Iranian attacks occurred. The company has permitted employees to work remotely or return to their home countries as preferred.
The Wynn Design and Development team overseeing construction, architecture, and design, along with the resort’s executive team managing operational strategy, has been able to maintain consistent work progress,” stated the casino operator. “Wynn employees have the choice to work from abroad if recommended by their home embassy.”
Wynn’s stock has dipped 10% over the last month amid military actions against Iran, but analyst perspectives suggest that the decline is exaggerated, and the UAE venue remains a significant long-term growth driver for the company.
Geopolitical Tensions Highlight Wynn UAE Casino
Wynn Al Marjan represents the first regulated gaming establishment in the Middle East. Its strategic location near Dubai, known for its affluent local population and international tourism appeal, gives it a promising outlook for future success.
This prime location poses both opportunities and challenges, as indicated by recent conflicts with Iran. On February 28, Iranian forces attacked the Burj Al Arab hotel and the Fairmont The Palm Hotel, both premier five-star resorts in Dubai. Wynn remains optimistic about the UAE’s efforts to secure its citizens.
“The Company maintains ongoing contact with the governments of the United States and Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, to make well-informed decisions,” the operator stated in their press release. “We believe the UAE’s comprehensive defense measures have been effective, and we trust in the UAE’s capacity to protect its residents.”
Looking ahead, experts are optimistic about the UAE’s casino market potential—one that Wynn will dominate for the foreseeable future. Some forecasts suggest that the country could evolve into a $3 billion to $5 billion gross gaming revenue (GGR) market, particularly if additional integrated resorts join Wynn Al Marjan Island.
Currently, only Macau, Las Vegas, and Singapore reach these GGR figures, indicating that as the UAE casino scene matures, it has the potential to become one of the largest globally.
UAE Operations Continue as Usual
While the Iranian attacks on UAE interests are concerning, reports suggest that Iran’s missile-launching capabilities are dwindling quickly. Signs of normalcy are also emerging in the UAE.
“We observe that for many segments of the local community, business operations continue as usual,” Wynn notes. “Construction on our project has resumed after a brief halt, and measures are in place to ensure the safety and security of all employees on site.”