The Wynn Resort in Ras Al Khaimah, the UAE’s first casino, will redefine the nation’s tourism landscape. It will offer unique luxury, gaming, and entertainment to attract a new demographic of visitors. The casino will strengthen the emirate’s economy, making it a global tourist destination. It will diversify the UAE’s economic portfolio beyond oil and traditional tourism offerings.
The RAK Casino Project
The location is Al Marjan Island, one of the best man-made archipelagos in Ras Al Khaimah. The serene seascape inspires the design. The resort features a tranquil and stylish setting with a design like the curved shape of the beach.
In addition, the resort will have more than 1,500 rooms, villas, and suites. It will feature a massive gaming area and over 24 dining, lounge, and restaurant experiences. According to experts at Arba7Casino.com, a reputable online casino in the Arab region, players will enjoy a spa, wellness center, events center, theatre, and a high-end shopping mall.
Potential Benefits for UAE Tourism
Research shows that the RAK casino will bring over 5 million tourists to Ras Al Khaimah by 2030. It exceeds the target number of 3 million tourists and gambling enthusiasts. So, this project will create substantial and sustainable value for the local economy because it will promote tourism and ensure job creation.
The United Arab Emirates is home to the best tourist attractions in the world. These iconic places, including luxury accommodations, unique cultural experiences, and world-class shopping, draw millions of tourists every year.
Boost in Local Economy
According to the UAE’s Ministry of Economy, the travel and tourism sector contributes more than 167 billion AED to the country’s GDP. Ras Al Khaimah Casino will boost tourism revenue, creating massive jobs. For instance, the Ministry of Economy has estimated that the number of employees in the tourism sector will reach over 400,000 by 2028.
In addition, more tourists in Ras Al Khaimah will benefit hotels, restaurants, retail businesses, and transportation services. These services contribute to a sustainable ecosystem that supports different economic sectors in the UAE. So, the UAE is a strategic location, and the government makes substantial efforts to create state-of-the-art infrastructure, including the RAK casino, to sustain the country’s tourism sector.
Concerns and Challenges
RAK casino has already sparked discussions regarding its cultural and social implications. Some say it will compete with existing tourist attractions in the UAE. So, how will it impact Dubai and Abu Dhabi? And what are the social implications? Let’s discuss them!
Cultural and Social Implications
According to RAKTDA, the casino design and operations will follow the UAE societal and cultural norms. The gaming facility is an integral part of a luxury resort project. So, this is not a standalone casino in the UAE but a part of a resort.
Likewise, the government tries to balance cultural values and gambling with a strong focus on societal sensitivities and traditions. The bottom line is that the gaming area or casino will occupy a small percentage of the resort’s location. It will work according to the regulatory framework of RAKTDA.
Competition with Existing Attractions
Ras Al Khaimah casino will significantly grow UAE’s tourist landscape. At the same time, it will turn Ras Al Khaimah into a world-class tourist destination, thanks to the gaming facilities and entertainment options for global tourists.
However, it will compete with existing tourist destinations. The RAK Casino could potentially divert some tourists to Ras Al Khaimah, especially those interested in gaming and luxury resort experiences. The RAK Casino could encourage cross-visitation among the emirates, as tourists may extend their stay in the UAE to explore different regions, including Abu Dhabi’s cultural sites and Ras Al Khaimah’s new gaming resort.
Final Words
The RAK casino will create a Wynn Effect on Emirati tourism, driving more people to the country. It will also create an additional demand for hospitality, meaning businesses, including hotels, restaurants, retail, car rental, private jet rentals, and the services sector will thrive. RAK casino will positively affect neighboring emirates because people visiting the resort will also explore other areas and attractions.
