Ras Al Khaimah 36°C GoogleFollow on News Search ⌕
INSIDERAK
Tourism

Wynn Al Marjan Island opening delayed by the Iran war

CEO Craig Billings confirmed a 'modest delay' to the spring 2027 target after shipping disruptions from the Strait of Hormuz closure, with more than 22,000 workers still on site.

Inside RAK Desk Published 09 May 2026 3 min read Share LinkedIn
Photo: The National
Key facts
  • Key year: 2027
  • Project value: $5.1bn
  • Volume / scale: 22,000

What happened

Wynn Resorts chief executive Craig Billings has confirmed a “modest delay” to the planned spring 2027 opening of Wynn Al Marjan Island, citing logistical and shipping disruptions caused by the Iran war and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Construction continues with more than 22,000 workers on site, and the company has rerouted supplies to keep the $5.1 billion resort advancing. Billings stressed the word “modest” intentionally, noting that the UAE has “world-class tourism infrastructure, unrivalled airport capacity and a strong policy framework” that should help the project recover lost time once shipping lanes reopen.

Why it matters

The delay is the first concrete timeline revision for what is the UAE's first federally licensed commercial gaming resort and, at 305 metres, what will become the world's eighth-tallest hotel. While the opening date is now expected to move, the underlying asset is largely built, with the tower topped out and the façade well advanced. For Ras Al Khaimah, the revision matters because Wynn is the anchor around which visitor, employment and property-market expectations for the next decade have been set — any slippage ripples through hotel revenue forecasts, FDI metrics and the emirate's pitch to international investors.

Related coverage

Frequently asked

What is the main update in Wynn Al Marjan opening delayed by Iran war?

Wynn Resorts chief executive Craig Billings has confirmed a “modest delay” to the planned spring 2027….

Why does this matter for Ras Al Khaimah?

It strengthens RAK’s tourism appeal, supports hotel occupancy and drives visitor spending across the emirate.

What are the key numbers behind this story?

The standout figure is $5.1bn (Project value). This scale underpins the strategic importance of the development for the emirate.

Sources & attribution
Every factual claim above traces to one of the following. Where a figure is an InsideRAK calculation, it is marked as such.
Source The National — original reporting 2026-05-09

InsideRAK is an independent publisher and is not affiliated with any Ras Al Khaimah government body. This report was compiled from the sources above and verified against published records. Spot an error? corrections@insiderak.com

Related coverage

All Tourism →
Hikers on a rocky trail on Jebel Jais
Government & Policy
Ras Al Khaimah bans barbecues at Flamingo Beach
11 Sept 2026
A family walking on a Ras Al Khaimah beach at sunset
Tourism & Hospitality
RAK's 670,000-visitor record is powered by domestic and MICE travel
11 Sept 2026
Ras Al Khaimah
Properties & Real Estate
RAK Properties and Rakbank launch off-plan financing
10 Sept 2026
A family walking on a Ras Al Khaimah beach at sunset
Tourism & Hospitality
Ras Al Khaimah records 670,000 visitors despite regional headwinds
10 Sept 2026