Wynn Resorts (NASDAQ: WYNN) saw a modest rise in its stock price on Thursday, August 28, after Wall Street analysts signaled growing confidence in the company’s long-term growth. UBS analyst Robin Farley raised the stock’s rating from Neutral to Buy and increased the price target from $101 to $147, citing the company’s ambitious UAE development and strong performance in Macau.

Al Marjan Island and Global Expansion

According to Farley, Wynn’s $5 billion investment in the Wynn Al Marjan Island resort, located in Ras Al Khaimah, represents a significant opportunity. The property, scheduled to debut in early 2027, will be the first regulated gaming venue in the Middle East. “We anticipate that WYNN being the only gaming operator in the UAE should provide a meaningful head start in capturing loyalty among ultra high net worth international customers,” Farley noted.

UBS projects adjusted property earnings (EBITDAM) at approximately $730 million, a figure closer to the upper end of Wynn’s own estimate range of $500 million to $800 million. This optimism reflects the belief that Wynn’s strategy — blending gaming with premium hospitality, fine dining, and high-end retail — will resonate with affluent clientele visiting the region.

The $3.9 billion Wynn Al Marjan Island resort is expected to feature more than 1,500 rooms, private villas, a marina, multiple entertainment venues, and luxury shopping options, alongside the first licensed casino in the UAE. Analysts believe this “gaming-plus” approach, emphasizing an integrated luxury experience, will differentiate Wynn in the Middle Eastern market and beyond.

Industry observers also point to the UAE’s potential to evolve into a major global gaming hub. With Wynn currently enjoying a monopoly in the region, the resort could benefit from years of uninterrupted market leadership. Analysts predict that as other emirates potentially authorize casino operations, the UAE market could generate annual gross gaming revenue (GGR) between $3 billion and $5 billion, positioning it behind only Macau, Las Vegas, and Singapore.

UBS estimates that the UAE resort could add as much as $34 per share in value, far above the $7 to $12 currently factored into Wynn’s stock price. This valuation highlights the strong upside potential of the project for shareholders.

Macau Recovery Strengthens Outlook

In addition to the optimism surrounding the UAE project, Wynn’s operations in Macau are driving bullish sentiment. As reported by AInvest, UBS raised its marketwide GGR growth forecast for the region to 8% year-over-year in 2025 and 5% in 2026, highlighting the city’s continued rebound from the pandemic.

Wynn’s strong presence among premium mass and VIP players positions it well to maintain or even increase market share. Farley boosted the valuation of Wynn’s Macau business from $49 per share to $76, signaling the region’s importance to the company’s overall financial performance.

Wynn’s stock has already gained over 47% year-to-date, reaching a 52-week high earlier this week. Other financial institutions, including Morgan Stanley, Mizuho, and Jefferies, have echoed the bullish outlook, raising their own projections for the company.