Wynn Resorts has confirmed that its Wynn Al Marjan Island integrated resort in the United Arab Emirates will open in September 2027, following construction delays that increased the project budget by approximately US$600 million.

The resort was previously expected to open in spring 2027. During the company’s second-quarter 2026 earnings call, Wynn leadership said the revised timeline resulted from disruptions connected to the Middle East conflict, alongside additional expenses associated with a project of this scale.

The total development cost has now risen from the previously estimated US$5.1 billion to approximately US$5.7 billion.

Wynn Resorts CEO Craig Billings said the regional situation affected supply chains, shipping arrangements and the movement of employees and consultants involved in the development.

“Construction is progressing rapidly. We are now actively progressing through the interior fit out of the hotel rooms with mechanical, electrical, and finishing work all moving along in sequence,” Billings said.

He added that pre-opening recruitment and operational preparations were continuing.

Construction Costs Rise As UAE Resort Moves Forward

Billings explained that around half of the additional US$600 million cost was directly related to regional disruptions. These expenses included higher material prices, increased shipping costs, and additional pre-opening and capitalized interest expenses caused by the extended construction schedule.

“The remaining portion reflects remeasurement, trade coordination, and other costs you’d expect on a project of this scale and duration, independent of anything happening in the region,” he said.

Supply chain interruptions affected the availability and transportation of certain materials and equipment, requiring alternative sourcing methods and adjustments to shipping arrangements.

Despite the increased budget and revised opening date, Wynn said work at the Ras Al Khaimah development continues at pace. The company hired 57 additional employees during the second quarter, bringing the resort’s workforce to 425 team members.

Wynn Resorts contributed US$48.1 million in additional equity during the quarter, increasing its total investment in the project to more than US$1.06 billion. The company also reported that US$1.4 billion had been drawn from the construction loan.

Wynn holds a 40% equity interest in Wynn Al Marjan Island. Based on that ownership share, the company expects the higher project budget to require approximately US$240 million in additional equity. Remaining equity contributions for Wynn Al Marjan Island and the nearby Janu development are expected to total between US$525 million and US$650 million.

Company Maintains Confidence In UAE Market Opportunity

Billings said Wynn considered geopolitical uncertainty when evaluating the UAE project and remained confident in the country’s ability to manage external challenges.

“We didn’t underwrite a region with zero geopolitical risk,” he said. “We underwrote a country with a demonstrated ability to manage through it.”

He pointed to continued activity at Dubai Airport and normalized supply chains as signs of stability.

“We’re planning pretty normal course. Construction’s carrying on normal course, and we’re looking forward to opening the doors,” Billings said.

The September 2027 launch date is expected to align with the beginning of the UAE’s peak tourism season. Wynn does not intend to open the resort in stages, with Billings confirming that the company plans to launch the full property once completed.

“We would open the doors and open all the amenities exactly as we would any other particular opening,” he said. “We generally don’t do phased openings.”

The project is expected to benefit from its position as the first casino resort in Ras Al Khaimah. Billings said demand could exceed available supply when the property begins operations.

“It’s fair to say, particularly for the core gaming product, given that we will be a monopoly, demand should exceed supply,” he remarked.

The company’s earnings presentation estimates Wynn Al Marjan Island could contribute approximately US$345 million under its base-case scenario, including Wynn’s share of adjusted property EBITDAR and expected management and licensing fees.

Wynn Advances Macau Expansion Plans

Alongside the UAE update, Wynn Resorts provided details on upcoming developments at Wynn Palace in Macau.

The company expects its new 432-suite Enclave hotel tower to open in 2029, while construction of a new Event Center and Theater is scheduled for completion in 2028.

The Macau government approved revised land-use terms for the projects in July, allowing Wynn to move ahead with development plans.

The Event Center will include 49,000 square feet of seating space, while the Theater will provide approximately 23,000 square feet of entertainment space and an 8,000-square-foot seating area.

Billings said the Macau projects demonstrate the company’s continued commitment to the market.

“Taken together, these projects reflect a clear and confident investment in the future of the Macau market and our commitment to support its diversification efforts,” he said, as Inside Asian Gaming reports.

Wynn Resorts expects expansion-related capital expenditure in Macau during 2026 to reach between US$350 million and US$400 million, with initial spending focused on early construction activities for the new facilities.