Wynn’s Al Marjan investment reaches US$1.12bn
The UAE resort remains on schedule for a September 2027 opening, with the operational handover set to begin in early 2027.
Key takeaways:
- Wynn Resorts had contributed US$1.12bn to its Al Marjan joint venture by the end of September 2026.
- The company invested US$62.2m during the third quarter.
- Its remaining funding commitment is estimated at US$465m to US$590m.
- Wynn Al Marjan Island remains on schedule to open in September 2027.
UAE.- Wynn Resorts had invested US$1.12bn in its Al Marjan joint venture by the end of September 2026, as construction of its UAE integrated resort moves towards completion. The company contributed US$62.2m during the third quarter. Its remaining 40 per cent share of the required funding for Wynn Al Marjan Island and the neighbouring Janu Al Marjan Island project is estimated at between US$465m and US$590m, including capitalised interest and fees.
Wynn confirmed in its third-quarter 2026 results, released on November 5, that the resort remains on schedule for a September 2027 opening. Craig Billings, chief executive officer of Wynn Resorts, said work had advanced to the finishing stage, including the interior fit-out of guest rooms, despite disruptions caused by the regional conflict.
During the earnings call, Craig Fullalove, chief financial officer, said the company expected to begin transferring completed sections of the resort to its operations team shortly after the start of 2027. The handover process will continue through July, when the operating team is expected to take full control of the property.
Fullalove said recruitment and staff onboarding would take place during the three months before the opening to allow sufficient time for training while managing pre-opening expenses. On the financial side, the company said most of the project’s costs had already been secured, although the regional conflict remained a consideration. Billings also said hotel room bookings would become available shortly, without giving a specific date.
The company is also preparing its customer acquisition strategy ahead of the launch. During the call, management identified UAE residents, visitors from neighbouring countries, and international travellers as the three main groups expected to contribute to demand.
Responding to questions about the impact of the regional conflict on the project’s commercial prospects, management said it expected demand for the resort’s 1,500 rooms to exceed available capacity. It said the conflict could affect the geographical mix of visitors but remained confident in demand.
Wynn Al Marjan Island will be accompanied by Janu Al Marjan Island, a neighbouring hotel and residential development to be operated by Aman Group. The latter is expected to open in 2029.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
- How much has Wynn Resorts invested in Al Marjan? By the end of September 2026, Wynn Resorts had contributed US$1.12bn to its Al Marjan joint venture, including US$62.2m in the third quarter.
- How much more will Wynn Resorts need to invest? Its remaining 40 per cent share of the required funding for Wynn Al Marjan Island and Janu Al Marjan Island is estimated at between US$465m and US$590m, including capitalised interest and fees.
- When will Wynn Al Marjan Island open? The resort remains on schedule to open in September 2027, with the operating team expected to take full control of the property in July 2027.
- When will Janu Al Marjan Island open?
The neighbouring hotel and residential development, to be operated by Aman Group, is expected to open in 2029.
