The United Arab Emirates is building its own “Las Vegas”

14-10-24

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is betting on an ambitious new initiative to transform its tourism offering, with the development of a Las Vegas-style entertainment destination. The emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, traditionally known for its mountainous landscapes and focus on nature tourism, is leading this bold project, which includes the construction of luxury resorts with casinos and large entertainment facilities. This decision marks a major shift in the UAE's economic diversification strategy as it seeks to establish itself as a global tourism hub.

The flagship project of this transformation will be a resort led by Wynn Resorts, a leading international casino and entertainment company. This company plans to build a huge luxury resort on the island of Al Marjan, off the coast of Ras Al Khaimah. This destination, which will include casinos, luxury hotels, high-end restaurants and a wide range of leisure facilities, aims to attract high-end international tourists, similar to Las Vegas in the United States or Macau in Asia.

The development of this resort is part of a broader strategy by the UAE to expand its tourism and economic offerings. For decades, the Emirates has been a global benchmark in luxury, business and shopping tourism, with cities such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi leading the way. However, Ras Al Khaimah seeks to differentiate itself through entertainment tourism, establishing itself as an attractive destination for travelers seeking exclusive experiences.