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.

One of the most notable aspects of this new approach is the inclusion of casinos, a novelty in a region where gambling has traditionally been prohibited due to Islamic laws. Casinos are a key part of Las Vegas' entertainment offering, and their inclusion in Ras Al Khaimah marks a significant change in UAE regulations.

To bring about this change, Ras Al Khaimah has established a new regulatory body, the Tourism Development and Entertainment Regulation Authority (RAKTDA), which will oversee the implementation and operation of casinos in the emirate. This step is essential to ensure that the opening of gaming is properly managed and aligned with the region's cultural and legal expectations. Responsible gaming regulations and practices will be a priority to ensure that the casino industry in the UAE remains sustainable and respectful of local traditions.

The UAE has made economic diversification one of its top priorities in recent years. Traditionally, the UAE's economy has been driven by the oil industry, but the country has actively sought to reduce its dependence on crude oil and invest in sectors such as tourism, trade and technology. This new project in Ras Al Khaimah represents a step forward in that effort to diversify the economy, with the aim of attracting a steady flow of international tourists with high purchasing power.

Tourism already accounts for a significant portion of the UAE's GDP, with Dubai leading the way as one of the world's most popular tourist destinations. With the entry of casinos and the development of luxury resorts, the UAE is looking to further strengthen its position in the global entertainment and tourism market.

Despite the potential economic benefits, the development of this new “Las Vegas” poses challenges in cultural and regulatory terms. The Emirates is a majority Muslim nation, where gambling has historically been banned. The Ras Al Khaimah government and tourism authorities have taken a careful approach to ensure that the opening of casinos is conducted in a manner that is respectful of the country's cultural norms and traditions.

Specific gambling regulations in the UAE are likely to include clear restrictions and guidelines to ensure that casinos operate within certain limits. This will include responsible gaming practices, security measures and strict regulations to avoid any negative social impact. Authorities have made it clear that the casinos will be designed to attract international tourists, and not necessarily local residents.

The UAE's ambitious plan to build its own version of Las Vegas is a bid for the future of tourism in the region. With investment in luxury infrastructure, a diverse entertainment offering and the opening of casinos, the UAE is looking to establish itself as a competitive global destination, capable of attracting millions of tourists each year.

With investment in luxury infrastructure, a diverse entertainment offering and the opening of casinos, the UAE is looking to establish itself as a competitive global destination, capable of attracting millions of tourists each year.

As the country continues to evolve as a tourism and business hub, projects such as this demonstrate the UAE's ability to adapt and lead in a changing global landscape. Ras Al Khaimah, with its focus on entertainment and casinos, is poised to mark a new chapter in the UAE's tourism history, and its success could set the stage for future developments in other emirates across the country.