If you’ve been keeping an eye on real estate and hospitality developments in the UAE, here’s some reassuring news. Wynn Resorts has resumed construction on its integrated resort in the UAE following a short pause, even as the US-Israeli crisis with Iran continues to disrupt businesses in the Middle East.
Let’s break down everything we know so far — and what this means for the Ras Al Khaimah property market.
What Happened? Why Did Construction Pause?
The brief pause in construction came as a direct result of escalating tensions in the wider Middle East region. The UAE is one of 14 Middle Eastern nations where the U.S. State Department urged Americans to depart immediately, following joint airstrikes on Iran by the U.S. and Israel. After those attacks, Iranian forces launched drones and missiles throughout the region, with some striking areas in Dubai.
Given the significant investment of the operator, it’s unsurprising that Wynn Resorts moved quickly to assure that it is closely monitoring the ongoing military conflict, placing the safety of its employees at the forefront.
Construction Has Now Officially Resumed
As of today, March 11, 2026, Wynn Resorts offered an update on Wynn Al Marjan Island, its resort under development in Ras Al Khaimah, in the United Arab Emirates.
Here are the key takeaways from the official statement:
- Construction is back on track: The project construction has resumed following the short pause, and steps have been taken to ensure the safety and security of all employees working on site.
- Confidence in UAE security: The company believes the broad defense posture of the UAE has worked extremely well and has confidence in the UAE’s ability to keep its population safe. For broad segments of the local population, business continues to follow normal patterns.
- Ongoing communication with authorities: The company continues to be in regular communication with the governments of the United States and Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, so that it can make informed decisions.
- Employee flexibility: Some employees were offered the option to work from abroad if their embassy recommended it.
- Design and planning uninterrupted: The project construction restarted following a brief interruption and the design and executive teams have continued work in a consistent manner.
What Is Wynn Al Marjan Island? A Quick Overview
For those who are new to this mega-project, Wynn Al Marjan Island is shaping up to be one of the most significant hospitality developments in the entire Middle East — and a massive catalyst for the Ras Al Khaimah real estate market.
Here’s what makes it so special:
- Project Cost: $5.1 billion
- Location: Located less than 50 miles from Dubai International Airport in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, on a picturesque island totaling more than 60 hectares that gracefully curves into the Arabian Gulf.
- Opening Date: The resort is planned for a Spring 2027 opening.
- First of its kind: The property will be the UAE’s first gaming resort, having secured the country’s first gaming license in 2024.
- Accommodation: Set across more than 60 hectares, Wynn Al Marjan Island will feature 1,217 resort rooms and 297 Enclave suites, plus two Royal Apartments, four Garden Townhomes, and 10 Marina Estates.
- Height: Rising to 283 meters across 70 floors, the tower reached its highest structural concrete point in just 27 months. Upon the spire’s installation in 2026, it will reach a full architectural height of 352 meters, becoming the tallest man-made structure in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah by over 100 meters.
World-Class Amenities and Dining
This isn’t just a hotel — it’s a full-scale luxury destination. Here’s what guests can expect:
- 1,530 sumptuously appointed accommodations, including 313 suites at Enclave. Amenities will include 22 restaurants and lounges, a theater, nightclub, shopping parterre, five-star spa, multiple pools, a private beach, deep-water marina, and an events and celebrations center.
- The resort will also feature Coral Court, a bespoke celebrations and events venue; The Showroom, a new theater experience; 12 pools; a 420-meter white-sand beach; and a deep-water marina designed to welcome superyachts from around the globe.
- A French-American steakhouse by Alain Ducasse is among the first restaurants announced. Popular supper club Delilah will also open, marking its first international outpost.
Wynn Bridge: Connecting Al Marjan Island to the UAE
Infrastructure is moving hand-in-hand with the resort itself. A 548-metre bridge will connect Wynn Al Marjan Island to the wider UAE road network. Wynn Bridge will provide a direct link from Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road (E311) and Emirates Road (E611).
Progress on the bridge remains firmly on schedule for completion in late 2026, with piling works complete, nine of ten bridge column pile caps now in place, and overall construction reaching 48%.
Construction Milestones Achieved So Far
Even with the brief pause, the project has been hitting its milestones remarkably well:
- Tower topped out in December 2025: Wynn Resorts and Marjan announced the project officially reached topping out, rising to 283 meters across 70 floors in just 27 months after foundation works began.
- Room construction nearly complete: All 1,530 guest accommodations have now reached full structural completion, with interior fit-outs actively underway across 1,504 rooms and suites.
- Façade panels progressing: 19,206 of the 26,247 façade panels have been installed, representing 73% completion.
- Low-rise structures almost done: Across the resort’s low-rise structures, the combined concrete and steel works are now 97% complete.
- Massive workforce: The construction is being carried out by more than 18,000 workers.
What This Means for Ras Al Khaimah Real Estate
If you’re following the Ras Al Khaimah property market, you already know that Wynn Al Marjan Island is a game-changer. It is expected to significantly boost tourism in Ras Al Khaimah.
The numbers speak for themselves:
- Ras Al Khaimah recorded 1.28 million overnight visitors in 2024. The emirate is aiming to boost its visitor numbers to 3.5 million by 2030.
- The emirate aims to triple the size of its tourism economy by 2030 and position itself as one of the top 10 fastest-growing global destinations.
This kind of growth directly impacts property values, rental yields, and investor interest across Al Marjan Island and the broader Ras Al Khaimah market. For homebuyers and investors, the message is clear: Ras Al Khaimah is one of the UAE’s hottest emerging property markets, and Wynn is the anchor that’s accelerating demand.
What’s Next for Wynn Al Marjan Island?
Despite the temporary disruption, the overall project timeline appears intact. Wynn confirmed its Q1 2027 opening timeline during its recent Q4 and FY2025 earnings results.
Looking ahead:
- A spire installation is expected in 2026, bringing the building to its full architectural height of 352 meters.
- Wynn Resorts and Marjan are also advancing their second joint-venture project on Al Marjan Island — Janu Al Marjan Island — with an opening planned for late 2028.
- Around $375 million to $400 million in equity will be contributed to the project in 2026, with a further $75 million to $100 million in 2027.
Final Thoughts
The brief construction pause at Wynn Al Marjan Island was a precautionary measure — not a sign of retreat. The company thanked its employees and the construction teams in the UAE for their remarkable commitment and professionalism during this extraordinary time.
For anyone watching the Ras Al Khaimah property scene — investors, homebuyers, or anyone interested in UAE real estate — this project remains firmly on course. Spring 2027 is still the target, and Wynn Al Marjan Island continues to shape up as the most ambitious integrated resort the region has ever seen.
Stay tuned to OlivesHomes.com for the latest updates on UAE real estate, property investments, and market-moving developments in Ras Al Khaimah, Dubai, and beyond.
