Wynn Resorts, the global gaming and entertainment company, announced a senior-level appointment on Sunday. The company confirmed it selected president for its multi-billion-dollar integrated resort project in Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates (UAE), called Wynn Al Marjan Island. For the strategic role, the company selected Thomas Schoen, an industry veteran with more than three decades of experience within the hospitality vertical.

Becoming the president of Wynn Al Marjan Island, he will play a key role in overseeing all operational aspects of the resort, the company confirmed. Additionally, considering that the project will mark the debut of the company within the East North Africa (MENA) region, Schoen is expected to contribute in that field as well.

Wynn Al Marjan Island is a multi-billion-dollar integrated resort project that is being developed in collaboration with the company’s local partners RAK Hospitality Holding LLC and Marjan LLC. The resort is expected to deliver unique hotel luxury experiences with its 1,500 hotel rooms, as well as suites and villas. More amenities within the resort will include a gaming area, plenty of dining outlets and additional amenities. The ambitious resort is expected to open at some point in 2027.

Schoen Is Delighted to Join Wynn for the Ambitious Project

Schoen shared his excitement and acknowledged that he is delighted to join Wynn for this strategic, large-scale project. The seasoned hospitality industry veteran added that he feels privileged to play such an important role within the Wynn Al Marjan Island project.

According to Schoen, the new integrated resort will deliver unrivaled experiences for the UAE and at the same time strengthen Wynn’s global position of a leading gaming and hospitality industry provider. Finally, he said: “I look forward to embarking on this exciting journey.”

“I am delighted to lead the operations of Wynn Al Marjan Island and feel privileged to be part of such a significant new chapter for the group.“

Thomas Schoen, president of Wynn Al Marjan Island

Throughout his extensive career, Schoen was a part of different companies within strategic markets in the UK, around Europe, as well as Africa. With more than 30 years of experience within the industry, he is undoubtedly the right choice for Wynn’s new project. As president of the project, Schoen is expected to leverage his wide industry knowledge and help the company break ground in the UAE.

“We’re delighted to welcome Thomas to lead our operating team at this new venture.“

Craig Billings, CEO of Wynn Resorts

Wynn Resorts’ CEO, Craig Billings, was similarly excited to see Schoen join the company. He acknowledged that Wynn Al Marjan Island represents an important project for Wynn and welcomed Schoen to the team. Finally, Billings predicted that Schoen’s experience and dedication will help drive the project forward and deliver unique experiences for guests of the new integrated resort.

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With a silhouette that would fit perfectly in the Las Vegas Strip, Wynn Resorts’ newest project for a luxury integrated casino resort continues to steam ahead. The $3.90 billion project will be a first for Wynn in the area, hopefully capitalizing on the growing demand for such services. 

The Project Is Proceeding as Planned

Wynn first announced its plans for a new multibillion-dollar integrated resort (IR) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in January 2022. The world-leading operator chose the artificial Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah, which is already a spectacular tourist destination. Its proximity to Dubai was another deciding factor, hopefully drawing in VIP guests from both countries.

So far, the project has progressed without any notable hiccups. Wynn is partnering with local developer Marjan and RAK Hospitality Holding, a hospitality asset owner, and manager, ensuring compliance with the UAE’s strict regulations and requirements. Derek Sands, a senior manager at the casino giant, took on the role of executive vice president for the upcoming report, showcasing Wynn’s dedication to the project.

In March, Wynn selected ALEC Engineering and Contracting as the main contractor for the construction, demonstrating surprisingly swift progress. The operator is optimistic about the project, relying on the increasing demand for luxury gambling and resort destinations in the Middle East North Africa (MENA) region. Considering the planned early 2027 launch and significant progress, construction should soon commence.

The Previews Reveal Wynn’s Signature Thoughtful Design

Wynn’s latest updates regarding the ambitious project revealed the first concept images of the planned casino resort. The sleek hotel tower would look right at home on the Las Vegas Strip, promising a truly one-of-a-kind experience. The 1,500 hotel room venue will include an expansive gaming area, spa, entertainment facilities, a luxurious shopping center, and other top-tier amenities.

Wynn CEO Craig Billings lauded the development team’s efforts to deliver a unique beachside resort experience, expressing hope that new and returning customers would benefit from the company’s decades of experience. He noted that the island was the perfect canvas for Wynn’s rich and thoughtful design, hoping it would exceed expectations.

We have spent the past year meticulously programming and concepting Wynn Al Marjan Island, carefully considering its unique location.

Craig Billings, Wynn Resorts CEO

The $3.90 billion project is a significant investment for Wynn, the largest in the United Arab Emirates hospitality sector. However, Caesars Entertainment’s 2018 foray into the region with its Dubai resort proved the growing demand for luxury tourist destinations in the Middle East. Wynn is working hard to generate suitable hype for its newest project, hopefully paving the way for further opportunities.

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Wynn Resorts has taken another step toward its goal to recreate the Las Vegas Strip in the United Arab Emirates. The global gambling operator has announced that the main contractor for the construction of the unprecedented Marjan Island property is ALEC Engineering and Contracting.

The contractor, a part of the Investment Corporation of Dubai, was provided with the main contract to turn Wynn Resorts’ vision into a reality. In the meantime, Bauer International will take the piling and enabling works.

Wynn Resorts’ UAE property will be a first-of-its-kind venue in the United Arab Emirates – a region known for its disfavor of gambling. Ras Al Khaimah, one of the emirates comprising the UAE, is currently working on its gambling laws, which will allow Wynn Resorts’ Wynn Marjan to operate.

The emirate will base its rules on tested regulatory frameworks such as the ones in the United States and Singapore.

Wynn Is Optimistic about Its New Property

Wynn Resorts plans to capitalize on being a pioneer in the UAE and recreate the famous Las Vegas Strip in the Middle Eastern country. The company is bullish on this goal as attested by its recent actions, which saw it register “Arabian Strip” and “Marjan Strip” as trademarks.

RAK Hospitality Holding is one of Wynn’s main allies in the region. The local developer will see through the construction work of Wynn Marjan, helping the global operator bring Vegas-styled casino experiences to the UAE.

The UAE, however, is yet to completely overturn its harsh stance on gambling. Establishing the Marjan Stip as Wynn envisions it might prove to be difficult if the UAE refuses to allow gambling.

Despite that, Wynn is determined to finish this project and turn it into a signature property that will amaze locals and tourists alike.

Wynn Resorts Continues to Expand Its International Business

Wynn Resorts remains committed to expanding internationally and conquering new markets with its premium casino resorts and exciting gambling offerings. Despite the setbacks in Macau, the company remained committed to supporting its business in the region throughout the pandemic and even provided its local subsidiary with a $500M loan during the worst months for the local gambling industry.

Wynn Resorts finished 2022 with strong results, which it published last month. The company’s revenues remained more or less the same but it experienced strong EBITDA growth and managed to cut its losses drastically.

Last year, Wynn finalized the sale of Encore Boston Harbor, an integrated resort in Massachusetts.

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