Studded with gleaming skyscrapers, beguiling beaches, colossal shopping malls and billowing deserts, the UAE never ceases to surprise us. What’s new, you may ask. Well, something that has never happened in the Islamic UAE, is probably going to happen soon for all good reasons. We mean “legalised gaming”. Take the statement with a pinch of salt as it is too early to confirm the same, in the light of Arab sheikhdom’s official religion – Islam, which forbids gambling. For the time being we are happy to relay the WAM-reported news about the establishment of the new division in the Ras Al Khaimah to oversee all the activities in regards to entertainment and gaming within the emirate in the wake of the recently happened multi-billion-dollar agreement between Marjan and Ras al-Khaimah’s Hospitality Holding and Wynn Resorts, the world-renowned American property brand. “The newly announced integrated resort is still in its early design phase and due for completion by 2026,” stated Marjan, the Ras al-Khaimah developer involved in the deal, said, according to the Associated Press. The en route project is anticipated to be finished in 4-5 years to the highest standards of sustainability best practices. “These are all the details that can be provided at this stage.”
Objective behind the establishment
Fondly called RAK, Ras Al Khaimah has come up of late with a new dedicated department “The Entertainment and Games Regulatory Authority” to govern the operation of entertainment and games within the emirate. The Entertainment & Games Regulatory Authority, established within the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) considers the social, cultural and environmental landscapes of the emirate. Its scope of activity covers licensing, taxation, operating procedures, and consumer protection. RAKTDA stated that forming a robust framework that guarantees responsible games at all levels is the top priority of this Johnny-come-lately division. The regulatory structure allegedly responds to the entire gaming company within an integrated resort and asks for compliance with all relevant laws and regulations (including financial crime law) from operators, suppliers, and employees. In addition, regulations cover marketing, advertising, and financial transactions, ensuring that these areas adhere to the entertainment and gaming industry regulations.
The step is a quantum leap not only for making the nation stand out amidst its Middle Eastern neighbours as a foreigner-friendly expat hub but also for making the UAE the most sight-after holiday destination in the world for the people from all walks of life. Predicted to be a roaring success, the RAK resort project might take into account several forms of gambling which has never been permitted on the lands of the Islamic Arabian Peninsula (not even in Dubai’s 194-room Caesars Palace) due to religious reasons. After assenting to alcohol consumption and donning bikinis on the beach long ago in most of the nation, the UAE government might take this break-through decision to diversify the country’s traditional revenue sources and compete with its GCC neighbours as well as the rest of the world in the areas of tourism, investment and foreign talent.
Give the game away
After four years or so from now, the world will be able to bask in gaming fun in the UAE, legally! Nevada-based Las Vegas’ Wynn Resorts, adeveloper and operator of high-end hotels and casinos, on January 25th, 2022 made public their multibillion-dollar deal with the UAE emirate of Ras al-Khaimah heralding an opulent integrated hotel slated to be opened in 2026 on the island of Al Marjan in Las Al-Haima. The RAK hotel is the first beach resort being developed by Wynn Resorts internationally. The one-of-its-kind 250,000-square-meter RAK resort holiday hotel will boast circa 1,000 rooms, 10 restaurants and lounges, a spa, a convention facility, shopping venues, meeting & convention facilities, entertainment amenities and a gaming area as per the current blueprint and will without a doubt be a feather in the cap of the United Arab Emirates. The news surely is music to the ears of the Vegas lovers and casino enthusiasts. The gaming arcade in the upcoming all-singing-all-dancing RAK-based hotel will be equipped to please the tourists who have a thing for gaming. The term “gaming” in the context of hospitality and leisure venues points to gambling obviously, however whether RAKTDA will give the green light to cash betting or not is still up in the air.
The project location
The world’s eyes are on the RAK’s new resort project. Considering the amenities, it is going to offer, the all-inclusive hotel would be no less than a paradise on earth then how can the choice of location be ordinary! The Ras Al Khaimah’s pristine and unparalleled man-made island-cum-holiday destination dotted with picturesque backdrop of the Arabian Peninsula, Yanis and Jais Mountains and white sandy beaches, Al Marjan Island is the place where the resort will be built. Sitting peacefully less than an hour away from Dubai International Airport, the quaint island is easily accessible for travellers and is indeed a treat for all your senses. “The region offers tremendous potential for the hospitality and tourism industry, and we are excited about the prospect of developing an integrated resort in Ras Al Khaimah,” said CEO Craig Billings, Wynn Resorts’ newly appointed CEO, in a press release. He also called Al Marjan Island “a pristine setting and an ideal greenfield location.” for the upcoming integrated resort. Zeroed on creating reshaping the future of luxury, lifestyle and hospitality with its unique and natural setting that has stood the test of time, culture and wonderment, Ras Al Khaimah is the place where the art of God and imagination of humans shake hands.
Significance
Underlining the rapidly-growing identification of Ras al-Khaimah as an ideal investment destination for high-quality hospitality projects, signing the resort deal is sure to be a sliding door moment for the entire nation!Born with a silver unh.. golden spoon, the UAE is every bit fun and has something for everyone. Despite being the cradle of peace, security and cultural diversity, the UAE doesn’t hesitate to be out with the old, in with the new to stay to maintain its position as one of the world’s most favourite tourist destinations on the world map. No wonder, the eyes of the world remain on the UAE. If from the word “gaming” Ras al-Khaimah Tourism Development Authority means “responsible gambling” as well, the decision would be very substantial for the emirate as well as the whole country.
Meet with Adam Global, Dubai
Home to magnificent archaeological heritage and rich cultural history, the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah never fails to entice settlers with its unique combination of the four different landscapes of the UAE – prominent mountains, coastal beaches and mangroves and the desert. 2009’s Winner of the Financial Times award for “Most Attractive Place in the Middle East for FDI, Ras Al Khaimah has been one of the most dynamic and exciting places in the UAE to invest. You may stick it to the robust economy allied with a stable political environment of the emirate. If Ras Al Khaimah is on your radar for setting up a companyorexpanding the existing business, you won’t regret your decision. Contact us to explore new business opportunities in the emirate. Whether you are interested in opening a beauty salon, digital marketing company, e-commerce firm, grocery store, management consultancy or a real estate establishment in the UAE, our qualified team ofDubai business setup advisors at Adam Global are waiting to write your success story.
