Iran War Could Postpone Opening of Wynn UAE Casino
Posted on: May 5, 2026, 02:30h.
Last updated on: May 5, 2026, 02:30h.
- Wynn Resorts is reportedly considering delaying the opening of its UAE casino resort due to the war in Iran
- The $5.1 billion property is scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2027
- Wynn Al Marjan Island will be the first regulated gaming venue in the Middle East
Wynn Resorts (NASDAQ: WYNN) is reportedly considering delaying the opening of the $5.1 billion Wynn Al Marjan Island in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) due to construction issues caused by the war in Iran.
Citing an unidentified source with knowledge of the matter, Bloomberg broke the news earlier today. The casino resort, the first venue of its kind in the history of the Middle East, was originally scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2027. Wynn has yet to comment on the possibility of pushing back the integrated resort’s debut date, but the operator previously said it is monitoring the situation in the UAE “any additional impacts on the project will be assessed in due course.”
The Company continues to be in regular communication with the governments of the United States and Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, so that we can make informed decisions,” said the Las Vegas-based operator in a March statment. “The Company believes the broad defense posture of the UAE has worked extremely well, and we have confidence in the UAE’s ability to keep its population safe.”
Shares of Wynn initially responded negatively to the start of the war, shedding 11% in the first two weeks following the onset of the conflict, but the stock is higher by 5.29% over the past month.
Iran/UAE Tensions Escalating
Earlier today, the UAE Defense Ministry posted on X that’s actively warding off Iranian drone and missile strikes, the latest in a series of attacks by the Republic against the Emirates.
It is plausible that construction delays could force Wynn and its local partners to push back the opening of Wynn Al Marjan Island because the Iranian attacks on UAE are targeting infrastructure assets such as ports, airports and commercial buildings.
On Feb. 28, strikes conducted by Iran damaged two palatial resorts in Dubai, which is located just an hour’s drive from Wynn Al Marjan Island.
Iran is renewing hostilities against the UAE because leaders there have aligned themselves with the US and the Emirates’ recent withdrawal from the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) probably wasn’t well-received in Iran. As an OPEC member, UAE was beholden to output limits imposed by the cartel, but now it can produce at a higher level, potentially contributing a drop in global oil prices.
UAE a Compelling Casino Market
Undoubtedly, UAE remains an attractive, largely untapped casino jurisdiction. Wynn Al Marjan Island is expected to be major cash flow generator for the parent company and by some estimates, UAE could become a $3 billion to $5 billion market, assuming more gaming venues are added in the future. That would easily put it in the top four in the world as measured by gross gaming revenue (GGR).
As for when Wynn provides an update on goings on in the UAE, that’s not clear, but the operator delivers first-quarter earnings after the close of US markets on Thursday.
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