Wynn confirms delay to its Wynn Al Marjan Island casino resort due to ongoing conflict in the region
Company enjoys growth in Las Vegas and Macau with new attractions in both markets
Wynn Resorts has confirmed that the opening of its $5bn Wynn Al Marjan Island casino resort in the United Arab Emirates, previously scheduled for spring 2027, will be delayed due to the war between the US and Iran.
Craig Billings, Chief Executive Officer, Wynn Resorts, said: “We do expect a modest delay in our opening timeline [with Wynn Al Marjan], and I expect that we will quantify that in the coming months. The country has shown an admirable ability to protect its people and its assets. At Wynn Al Marjan, construction has continued to progress with over 22,000 workers on site. The project team has been incredibly resilient. While we have faced logistical and shipping challenges in the region, deliveries have largely continued, and we are rerouting shipments and sourcing alternative materials where needed. Based on conditions today, these challenges are manageable, though we are realistic that the picture could shift as the situation evolves.
“The project continues to move forward every day. Looking ahead, the UAE has world-class tourism infrastructure, unrivalled airport capacity, and a strong policy framework. As the region stabilises, we expect the country to find smart ways to accelerate tourism and, over the longer term, will continue to be one of the most attractive destinations in the world for high-net-worth residents and visitors.”
The news of the delay came as Wynn announced its first quarter results, where revenue reached $1.86bn, exceeding expectations of $1.82bn by 2.2 per cent, with its Macau casinos achieving a 32 per cent year-over-year rise in mass handle, and its Las Vegas property generating its best March in history.
Billings said: “We had an eventful first quarter here in Las Vegas with the debut of Zero Bond and Sartiano’s Italian Steakhouse. The combination of those openings and the ongoing efforts of our team led to another period of strong results. Hold adjusted EBITDA grew five per cent to $235m, inclusive of our best March in the history of the property. Casino revenues were up over nine per cent, driven by increases in both drop and handle. In the hotel, RevPAR was up nearly 10 per cent year-on-year on a 12 per cent increase in rate.”
Encore Boston Harbor generated $51mof EBITDA in the first quarter. Slot revenues grew two per cent year-on-year, despite some very challenging weather in the Northeast and continued gaming expansion in New Hampshire.
In Macau, lower than expected VIP hold impacted the quarter by $17m. Mass drop was extremely strong, up 19 per cent and handle was up 32 per cent year on year. That momentum persisted into the second quarter with mass drop running ahead of last year.
Billings said: “Premium demand continues to drive the Macau market, and we were pleased to open our newly expanded Chairman’s Club during the quarter to a strong customer reception. While it’s early days for the facility, the space is truly spectacular and a meaningful addition to what we believe is the best gaming floor in the market.”
The expanded Chairman’s Club at Wynn Palace was officially unveiled in February 2026, featuring nearly 100,000 square feet designed for ultra-high-value premium mass players.
Billings added: “With Cotai continuing to be the primary driver of high-quality visitation in Macau and with Wynn Palace regularly nearing 100 per cent occupancy, I’m pleased to announce a significant new investment at the property. The Enclave at Wynn Palace, a 432 all-suite hotel, will sit directly adjacent to and connect into the east entrance of Wynn Palace. This is a $900m to $950m addition that will increase the existing Wynn Palace room count by 25 per cent and our suite count by 50 per cent, driving more foot traffic into gaming and our existing food and beverage outlets.”
