Wynn Resorts has delayed the opening of its casino resort in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to September 2027 and increased the project’s budget by $600m, citing disruption caused by regional conflict and higher construction costs.

When the project was announced in January 2022 , the operator set an initial opening date of 2026 for Wynn Al Marjan Island. However, this was later revised to Q1 2027, while Wynn said during its Q1 results announcement this year that a further “modest” delay was likely.

Now, alongside the company posting its Q2 results, CEO Craig Billings confirmed the venue will not open until at least September next year. However, he insisted work in the UAE was continuing to progress at a “rapid pace”.

“As development of Wynn Al Marjan Island progresses, regional conflict-related disruptions initially impacted global supply chains and continue to impact the shipping insurance markets,” he said during the group’s Q2 earnings call. 

“This has required certain materials and equipment to be resourced, rerouted or expedited to ensure the project’s construction timeline. In addition, we experienced certain other disruptions associated with the movement of staff and consultants and other non-recurring issues. These disruptions have impacted both the timing and cost of the project.

“On timing, we now expect the project to open its stores to the public in September 2027.”

Wynn to split additional project funds 

In terms of where the development is currently at, Billings, who recently visited the site, said work is ongoing on the interior fit out of hotel rooms. This includes mechanical, electrical and finishing work. On top of this, he said pre-opening hiring and operations planning are “advancing very well”.

To support the UAE project moving forward, Wynn has committed an additional $600m to the project’s budget of $5.1bn. Billings set out that this funding will be split between different areas, with the ongoing conflict in the region having led to an increase in certain costs.

“Approximately half is directly attributable to disruption from the regional conflict, material cost increases, shipping cost increases and the pre-opening and capitalised interest costs associated with the extended construction timeline it created,” he said.

“The remaining portion reflects re-measurement, trade coordination and other costs you’d expect on a project of this scale and duration independent of anything happening in the region.”

Billings: Wynn Al Marjan Island opening will not be phased 

When questioned about the planned opening, Billings played down any suggestion that this would be “phased”. He said all on-site amenities and facilities would be accessible as soon as the venue opens its doors next autumn.

Billings also noted that the September opening will coincide with the beginning of the peak season in the UAE.

“What I can tell you is that we would open the doors and open all the amenities exactly as we would any other particular opening” he said. “We don’t do hoarding. And so that would be the plan.

“What we are building in the region is one-of-a-kind and the quality of work on site is truly extraordinary. We continue to believe this will be the most exciting integrated resort opening globally in over a decade, and we remain as committed to and confident in the UAE as ever.”