UAE’s First Casino is Coming to Ras Al Khaimah 2027: Where to Find Rental Yield in RAK Real Estate
The word is out – When Wynn resort announced its first-ever casino in RAK, the news sent shockwaves through global investors. This isn’t just another hotel, it’s set to be the largest casino resort in the UAE, transforming RAK real estate into a gold mine of investment opportunities.
In this guide, we will share how the Wynn Ras Al Khaimah is shaping RAK properties and influencing property values throughout the emirate. We’ll examine the most promising investment locations: Al Marjan Island, Mina Al Arab, and Al Hamra, and why these areas offer the strongest growth potential.
The Wynn Ras Al Khaimah: A New Chapter in UAE’s Tourism
Opening in 2027, this $3.9 billion Wynn Ras Al Khaimah resort will transform Al Marjan Island from a quiet getaway to the UAE’s next big thing.
The integrated resort will feature not only the headline-grabbing casino but also high-end retailers, fine dining restaurants, a theatre hosting large-scale production shows.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
What’s truly remarkable?
It will be 3x larger than the iconic Wynn Las Vegas and 1 of the 10 largest casinos in the world.
The resort’s location on Al Marjan Island puts it at the heart of Ras Al Khaimah’s most prestigious development. Just a 50-minute drive from Dubai, the resort be situated on its own white sand beach on the Arabian Gulf, featuring:
- 18,500 sq. m. gaming area
- 15,000 sq. m. high-end shopping promenade featuring luxury boutiques
- 24 dining and lounge experiences
- 7,500 sq. m. event centre with meeting rooms and a theatre
- A nightclub featuring the “Only At Wynn” line-up of world-renowned DJs
This ‘Ras Al Khaimah Casino’ is expected to generate thousands of jobs and significantly boost the emirate’s tourism sector, drawing visitors from around the globe.
RAK Real Estate Impact
Investors are clearly responding to the area’s emerging status as a luxury destination. Based on Bayut’s RAK Properties Annual Report 2024:
- Rental prices for villas in popular areas increased by up to 28% during 2024
- Apartment rental prices also significantly increased by up to 42.7%
- Sales price of villas in Ras Al Khaimah rose by up to 35.65% in 2024
- Apartment sales prices increased by up to 33.3%
And, according to AirDNA’s insights, Ras Al Khaimah presents untapped potential in the short-term rental market. These metrics suggest RAK real estate could offer investors better rental yield opportunities than the more saturated Dubai market, particularly with the upcoming Ras Al Khaimah casino development.
RAK Properties: Prime Investment Zones
With RAK real estate already showing higher revenue potential than Dubai despite lower occupancy rates, here are 3 top areas offering strategic positioning before casino-driven demand surges.
1. Al Marjan Island
Strategic Location: Properties adjacent to the Wynn Ras Al Khaimah are experiencing premium demand and appreciation.
Key Features:
- Waterfront properties with stunning Arabian Gulf views
- Mixed-use developments combining retail and branded residences, reflecting a trend towards luxury and exclusivity
- Luxury-focused development catering to high-end tourism
- Easy access to attractions like Dreamland Aqua Park
Notable Branded Residence Developments:
- JW Marriott Residences
- The Unexpected Al Marjan Island Hotel & Residences
- The Astera, Interiors by Aston Martin
- The Beach Residences
- Address Residences Al Marjan Island
Investment Outlook: Al Marjan Island offers the highest appreciation potential in RAK properties with its direct proximity to the Wynn development, positioning it as Ras Al Khaimah’s premium investment zone.
2. Mina Al Arab
Strategic Location: Situated 20 minutes from the upcoming Wynn casino resort and near the Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Resort.
Key Features:
- Close proximity to international schools, nurseries and healthcare facilities
- Close proximity to Lagoon Mall and Mina Al Arab Public Beach
- Retail outlets and waterfront dining destinations
- Eco-friendly community design with protected coastal wetlands
Notable Developments:
- Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Resort
- InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Resort and Spa
- Bermuda Villas
- Flamingo Villas
- Gateaway Residence
Investment Outlook: Benefiting from casino development spillover effects, RAK properties in Mina Al Arab is also demonstrating strong appreciation and rental yields potential at a more affordable price point than Al Marjan Island.
3. Al Hamra
Strategic Location: Conveniently situated just 10 mins away from Al Marjan Island. Established community with access to both the Wynn casino development and RAK’s existing tourism infrastructure.
Key Features:
- Close proximity to Al Hamra Mall and Al Hamra Beach
- Premium facilities including Al Hamra Golf Club and Al Hamra Marina and Yacht Club
- Diverse property options from apartments to luxury villas in Al Hamra Village
Notable Developments:
- Al Hamra Residence
- Sofitel Al Hamra Beach Resort
- Waldorf Astoria Al Hamra
- Ritz Carlton Al Hamra
Investment Outlook: With all the new jobs the casino’s bringing, there’s going to be tons of people looking for places to live. Most affordable compared to Al Marjan Island and Mina Al Arab, with strong rental potential driven by expected workforce influx and growing tourism demand.
Al Hamra Off Plan Property:
| Project | Developer | Delivery Date | Type | Launch Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Falcon Island | Al Hamra Real Estate Management Services | Q4 2024 (Ready) | 2 – 5 Bedrooms Townhouse, Villa | AED 7.8M |
| Al Hamra Waterfront | Al Hamra Real Estate Management Services | Q1 2027 | Studio, 1-3 Beds Townhouse, Apartments | AED 1M |
| Ellington Views | Ellington Properties | Q1 2027 | Studio, 1-3 Beds Apartments, Penthouse | AED 800K |
| Ellington Views Phase 2 | Ellington Properties | Q1 2027 | Studio, 1-3 Beds Apartments | AED 2.2M |
Is Ras Al Khaimah Good for Investment?
RAK real estate could indeed be a smart move for investors looking for growth potential, affordable luxury, and strong returns in the UAE property market. But remember, the best deals won’t wait around forever. As the Wynn Ras Al Khaimah project progresses toward its 2027 opening, the window of opportunity for early investors remains open but may be closing as more investors recognize the potential of this emerging market.
