UAE sheikhdom to allow gaming as Wynn Resorts plans project

By The Associated Press

Posted January 25, 2022 8:07 am.

Last Updated January 25, 2022 8:16 am.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — One of the seven sheikhdoms in the United Arab Emirates said Tuesday it will allow “gaming” while announcing a multibillion-dollar deal with casino giant Wynn Resorts.

The announcement by Ras al-Khaimah comes after months of rumors about gambling coming to the UAE, home to skyscraper-studded Dubai and oil-rich Abu Dhabi. Islam, the religion of the Arabian Peninsula, prohibits gambling.

While the other emirates haven’t announced similar deals, casino operator Caesars Palace operates a massive resort already in Dubai.

Initially, a statement issued by Wynn Resorts and Ras al-Khaimah authorities only referred to “gaming,” without elaborating. The emirate’s Tourism Development Authority repeatedly declined to answer questions from The Associated Press on whether “gaming” involved cash betting.

Las Vegas-based Wynn Resorts did not immediately respond to questions from the AP. Wynn stock traded at $84.80 at the close of business Monday on the NASDAQ stock exchange.

The Associated Press

Submit a Correction

Accessibility Feedback

Top Stories

2 Alberta Clippers set to drop up to 10 cm of snow by Wednesday night

Two Alberta Clippers headed for the GTA could drop up to 10 centimetres of snow by Wednesday night. The first system will begin as snow on Tuesday, bringing a light blanket of 1-3 centimetres during...

2h ago

Neighbour hailed as hero for alerting residents to Scarborough apartment fire

A man is being hailed as a hero for alerting multiple residents to a Scarborough apartment fire that sent one woman to hospital. Emergency services were called to the low-rise building at 3941 Lawrence...

53m ago

Man, 25, killed in Brampton shooting

A male has died after shots were fired at a vehicle in Brampton Monday night. Peel police say they were called to parking lot in the Hurontario Street and Bartley Bull Parkway area for a homicide around...

9m ago

Calls grow from TTC riders to improve Line 6 Finch West LRT trip times

CityNews Toronto went out across Line 6 Finch West to test trip times for light rail vehicles, shuttle buses and driving to compare each mode.

1h ago

Top Stories

2 Alberta Clippers set to drop up to 10 cm of snow by Wednesday night

Two Alberta Clippers headed for the GTA could drop up to 10 centimetres of snow by Wednesday night. The first system will begin as snow on Tuesday, bringing a light blanket of 1-3 centimetres during...

2h ago

Neighbour hailed as hero for alerting residents to Scarborough apartment fire

A man is being hailed as a hero for alerting multiple residents to a Scarborough apartment fire that sent one woman to hospital. Emergency services were called to the low-rise building at 3941 Lawrence...

53m ago

Man, 25, killed in Brampton shooting

A male has died after shots were fired at a vehicle in Brampton Monday night. Peel police say they were called to parking lot in the Hurontario Street and Bartley Bull Parkway area for a homicide around...

9m ago

Calls grow from TTC riders to improve Line 6 Finch West LRT trip times

CityNews Toronto went out across Line 6 Finch West to test trip times for light rail vehicles, shuttle buses and driving to compare each mode.

1h ago

Most Watched Today

2:29

OPP investigating company that received Ontario government payments

Keel Digital Solutions is under scrutiny after the province found "irregularities" during a routine audit. As Mark McAllister explains, the same company is at the heart of the Ford government Skills Development Fund controversy.

3h ago

2:17

Snow expected for the next two days

Snow is expected to fall on Tuesday and Wednesday this week so you may need to work in some extra commute time. Meteorologist Natasha Ramsahai has your seven-day forecast.

4h ago

3:25

Markham drivers seek answers after vehicles accidentally sprayed with paint

Several vehicle owners reached out to Speakers Corner after being faced with hefty bills to remove paint that was accidentally sprayed on their cars. The question now: who’s responsible? Pat Taney reports.

8h ago

1:38

13 arrested, 2 wanted in connection to violent crimes across Ontario, Quebec

York Regional Police (YRP) says 13 people have been arrested as part of a sweeping multi-jurisdictional investigation known as Project Wrangler.

10h ago

1:51

Ontario to invest $20M to install barriers at daycare centres following fatal crash

The Ford government announced the province will be investing $20 million dollars to install concrete barriers in front of daycare centres in the aftermath of a crash that claimed the life of a toddler.

12h ago