Construction has resumed at Wynn Resorts’ $5.1 billion integrated resort, Wynn Al Marjan Island, in the United Arab Emirates. Work on the project had been paused on 28 February after United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran in an operation known as Operation Epic Fury. Iran later retaliated with missile and drone attacks across the region, which also affected neutral countries such as the UAE.
Shortly before the first strikes on Tehran, several countries—including Finland, Australia, Germany, India, Poland and the United States—issued travel advisories urging their citizens to leave the region. After the conflict escalated, the U.S. Department of State advised Americans to “depart immediately” for safety reasons.
At the same time, Wynn Resorts informed employees that they could work remotely from another country if their home embassy recommended leaving the area.
Wynn: Business as usual
As of Wednesday, Wynn Resorts announced that construction on Wynn Al Marjan Island has resumed after a brief suspension. The company said measures have been implemented to maintain the safety and security of all workers at the site, adding that daily business activities for much of the local population continue largely as usual.
In a construction update released in January, Wynn reported that the resort tower had reached 299 metres in height, with structural concrete completed through the 71st floor. The company also confirmed that all 1,530 guest rooms, suites, and townhouses had been finished, along with the upscale Marina Estates residences.
Work is also progressing on the 648-metre Wynn Bridge, which will link the resort to the E311 highway and E611 highway, creating what Wynn described as a seamless connection between Dubai and the Northern Emirates. If construction continues without further delays, the bridge is expected to be completed later this year.
In addition, Wynn revealed plans for a new residential complex called Oasis, designed to house more than 7,000 employees. The development is scheduled to open by summer and has been described by the company as one of the most extensive employee living communities in the global hospitality industry.
Roadblocks ahead
According to an analysis by Business News Today, Wynn Resorts appears to view the current situation as a temporary disruption rather than a threat to the overall project. The report noted that the company has already invested more than $914 million in the development. With such a large amount of capital already committed, it added, companies are typically inclined to continue forward even in uncertain operating conditions.
The ongoing crisis has also impacted operations at Dubai International Airport, located roughly an hour from Wynn Al Marjan Island. In addition, shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz have faced disruptions, creating logistical bottlenecks that are slowing supply deliveries and increasing transportation costs. Forbes reported that freight companies are applying risk-related surcharges ranging from $2,000 to $4,000 per container.
Speaking to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, analyst Kim Noland, director of high-yield research at Gimme Credit LLC in New York, warned that Wynn and other international hospitality operators could face negative effects if conflict in Iran discourages consumers from travelling abroad.
The potential impact could extend to other major casino companies as well. MGM Resorts International, another gaming operator based in Las Vegas, is currently developing a $1.2 billion non-gaming resort on Jumeirah Beach. The company has also applied for the region’s second gaming licence, which is still awaiting approval.
Wynn confident in UAE safety
Wynn Resorts has maintained that the ongoing conflict will not damage the United Arab Emirates’ reputation as a safe, stable, and business-friendly destination for global travelers and investors.
The company said it remains in continuous contact with both the United States government and officials in Ras Al Khaimah to ensure that decisions are made with the latest information.
In its statement, Wynn added that it believes the UAE’s overall defence strategy has been highly effective and expressed confidence in the country’s ability to protect its residents and maintain security.
