Integrated Resorts Set to Transform Tourism Experiences Across the Middle East and Beyond

• The launch of the Wynn Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah and Cinnamon Life’s City of Dreams development in Sri Lanka is leading a new era for tourism and hospitality in the Middle East and Asia Pacific 
• Experts have stressed the importance of creating immersive experiences that go beyond gaming and reflect local culture, art and storytelling 
• Personalisation, regulation and responsible gaming will be key to long-term success 

Dubai, United Arab Emirates – 9 July : Integrated resorts across the Middle East and Asia Pacific (APAC) are reshaping the future of the hospitality sector, blending luxury, entertainment, and culture to create immersive travel destinations, according to industry leaders speaking at Arabian Travel Market (ATM).

A major highlight in this transformation is the eagerly awaited launch of Wynn Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah, set for 2027. This flagship development reflects the region’s growing focus on diversified tourism offerings. Similarly, Sri Lanka’s Cinnamon Life City of Dreams, featuring a newly introduced casino, represents a significant move toward regulated gaming within a fully integrated resort model.

Industry experts project that the UAE’s annual gross gaming revenue (GGR) could reach between US$3 billion and US$5 billion, driven by the rise of these integrated resort developments. Ras Al Khaimah alone expects to welcome 3.5 million overnight tourists by 2030, with the new resort poised to generate thousands of jobs and enhance the emirate’s tourism appeal.

During ATM, panellists from hospitality, market research, and tech sectors—including Judith Cartwright (Black Coral Consulting), Darren Bishop (Heart+Mind Strategies), and Edward Batrouni (Zenitech)—discussed the shifting perception of integrated resorts and their growing appeal across key tourism markets such as India, China, the GCC, and Europe.

Sanjiv Hulugalle, CEO of Cinnamon Life Hotel & Mall, emphasised that a successful integrated resort must reflect the essence of its location:

“You can’t just build a casino. You must connect deeply with the surrounding environment. It’s about creating texture, culture, and soul—not just facilities.”

While the addition of gaming introduces a new layer of excitement, panellists agreed that the real value lies in the broader guest experience—through art, music, cuisine, wellness, and authentic storytelling.

Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME at Arabian Travel Market, highlighted:

“This year’s discussions showed a clear shift in integrated resort design. It’s not just about gaming—it's about creating a sense of place, building emotional connections, and making tourism developments national assets. These resorts offer rich, multi-generational experiences that go beyond luxury.”

In regions like Sri Lanka, where gaming is emerging under new regulations, community support and strong government cooperation have played a pivotal role in the progress of the City of Dreams project.

Meanwhile, in the UAE, the establishment of the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) in 2023 is helping shape a sustainable and well-regulated gaming industry. The country’s entry into the integrated resort space is positioning it as a regional leader in tourism innovation—powered by advanced technology, personalised services, and strict responsible gaming protocols.

Research presented during ATM revealed that while gaming is not a top priority for all travellers, it significantly boosts spending—especially among affluent and older audiences—contributing up to a 30% increase in revenue at comparable resorts globally.

With strong interest from feeder markets such as India, Saudi Arabia, and UAE-based expats, and rising demand from European travellers seeking luxury and curated experiences, integrated resorts are set to transform the regional tourism landscape.

Arabian Travel Market will return to Dubai World Trade Centre from 4–7 May 2026. The latest edition drew over 55,000 industry professionals from 166 countries, marking a 16% increase from the previous year and featuring 2,800+ exhibiting companies—with 19% from the Middle East and 81% international participation.