The United Arab Emirates, a Muslim country located in the Gulf, is prohibited from gambling, but a US-based casino operator announced plans to build a billion-dollar gaming resort there.

A joint statement from Wynn Resorts and the United Arab Emirates property developer Marjan hinted at a project in Ras al-Khaimah to build an "integrated resort" with "gaming facilities."

As part of the United Arab Emirates, Ras al-Khaimah is one of the seven members, which includes the city-state of Dubai.

As part of the announcement on Tuesday, the Ras Al-Khaimah tourism development authority (RAKTDA) announced the formation of a new regulatory division to focus on the regulation of integrated resorts.

According to a statement, the hotels offer hotel operations, convention space, meeting facilities, entertainment, restaurants and lounges, spa, retail, and gaming amenities with more than 1,000 hotels at the resort. 

Creating a robust framework that ensures responsible gaming at all levels is the number one priority for this newly formed division. 

RAKTDA and Marjan both declined to comment, nor did they clarify whether "gaming" refers to gambling or not.

The project is expected to be completed by 2026.

In recent years, the UAE authorities have denied reports that the country neighbouring Saudi Arabia, where Islam originated, is lifting its ban on gambling.

As the majority of the UAE's 10-million people are foreigners, UAE revamped its laws in 2020 as part of a social liberalization drive aimed at enhancing its image.

Unmarried couples were allowed to live together, alcohol restrictions were eased, and long-term housing was offered.

In an effort to maintain its competitiveness, Saudi Arabia is moving to a Saturday-Sunday weekend similar to the West.

With the exception of the United Arab Emirates, no country in the Gulf observes weekends on a Friday, the day of prayer for Muslims, or on Saturday.

A move such as this will further the UAE's social liberalization efforts.