Custom-made sand for the UAE’s first casino: BHS technology in use at Wynn Al Marjan Island

May 29, 2026
Ras Al Khaimah, UAE – A truly spectacular project is currently under construction on the coast of Ras Al Khaimah: Wynn Al Marjan Island. As the first integrated resort in the MENA region (Middle East and North Africa), it will feature over 1,500 rooms, 22 restaurants, and a luxurious shopping promenade, as well as the United Arab Emirates’ first casino. To ensure the perfect beach experience for guests, the developer is relying on a special solution for sand production.

Precision for the "Barefoot Feeling"
To offer guests optimal beach comfort, the artificially reclaimed island does not rely on the fine, natural marine sand native to the region. This would not meet the high quality standards required for the extensive outdoor grounds. Instead, a special, light-colored dolomite is used, quarried at the nearby site owned by the Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah.

To transform this abrasive rock into the desired, high-quality sand, the BHS rotor impact mill RPM 2215 is employed. This is one of the largest machines of its kind, specifically designed to crush feed material of up to 8 mm into fine, firm sand.

A Technical Challenge in an Extreme Environment
On-site production is a demanding undertaking. Due to the material properties and the ambient conditions, the efficient extraction of the generated dust is essential for ensuring the longevity of the wear parts. Furthermore, as the coastline is exposed to the natural tides and wave action of the Persian Gulf, sand must be continuously produced and replenished to permanently maintain the planned layer depth of approximately 80 cm surrounding the resort.

Opening Scheduled for 2027
Construction work on the resort tower is progressing rapidly; by November 2024, 55% of the concrete structure had already been completed. The opening of this multi-billion-dollar project—spearheaded by Wynn Resorts of Las Vegas—is scheduled for the spring of 2027.

Image source: https://wynnalmarjanisland.com