Thomas Schoen President of Wynn Al Marjan Island, UAE's First Integrated Resort with Casino Gaming

Thomas Schoen, a well-known hospitality industry expert, was recently named Wynn Al Marjan Island’s new president. Schoen is expected to lead Wynn Resorts through a significant milestone and usher the Arab world into a new era of casino gambling in his new role. But is Schoen up to the task, though? Is he capable of upholding Wynn Resorts’ unblemished reputation and making an impression in uncharted waters? Find out if the new president is ready to take on the job.

Thomas’s Schoen Portfolio

Thomas Schoen is, at the very least, a master of luxury hospitality, and his prior accomplishments speak for themselves. He is a hotel industry expert with over three decades of experience managing and directing various business aspects. During his distinguished career, the newly appointed president of Wynn Al Marjan Island served as a CEO and complex general manager for seven years, an area general manager for eight years, and a hotel brand experience manager for six years.

Thomas’ 30-year career is a culmination of well-run international projects. He has worked in 12 countries around the world. He is particularly notable for his singular ability to create exceptional guest experiences, enabling him to propel numerous brands to international prominence. He has previously worked for well-known companies such as Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Pine Cliffs Resort, Le Meridien, Sheraton, Luxury Collection, and W Hotels, among others. Schoen believes he will successfully complete Wynn Resorts mission in the Arab world, having led brands through diverse cultures in the United Kingdom, Africa, and Europe.

Regulated Casino Gaming Makes Its Debut

The Arab world will soon welcome its first regulated casino and enjoy the benefits of an integrated resort. For centuries, Arabic countries have maintained an anti-gambling tradition backed by strict Shariah laws. Gambling is generally regarded as haram in Islam, the predominant religion in many Arabic-speaking countries. According to experts at arabwinners.com, as gambling legalization continues to gain traction worldwide, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has recognized the potential benefits of investing in integrated resorts, more so in expanding the tourism sector.

The Wynn Al Marjan Island resort offers more than just gambling. It heralds a new era in the Arab world. With a super manager overseeing its debut, the region anticipates a significant economic breakthrough through improved tourism, foreign direct investment, and imported talent. The groundbreaking project is set to begin in 2027 and is expected to cost $3.9 billion, making it one of the UAE’s most significant and unique projects of the decade.

Key Elements for The Project’s Success

Craig Billings, CEO of Wynn Resorts, expressed his joy at Schoen joining his team when announcing the appointment, demonstrating his confidence in the seasoned expert in luxury hospitality. According to Craig Billings, the Wynn Al Marjan project is one of the most exciting projects of the decade and represents a new chapter for the international company. According to Wynn Resorts, Thomas Schoen is the best person to help write the latest chapter.

Schoen enthusiastically accepted the new position, acknowledging the company’s groundbreaking achievement and pledging to perform as expected. Based on his past successes, the newly appointed president will likely perform admirably in his new position and may alter the region’s attitude toward casinos. Leading a gambling-related investment in a culture hostile to the pastime appears unusual and complex. However, given the company’s location in a tourist hotspot, the newly appointed president will have an easy time steering it.

Already, there are numerous opportunities in the hospitality industry in the Arab world as it already has a thriving tourism sector. The UAE is particularly well-known for its tourist attractions, which include massive shopping malls, dazzling skyscrapers, and breathtaking desert scenery. Schoen will most likely find it easy to oversee the operations of an integrated resort in this environment. The casino feature will probably be the most critical factor in his success. It is a much-anticipated addition to a region that is already making strides in tourism.

Final Thoughts

Schoen’s appointment as the pioneer of Wynn Resorts’ first activities in the Arab world is exciting news for the company and the UAE community. Schoen has unrivaled experience in the luxury hospitality industry and appears to be the best fit for the position. It remains to be seen whether Schoen delivers accordingly. Schoen’s past results suggest he may live up to expectations. With a supportive team and an enabling legal environment, the newly appointed president is likely to set a new record for the luxury hospitality industry and establish himself as one of the forerunners in introducing regulated casinos in the Arab world.