Singapore – Las Vegas Sands has officially begun construction on its highly anticipated US$8 billion expansion of Marina Bay Sands (MBS), marking a major milestone for Singapore’s tourism and MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) sectors. The groundbreaking ceremony on July 15 was officiated by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and attended by key figures, including Minister Grace Fu and Las Vegas Sands executives Dr Miriam Adelson, Robert Goldstein, and Patrick Dumont.
Dubbed IR2, the new development is being positioned as an “ultra-luxurious resort and entertainment destination,” designed to redefine regional hospitality benchmarks. Leading the architectural vision is Safdie Architects, the original designer of the iconic MBS.
The US$8 billion project includes the construction of a 55-storey all-suite tower comprising 570 expansive suites—larger on average than existing rooms at MBS. The expansion will also feature a new luxury retail wing, high-end dining concepts, wellness experiences, a state-of-the-art gaming area, and approximately 200,000 sq ft of premium meeting space.
A central highlight of the expansion is a 15,000-seat indoor arena tailored to host international touring acts, live events, and large-scale conventions—strengthening Singapore’s role as a global events capital.
Atop the new tower will sit the “Skyloop,” a 76,000 sq ft multi-level rooftop experience. Public areas will include an observatory deck, restaurants, and sky gardens, while exclusive zones will offer infinity pools, private cabanas, wellness terraces, and curated art and lifestyle spaces—all with panoramic views of the Singapore skyline.
Originally announced in 2019, the project faced delays due to the pandemic, and its cost has since more than doubled from its initial US$3.3 billion estimate. The new Marina Bay Sands tower is slated for completion by June 2030, with an official opening projected in January 2031, pending government approvals.
In his speech, Prime Minister Wong hailed the expansion as a “new chapter” for Marina Bay and a reaffirmation of confidence in Singapore’s future. He emphasized the broader urban transformation underway along the Southern Waterfront, which includes plans for commercial, entertainment, and residential developments.
“Sustainability will be at the heart of this project,” Las Vegas Sands stated, committing to environmentally conscious construction practices, including the use of low-carbon concrete and recycled steel, as well as a waste management plan.
Robert Goldstein, chairman and CEO of Las Vegas Sands, emphasized the distinct identity of the new tower, calling it “not an extension of MBS, but a brand new world-class destination.” He added: “Singapore allows visionaries to dream and deliver. This government makes success possible.”
To mark the occasion, Marina Bay Sands was illuminated in golden hues, with over 220 guests in attendance. The evening featured performances by local singer-songwriter Jasmine Sokko and Canadian pop artist Henry Lau.
Since its opening in 2010 at a cost of US$5.6 billion, MBS has become a cornerstone of Singapore’s economy and tourism industry. It recently completed a US$1.75 billion refurbishment, and today, employs over 12,000 people while contributing significantly to local procurement.
The IR2 project signals Las Vegas Sands’ long-term commitment to Singapore, further elevating the city-state’s global profile in luxury tourism, business travel, and integrated resort excellence.
