The United Arab Emirates is to be the first country in the Middle East to legalise casinos in resorts.
According to skift.com, the UAE has established a new regulatory body, the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), to create a regulatory framework for a national lottery and commercial gambling.
Wynn Resorts is set to build casino resorts on a “Marjan Strip” (in Ras Al Khaimah) and a potential “Arabian Strip” elsewhere and MGM too has plans for other casino resorts in the UAE, first proposed in 2017.
Wam.ae, UAE’s state publication, said the GCGRA would create a “socially responsible and well-regulated gaming environment” and “facilitate unlocking the economic potential of commercial gaming responsibly”.
Ras Al Khaimah confirmed the establishment of the Wynn Resort and the CEO, Craig Billings, said: “We have everything we need to operate gaming in Al Marjan. I expect that we will have our licence for Ras Al Khaimah imminently.”
The Wynn Resort on Al Marjan Island is scheduled to debut in 2027. The resort will have 1 500 rooms and 24 restaurants, and cost $3,9 billion (R74,35bn).
Other international luxury hotel brands are being attracted to the region since the announcement of the establishment of a gambling authority and the arrival of a Wynn Resort including, Nobu, W Hotels and Le Meridien.
