Dubai, UAE – US-based hospitality giant MGM Resorts International has announced plans to introduce three of its renowned brands to Dubai, signaling growing interest in the UAE’s emerging commercial gaming market.
While MGM’s current agreement is non-gaming, the company sees potential opportunities for gaming expansion following the establishment of the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) in the UAE.
In its latest annual report, MGM Resorts confirmed its management contract with Wasl Hospitality, under which it will bring the Bellagio, Aria, and MGM Grand brands to Dubai.
The company is optimistic about the UAE’s evolving regulatory landscape, which could pave the way for further gaming-related ventures.
“With the UAE’s establishment of the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority, tasked with creating a regulatory framework for commercial gaming, we are encouraged by the potential opportunity for gaming expansion in Dubai,” the company stated.
MGM also highlighted that it is actively exploring opportunities in other regions, including Thailand. The announcement follows significant developments in the UAE’s gaming industry.
In October 2024, Wynn Resorts became the first company to secure a Commercial Gaming Facility Operator license from the GCGRA, allowing it to develop the Wynn Al Marjan Island resort in Ras Al Khaimah. The resort, set to open in March 2027, marks the first integrated gaming resort in the Middle East.
MGM Resorts CEO and President Bill Hornbuckle previously revealed at the Skift Global Forum 2024 that the company has applied for a license to operate a gaming facility in the UAE, confirming that efforts were focused on Abu Dhabi.
“Yes, we have (applied). We’ve done it in Abu Dhabi,” Hornbuckle said during the forum.
Meanwhile, Wynn Resorts CEO Craig Billings has downplayed concerns over potential competition from other gaming operators in the UAE.
Speaking during an earnings call following Wynn’s fourth-quarter results, Billings emphasized that the timeline for developing an integrated gaming resort offers Wynn Resorts a considerable head start.
“We don’t believe that every emirate will avail themselves of potential licenses by any means,” Billings stated.
“As we keep our ear to the ground with respect to what’s going on… We’re opening in March 2027, so think about the fact that it takes a minimum of four years to design and build an integrated resort. You can imagine that we’re going to have a very, very healthy lead.”
Billings further projected that the UAE’s gaming market could reach $3–$5 billion (Dh11–Dh18.35 billion) over time, reflecting the region’s potential as a lucrative gaming destination.
The developments in the UAE’s gaming industry have attracted international attention, with major hospitality firms evaluating opportunities within the region.
As regulatory frameworks continue to take shape, the prospect of additional integrated gaming resorts remains a subject of keen interest.
For now, MGM Resorts remains focused on its non-gaming operations in Dubai, while keeping an eye on future gaming possibilities in the UAE’s rapidly evolving market.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members