“We have a project which is now underway that we began to work on back in 2015 – it is on Plateau Island, it’s at the base of Jumeirah beach and the base of Burj Al Arab, they look at each other,” Hornbuckle said. As per estimates, revenue from casinos in the UAE could reach $6.6 billion.īill Hornbuckle, CEO of MGM Resorts International, expressed optimism that gambling will eventually take place at the resort they are developing in Dubai. The UAE casino market is expected to surpass Singapore’s in terms of revenue once it picks up pace. Currently, it is believed that each emirate will get licence for a single casino, however, this policy can change in future. Plans to legalise gambling were made back after the UAE formed a federal authority for commercial gaming called General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority ( GCGRA). This may lead to changes in plans to introduce casinos. Ras Al Khaimah, on the other hand, has announced plans for a $3.9 billion integrated resort, partnering with Wynn Resorts Ltd.ĭubai, however, has put the plans aside as government officials stated that gambling was not a priority due to the already booming tourism sector, people aware of the matter said. theme parks are situated – along with one more place near the city’s port, are being considered. People with knowledge of the matter told Bloomberg that Yas Island – where the Yas Marina Formula One Circuit, Ferrari World and Warner Bros. However, it seems that Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah would be the first ones to have a casino before Dubai as the latter has reportedly put its plans on hold.Ību Dhabi is currently mapping out three locations for a potential casino establishment. Ever since the framework for legalised gaming was set up by the United Arab Emirates ( UAE) in September, it seemed that Dubai would swiftly move to permit casinos.

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