Abu Dhabi’s Casino Prospects Brighten as MGM Resorts Submits License Application
The UAE is taking another step toward a regulated casino industry, as global giant MGM Resorts has officially applied for a casino license in Abu Dhabi. This move marks a significant milestone in the UAE’s evolving stance on gaming and entertainment, following the establishment of the GCGRA in 2023.
MGM Resorts is already a major player in the entertainment and hospitality industry and has long had a foothold in the UAE. The company is developing the $3.9 billion MGM Grand, Bellagio and Aria resort complex on Al Marjan Island. The development is widely speculated to include casino gaming once regulations allow for it. With a formal license application in Abu Dhabi, MGM is signalling its commitment to expanding its reach in the region.
Historically, gambling has been strictly prohibited in the UAE. However the establishment of the GCGRA suggests a shift toward regulated gaming in certain emirates. While the UAE government hasn’t officially confirmed plans for widespread casino legalisation, there is growing speculation that Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah could become key gaming hubs in the Middle East.
Abu Dhabi is known for its luxury tourism and wildly ambitious development projects and would be a prime location for a casino resort. The potential introduction of regulated gaming could attract high-net-worth individuals and international tourists, further solidifying the UAE’s status as a global destination for luxury entertainment.
The introduction of these resorts from MGM could generate a large amount of revenue and create new job opportunities in tourism, hospitality and gaming operations. The move could likely also pave the way for other international gaming operators to enter the market in UAE, adding to competition and innovation.
Whilst the application is a crucial development, the final decision will be dependent on the UAE’s regulatory authorities and their approach to gaming legalisation. If Abu Dhabi grants MGM a license then it could set a precedent for other similar approvals in other emirates – reshaping the region’s industry for entertainment. A license was recently granted to Wynn for a casino to be built on Marjan Island whilst MGM still is awaiting any further confirmation or approval. The Wynn resort is set for a 2027 opening.
