MGM Resorts International, a U.S.-based hotel group, has submitted an application to operate a gaming facility in the UAE. “Yes, we have applied, and it was done in Abu Dhabi,” said Bill Hornbuckle, CEO and president of MGM Resorts International, during the recent Skift Global Forum 2024. Hornbuckle mentioned that the application is currently awaiting federal government approval, and he is hopeful they will receive the license.
If approved, this would be the second gaming resort to open in the UAE. Wynn Resorts, another American hotel operator, is working on an integrated gaming resort on Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah, which is expected to open in 2027 in partnership with a local firm.
In September 2023, the UAE set up the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) to establish a top-tier regulatory system for commercial gaming.
The GCGRA’s goal is to create a well-regulated and socially responsible gaming sector, ensuring all involved adhere to strict rules and meet high standards. The agency will handle national licensing and oversee regulatory efforts, aiming to responsibly tap into the economic potential of the gaming industry.
Soruce: https://www.khaleejtimes.com/business/uae-mgm-resorts-applies-for-a-gaming-license-in-abu-dhabi