MGM Resorts still waiting on UAE casino licence

ByBDG Game
Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed has yet to greenlight a casino at MGM’s $2.5 billion resort on the Jumeirah coast, but MGM CEO Bill Hornbuckle remains confident.

Eight years after UAE developer Wasl and MGM Resorts International announced they would collaborate on a resort in Dubai, the local government has yet to OK a casino at the beachfront property.

In 2017, MGM’s hospitality unit joined with Wasl to begin planning a 10.5-hectare multi-use beachfront complex. In BDG Game, MGM described it as a “a luxurious sanctuary on magnificent Jumeirah Beach … an entertainment destination of the future, featuring a wide spectrum of activities for all ages.” Like casino gaming – maybe.

Reviewer Summary: UAE’s Emerging Casino Market

Key to the UAE’s appeal is its unique demographic makeup: 80–90% of the population are expats, many of whom are high-net-worth individuals drawn by the Emirates’ tax-free lifestyle, robust infrastructure, and safe, luxurious living. While casinos remain off-limits for Emiratis, the expat community and regional tourism—particularly from India, China, and neighboring Gulf states—offer a lucrative customer base.

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