Gulf Arab Nation UAE attracts Casino giants with new federal Gaming authority

The United Arab Emirates has created a federal authority to potentially run a national lottery and what it describes as “commercial gaming,” likely a sign that it is on the verge of allowing gambling as major casino operators flock to the Gulf Arab nation.
The state-run WAM news agency carried an announcement late Sunday on the creation of the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority, without offering many details about its structure or operations.
It named Kevin Mullally as its CEO. Mullally once served as the executive director of the Missouri Gaming Commission, which oversaw that U.S. state’s riverboat casinos.
“I am delighted to have been appointed as the inaugural CEO of the GCGRA,” Mullally said in the statement. “With my experienced colleagues, I look forward to establishing a robust regulatory body and framework for the UAE’s lottery and gaming industry.”
Mullally did not immediately return a request for comment from The Associated Press. Also named was Jim Murren as the chairman of the authority’s board of directors. Media in Nevada, home to the gambling city of Las Vegas, identified Murren as a former chairman and CEO of MGM Resorts International, which also runs casinos. Describing the authority, WAM said it would “create a socially responsible and well-regulated gaming environment, ensuring that all participants adhere to strict guidelines and comply with the highest standards.”
“It will coordinate regulatory activities, manage licensing nationally and facilitate unlocking the economic potential of commercial gaming responsibly,” it added.
But in recent years, rumors about casinos kept growing. Britain’s famed ship the Queen Elizabeth 2 opened as a hotel in Dubai in 2018 after over $100 million of repairs. It still has its deactivated slot machines on board. Caesars similarly opened in 2018. Construction work is ongoing involving projects for casino firms MGM, the Bellagio and Aria.
In 2022, the UAE’s northern-most emirate Ras al-Khaimah announced a multibillion-dollar deal with Las Vegas-based casino giant Wynn Resorts. Authorities in Ras al-Khaimah repeatedly refused to directly describe the hotel as having gambling, though Wynn has described the project as involving the “subsequent management of an integrated resort.” The term “integrated resort,” born in Singapore, refers to a hotel that includes a casino and other amenities. The creation of a federal authority suggests Abu Dhabi, the country’s capital, will oversee the potential operation of casinos in the country.

Historical Speculation: A 2004 U.S. diplomatic cable from WikiLeaks suggested that Dubai’s casino plans were put on hold due to deference to Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE’s first president.

Recent Developments: In recent years, rumors about casinos in Dubai have persisted, with notable projects like the Queen Elizabeth 2 hotel, Caesars, and ongoing construction work involving MGM, Bellagio, and Aria.