Casino in dubai marina

In Dubai, where Islamic law strictly prohibits gambling and the operation of casinos, an ambitious project called ‘The Island‘ is taking shape.

Despite these legal restrictions, ‘The Island’ plans to host renowned names like MGM, Bellagio, and Aria, which have a strong casino culture associated with their brands.

MGM President and CEO, Bill Hornbuckle, has already confirmed that the $2.5 billion resort project is awaiting approval for a gambling license and is set to become the first casino in Dubai.

The big names associated with ‘The Island’ are closely monitoring the actions of the UAE gaming regulatory body as they await regulation.

Michael Weaver, the Chief Communications Officer at Wynn Resorts, has disclosed that the long-awaited introduction of the gaming facility will be strategically synchronized with the highly anticipated grand opening of the resort.

Wynn Ras Al Khaimah has recently unveiled new photos, offering a glimpse into the progress of their upcoming gaming resort set to open in 2027. Todd Lenahan of Wynn Design and Development shared also insights into the resort’s design inspiration.

“As a brand, we are not interested in adding a casino to one of our properties,” Attilio Marro, Senior Director of Bulgari Hotels & Resorts, told our team. He emphasized the group’s opposition to casino integration in Dubai, prioritizing luxury and elegance over gambling.

Wynn Resorts’ CEO, Craig Billings, predicts the Wynn Al Marjan Island resort to be a transformative tourism gem in the United Arab Emirates, with construction progressing towards its next phase and a strategic focus on long-term shareholder value.

Dubai creates gaming history with the inaugural ‘Casino Countdown’ conference by Arabian Business, setting the stage for a significant shift as the UAE welcomes its first-ever gaming regulator, the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA).

UAE and General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) initiate a suspension of prize draws as part of a regulatory overhaul to establish a framework for national lottery and commercial gaming.

Bloomberg expects gambling to bring up to $7 billion of revenue annually to the UAE.

The United Arab Emirates sets up a federal entity to regulate gaming and hired veterans of the U.S. gambling industry to lead it, as stated by the news agency WAM.

Wynn Resorts announces the opening of a casino mega resort in 2027 in Ras Al Khaimah, hinting a major turning point in the historically imposed stricter islamic laws regarding gambling.

The global gambling industry anticipates that the UAE might become the first Gulf nation to legalize casinos, potentially surpassing Singapore as a gambling hub, despite current Islamic laws prohibiting the practice; however, official plans remain uncertain.

Michael Weaver, the Chief Communications Officer at Wynn Resorts, has disclosed that the long-awaited introduction of the gaming facility will be strategically synchronized with the highly anticipated grand opening of the resort.

Wynn Ras Al Khaimah has recently unveiled new photos, offering a glimpse into the progress of their upcoming gaming resort set to open in 2027. Todd Lenahan of Wynn Design and Development shared also insights into the resort’s design inspiration.

“As a brand, we are not interested in adding a casino to one of our properties,” Attilio Marro, Senior Director of Bulgari Hotels & Resorts, told our team. He emphasized the group’s opposition to casino integration in Dubai, prioritizing luxury and elegance over gambling.

Wynn Resorts’ CEO, Craig Billings, predicts the Wynn Al Marjan Island resort to be a transformative tourism gem in the United Arab Emirates, with construction progressing towards its next phase and a strategic focus on long-term shareholder value.

Dubai creates gaming history with the inaugural ‘Casino Countdown’ conference by Arabian Business, setting the stage for a significant shift as the UAE welcomes its first-ever gaming regulator, the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA).

UAE and General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) initiate a suspension of prize draws as part of a regulatory overhaul to establish a framework for national lottery and commercial gaming.

Bloomberg expects gambling to bring up to $7 billion of revenue annually to the UAE.

The United Arab Emirates sets up a federal entity to regulate gaming and hired veterans of the U.S. gambling industry to lead it, as stated by the news agency WAM.

Wynn Resorts announces the opening of a casino mega resort in 2027 in Ras Al Khaimah, hinting a major turning point in the historically imposed stricter islamic laws regarding gambling.

The global gambling industry anticipates that the UAE might become the first Gulf nation to legalize casinos, potentially surpassing Singapore as a gambling hub, despite current Islamic laws prohibiting the practice; however, official plans remain uncertain.

Gambling in Racecourses

Meydan Racecourse and Jebel Ali Racecourse serve not only as venues for witnessing the majestic sport of horse racing but also as centers where limited forms of betting take place. It’s crucial to understand that any form of wagering conducted here is heavily regulated and operates within a legal framework designed to maintain the integrity of the sport and adhere to the country’s laws.

How Gambling Occurs

Instead of traditional betting, the focus at Dubai’s racecourses is on prize moneys, pools, and gambling channels related to horse racing. But these are tightly controlled and are not akin to the gambling industries seen in other countries. Participation in these activities is usually through legal channels that are regulated to ensure they do not conflict with Islamic principles.

Legal Implications

Under Islamic Sharia law, gambling is unequivocally prohibited. This prohibition is not just a cultural norm but a legal mandate that influences the legal framework and judicial practices in many Islamic countries, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE), of which Dubai is a prominent emirate. The legal status of gambling in Dubai and the broader UAE is deeply intertwined with the principles of Sharia, which serve as a foundational source for the country’s legislation and moral guidelines.

Legal Framework

While Sharia serves as a guiding principle, the UAE’s legal system is a hybrid structure that also incorporates elements of civil law to govern various aspects of public and private life. By now the UAE is a major global tourist destination known for its hospitality and cosmopolitan cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi and visitors are also expected to abide by local laws, including those regarding gambling.