More players, products set to redefine UAE's gaming industry
In five years, the UAE could rival Singapore and Macau as a premium gaming destination, predict gaming industry experts. Its strategic location between Europe, Asia, and Africa positions it uniquely, they said.
In a landmark move, the UAE established the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) in 2023 to oversee the burgeoning gaming sector. The GCGRA has since licensed six major operators, including Wynn Resorts, Aristocrat and Smartplay.
With the GCGRA continuing to license gaming vendors, the UAE is expected to introduce new gaming products, including lotteries, prize draws, and integrated gaming systems for both online and land-based casinos, according to the latest UAE 2025 report from Dubai Casinos. 'Although Internet and Sports Wagering licences have yet to be approved, industry experts predict that 2025 could bring regulatory changes, with potential breaking news on online gaming licences. Meanwhile, the focus remains on physical casinos and lottery expansions, shaping the UAE's evolving gambling landscape,' Dubai Casinos said. Esports and virtual reality gaming are also on the radar, capitalising on the nation's youth demographic.
Wynn Al Marjan is developing a $3.9 billion integrated resort in Ras Al Khaimah, which is slated to open in 2027. These licences signal the UAE's commitment to creating a structured, world-class gaming environment. According to CBRE Institutional Research, Wynn could generate gross gaming revenues of $1.38 billion annually, with net revenues reaching $1.8 billion.
The first lottery licence was awarded to The Game LLC in July 2024. According to Jim Murren, chairman of the GCGRA, the launch of the UAE Lottery was 'a pivotal event that not only marks the establishment of a disciplined world-class regulatory framework for lottery activities but also underscores our commitment to nurturing a secure and enriched commercial gaming environment in the UAE.'
The UAE's regulatory approach is meticulous, ensuring compliance with both international standards and local cultural values, says John Connelly, a former gaming executive and advisor to GCC markets. 'By partnering with established players like Wynn, the country gains credibility and expertise to avoid pitfalls seen in other regions.'
Wynn Resorts CEO Craig Billings echoed general industry optimism: 'Ras Al Khaimah's project is just the beginning. The UAE's vision and execution capabilities will set a new benchmark for integrated resorts globally.'
'Gaming will be a catalyst for job creation and ancillary sectors like hospitality and retail,' says a Dubai-based financial analyst at KPMG.
Beyond casinos, and state-administered lotteries and prize draws, industry experts expect that integrated gaming systems will merge digital platforms with physical venues, offering seamless experiences. For instance, patrons could use mobile apps to book casino tables or participate in hybrid esports tournaments.
Analysts project the UAE's gaming market could generate up to $6.6 billion annually by 2030, with casinos driving tourism growth. The Wynn Al Marjan Island resort alone is anticipated to draw 5 million visitors yearly.
CBRE Institutional Research estimates the total addressable market for GGR in the UAE at $8.5 billion, while a base case in which three IRs are developed – potentially one each in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Ras Al Khaimah – is pegged at $6 billion annually.
According to Morgan Stanley, the UAE's potential to rival or even exceed Singapore in the integrated resort (IR) market is very real, especially with major projects like the Wynn Resorts development in Ras Al Khaimah.
Analysts at Morgan Stanley said the UAE is growing rapidly in terms of ultra-high-net-worth individuals. 'While it may have fewer millionaires than some of its competitors, the rate of growth in the wealthiest segments of the population outpaces Singapore. This is crucial for the casino market, which thrives on customers who are willing to spend large sums of money on gaming and entertainment.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Khaleej Times
7 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Dubai: Studio portraits with no photographer; new AI-powered room to ensure privacy
A new photography concept is set to launch in Dubai, aiming to put both the camera and creative control entirely in the user's hands. described by its founders as the UAE's first AI-powered studio for self-photography, will open its flagship location in Al Quoz this September. The startup promises to address privacy and comfort concerns by offering a sealed, sound-insulated room where users can take studio-quality portraits without a photographer present. Inside, a smart mirror and cinema-grade camera powered by Edge AI guides individuals through a self-directed session, with automatic image enhancement and secure delivery via private link. 'There's often discomfort in traditional photo shoots; the setting, the photographer, the pressure to look a certain way,' said Mitia Muravev, founder and CEO of 'We wanted to eliminate that. Our goal is to create a space where people can be themselves and see that reflected back.' The concept, according to the founders, originated from a common observation — that people often reject photographs not because of appearance, but because of discomfort or unease during the session. They believe this challenge is especially pronounced in communities where modesty and privacy are deeply valued. Peter Bondarenko, co-founder and chief product officer, said the system relies on embedded cameras and AI to recognise facial features and skin tones, applying subtle real-time enhancements such as colour correction and skin smoothing without altering natural features. Images are stored in encrypted, user-specific galleries, accessible only via one-time passcodes sent to the user's phone. According to the team, no personal data is stored beyond the gallery access mechanism. The concept was first piloted at the 2024 Arab Media Summit, where, the founders say, hundreds of women queued to try the service. 'Many said it was the first time they truly enjoyed a photo shoot,' Muravev said. Since then, the studio has reportedly served over 4,000 users in soft launches. While the service may attract influencers and professionals seeking headshots, the startup maintains that its core focus is helping everyday users feel more at ease in front of the camera.
Arabian Business
8 hours ago
- Arabian Business
Dubai Duty Free smashes all-time July sales record by nearly 6%
Dubai Duty Free (DDF) broke its all-time sales record in the month of July by nearly six per cent after posting sales of AED638.8 million (US$174 million). Its year-to-date sales of AED4.734 billion (US$1.29 billion) are up 5.86 per cent on the same period last year. The increase is notable given that passenger growth for the same period was less than 3 per cent. Dubai Airports said last month that passenger traffic at DXB, the world's busiest international aviation hub, served 46 million people across 222,000 flights through to the end of June, an increase of 2.3 per cent, despite the disruptions in the region. Dubai Duty Free on a high The previous record for July was AED602.8 million (US$164.1 million) set in 2023. DDF's sales are 9.7 per cent higher than July 2024 sales of AED582.26 million (US$158.6 million). This places July 2025 in ninth place amongst the Top 10 months in Dubai Duty Free's history. The company has achieved sales records in five out of seven months so far this year. Ramesh Cidambi, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free, commented: 'We are delighted to report another strong sales month in what is already proving to be an exceptional year. 'This outstanding performance reflects the resilience of our retail operation and the continued demand for world-class shopping experiences. Achieving nearly 10 per cent sales growth in a month when we estimate passenger traffic remained relatively flat, is a testament to our team and product offering.' Sweet success Confectionery sales grew an incredible 57 per cent from July last year, and it made it to the Top five categories of DDF. Sales of watches increased 18.4 per cent and Precious Jewellery grew 16.8 per cent, but they still could not make it to the Top five categories, which was occupied by Perfumes, Liquor, Gold, Tobacco and Confectionery. Perfume sales rose by 10.3 per cent over the same month last year, Liquor sales rose by 1.7 per cent, while Tobacco saw a 2.2 per cent increase. Gold sales rose by 15.5 per cent. DDF said July's sales surge was fuelled in part by a growing appetite for iconic luxury brands. The company's CA and CB Fashion Boutiques, home to some of the world's most sought-after luxury labels, grew 11.36 per cent. Flagship brands such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Cartier were standout performers, reflecting sustained demand for high-end fashion and accessories at DXB. Cidambi added: 'Given the recent media reports outlining the difficulties facing global luxury brands, we are happy to buck that trend in our luxury Boutiques, where we are seeing continued demand for select brands.' Lure of Rolex DDF's pre-loved luxury boutique, REKLAIM, launched in December 2024, continued to grow. Located in Concourses A, including in the Emirates First Class Lounge, Concourse B and D, REKLAIM offers a curated selection of authenticated pre-owned watches and handbags from top-tier luxury brands. In just over seven months, REKLAIM has generated more than AED14.3 million (US$3.9 million) in sales of which AED1.6 million (US$440,000) was generated in July alone. Rolex was the stand-out performer, with a total of 176 sold since the launch of REKLAIM, with 16 sold in July alone.
The National
9 hours ago
- The National
Sheikh Mohammed trials train from Dubai to Fujairah
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, took to social media to share images of a journey from Dubai to Fujairah on the much anticipated Etihad Rail passenger service. The network, set to start operations next year, will connect 11 cities and regions across the country - and is expected to transport 36 million passengers by 2030. Sheikh Mohammed expressed his pride in the project and in "a country that never stops working, but rather adds a new building block to its future infrastructure every day". Connecting the country Plans for the passenger line were unveiled in 2021. Earlier this year, Etihad Rail said that the first four passenger stations on the UAE-wide line would be in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and Fujairah. The station in Fujairah is in the Sakamkam area and the one in Sharjah close to the airport and University City. While the precise Dubai and Abu Dhabi sites have yet to be revealed, it is believed the Dubai station will be near Jumeirah Golf Estates. It was previously announced that passenger trains are set to travel at 200kph, carrying up to 400 passengers. Travelling from Abu Dhabi to Dubai will take about 57 minutes, while a journey from the capital to Fujairah will take 105 minutes. In January, Etihad Rail announced plans for an electrified high-speed passenger service between Abu Dhabi and Dubai with its own set of stations.
