Las Vegas-style island to be built in Dubai
Dubai has announced the construction of a new Las Vegas-style island called The Island, the centrepiece of which will be MGM, Bellagio and Aria resorts.
In total, Dubai’s hotel stock will be boosted by 1,400 rooms thanks to developer Wasl’s new mega-project off the Jumeirah coast.
The project was first announced back in 2017. The developer has commissioned China State Engineering and Construction Corporation to erect the island, with the contract value estimated at Dh4.4bn.
In autumn 2022, MGM Resorts CEO Bill Hornbuckle said that there would be no casino or gaming rooms at MGM Resort Dubai, which is planned to open in Dubai.
As you know, MGM Resorts is one of the leading operators of integrated resorts, including under the group’s management is the world’s largest hotel MGM Grand with 6852 rooms in Las Vegas.
Bill Hornbuckle has previously emphasised that there are plans to build a “non-gaming integrated resort” in Dubai, but said his company was keen to see the gaming industry develop in the region.
The MGM Resort in Dubai is expected to consist of 1,000 rooms and 10 villas. Like Las Vegas, the hotel will feature a similar water show, theatre, restaurants, specialty shops, traditional and interactive museums, a beach club and entertainment areas for adults and children.
In September 2023, the United Arab Emirates created a new federal body, the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority, which will develop a regulatory framework for gambling and lotteries.
Kevin Mullally, who has 30 years of experience in the field of national and international regulation of gambling, was appointed Director General of the new agency. Abu Dhabi will control the activities of the department, but the rulers of the emirates will decide whether to allow gambling on their territory.
Casino activity is currently banned in the UAE, but back in 2022, Wynn Resorts said it would build an integrated resort with a gambling house in Ras Al Khaimah in 2027.
Source: What’s On
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