Dubai developer Wasl has awarded an estimated $1.2 billion contract to Beijing-based China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC) to develop a future entertainment and tourism island where a planned MGM integrated resort will be located.

MGM Resorts International CEO Bill Hornbuckle expressed optimism that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) would become a hub for casino resorts and pointed out that the group's project is awaiting a nod from the Emirati authorities.

MGM Resorts has officially submitted its proposal to the UAE government to operate a casino, says CEO Bill Hornbuckle.

MGM Resorts International underscored substantial growth and strategic developments in the Asian market, with the group's CEO, William Hornbuckle, revealing he will travel to Thailand next month to assess its market potential.

Wynn Resorts’ casino in the United Arab Emirate of Ras al-Khaimah could be “really in trouble” if nearby Dubai also chooses to allow gaming in the emirate.

The cost of doing business in Thailand and the estimated margins make the possible future gaming market very compelling, while the UAE holds potential, notes the CEO and President of MGM Resorts International.

The possible legalization of gambling in the UAE, would be a considerable opportunity, the management of MGM Resorts International stated in the group's third quarter 2023 earnings conference call.

The emirates of Ras Al Khaimah and Abu Dhabi will push ahead with plans to open casinos in the UAE after Dubai reportedly pulled out of the race, Bloomberg reported.

Following the severe downfall in 2Q22 MGM Resorts International is chopping its capex plans for China and cautiously continue with Asia market plans including Macau, Japan and UAE.

A senior Dubai official says there are no current plans to allow gaming in the emirate, unlike its neighbor Ras Al Khaimah, which will be home to the UAE’s first Wynn Resorts-built casino.