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.

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.

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.

Fastex, the complete Web3-driven ecosystem, announces that it has received initial approval from the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority of Dubai (VARA). While this will not allow Fastex to undertake any virtual asset activity in and from the Emirate of Dubai yet, it is the first step in Fastex securing a full regulatory licence.

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. 

MOA Gaming, an iGaming platform provider, said it will be joining SIGMA Asia for the first time to showcase its products, platform and region-specific services.

Caesars Entertainment chief executive Tom Reeg says that the company remains ready to offer gaming in Dubai should regulations allow. 

A Chinese-controlled special economic zone in Sri Lanka is set to have regulation that will cover gaming, according to a draft law, local media reports. 

The Hong Kong Jockey Club will offer World Pool betting for the Dubai World Cup meeting (27 March) at Meydan Racecourse.

Malaysia and Dubai are both being viewed as potential bases for igaming operations, as an alternative to the Philippines, where the cost of doing business has risen to a level considered as unacceptable by many operators.