MGM Resorts CEO Bill Hornbuckle says that its luxury non-gaming beachfront resort in Dubai is “a platform for a casino someday”.
In statements at the JP Morgan Forum: Strategic Growth and Innovation, Hornbuckle noted that noted that, for the time being “we’re comfortable just having a management agreement to manage something we think is a real brand extender for now, and we’ll see”.
The executive noted that the development, with a price tag of “over $2 billion” is “not our project”, being developed on behalf of Dubai’s Wasl Hospitality.
The group had highlighted in February that construction on the property remains on schedule, with expected completion in the third quarter of 2028. The Bellagio, Aria and MGM Grand Hotel towers were initially scheduled to open in early 2027, but the opening was pushed back to 2H28.
Hornbuckle indicated in the forum that “the owner of the property is ultimately the ruler’s company”, noting that “the ruler there will have the jurisdiction of if and when” a casino could complement the non-gaming amenities.
Wynn Resorts’ Wynn Al Marjan Island integrated resort is going to be the first property with a casino in the UAE, slated to open in 2027. Analysts expect the UAE to allow one casino license per emirate in the future, with MGM strongly positioned to open a casino on the property if approved.
