The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has officially entered the gaming industry by granting Aristocrat, a top gaming technology company, its first-ever gaming vendor license.
The license, issued by the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) on October 28, 2024, is a major milestone in the UAE’s plan to build a regulated gaming market. Experts believe the country could become one of the most profitable gaming hubs in the Middle East, with potential yearly revenues of 3 billion to 5 billion
At the same time, Wynn Resorts has secured the first casino license in the UAE for its $3.9 billion luxury resort on Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah. Scheduled to open in 2027, the resort is expected to significantly boost tourism and entertainment in the region.
Wynn predicts the casino could generate between $1 billion and $1.67 billion in annual revenue, with a realistic target of around $1.33 billion per year.
Potential annual gaming revenue is estimated to range between $1 billion and $1.67 billion, with a baseline expectation of approximately $1.33 billion per year.
Ras Al Khaimah
With Aristocrat providing gaming technology expertise and Wynn bringing integrated resort experience, the UAE is positioning itself not just as a regional gaming hub, but as a blueprint for how emerging markets can successfully enter the industry. The $3.9 billion Al Marjan Island project serves as both an economic catalyst and a demonstration of the country’s ability to balance progressive development with conservative values.
This measured approach suggests the UAE could become:
✓ The gold standard for regulated gaming in the GCC
✓ A multibillion-dollar addition to the global gaming market
✓ A case study in economic transformation through controlled entertainment expansion
