‘It’s completely in their hands’: Is MGM returning to eyeing Dubai for UAE resort?
A meeting with Dubai’s deputy ruler could hint MGM Resorts is refocusing on launching an integrated resort in the UAE’s biggest city.
United Arab Emirates
MGM Resorts once looked fully invested in Abu Dhabi, with CEO Bill Hornbuckle saying a proposal had been filed last September to build there. But his Q1 earnings call remarks now suggest Dubai—where MGM is already building a nongaming resort—may be in play.
Hornbuckle, MGM chair Paul Salem and IAG’s Barry Diller – MGM’s largest shareholder – recently sat down with Maktoum Bin Mohammed, Dubai’s deputy ruler, deputy PM and finance minister.
Showing the potential of gaming in Dubai
Truist analyst Barry Jonas flagged the visit on the earnings call. Hornbuckle said the aim was to brief the prince on the Dubai project. MGM has worked with Wasl Hospitality since 2017 on a 2M sq ft Jumeirah Beach build, with 1,400+ rooms under MGM, Bellagio and Aria. Gaming isn’t included.
“The mission was to meet the prince, show the opportunity we see,” Hornbuckle said. “Not only in terms of a full resort… but the kind of gaming Dubai and UAE could host, and the unique elements we’d bring.”
He added: “It was a great conversation. It’s completely in their hands.”
Though UAE has a federal regulator – the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) – Hornbuckle compared it to the US, where local jurisdictions decide.
Dubai casino plans not yet clear
Dubai is the UAE’s most populous emirate, but it hasn’t confirmed if gaming will be allowed.
“They haven’t said yes, they haven’t said no,” Hornbuckle noted. “We’re building an environment that could support it. Completion is expected Q3 2027.”
Construction on MGM’s Jumeirah Beach resort began in 2024, with PropSearch.ae now listing Q3 2028 as delivery.
“It’s an exciting project, a unique resort with many features,” Hornbuckle added. “Hopefully, we’ll add gaming.”
MGM: From Abu Dhabi to Dubai?
Wynn is already developing the UAE’s first integrated resort in Ras Al-Khaimah, opening in 2027. Speculation continues over which operators may follow.
MGM has shown strong interest, though its comments earlier leaned to Abu Dhabi. At ICE 2024, Hornbuckle suggested Abu Dhabi “might go first,” with the GCGRA based there.
But regulator chair Jim Murren – also chair of Resorts World Las Vegas – hinted expansion beyond Wynn’s project wouldn’t be rushed. At Skift Global Forum East last November, he said licensing was proceeding “deliberately.”
He added that more licensees would arrive in “five to 10 years,” but Wynn “clearly has the lead.”
IGT latest supplier to secure UAE gaming licence
So far, only Wynn and The UAE Lottery – run by The Game LLC – have received operator licences. Supplier licensing has been faster, with seven vendors approved. IGT joined Novomatic, Aristocrat and EQL Games this week.
GCGRA ramps up international collaboration with NJDGE MoU
GCGRA also signed an MoU with New Jersey’s Division of Gaming Enforcement, covering cybersecurity, consumer protection and responsible gaming tech.
“DGE is pleased to partner with GCGRA to share expertise in innovation, cybersecurity and responsible play,” said DGE interim director MaryJo Flaherty.
“Commercial gaming is central to our growth vision, boosting tourism and foreign investment,” GCGRA CEO Kevin Mullally added.
“This partnership aligns modern regulation with advanced tech, unlocking growth while protecting players.”
NJ governor Phil Murphy praised the deal, saying both regulators aim to strengthen consumer safety and create new economic opportunities.
MGM shares rose 2.54% to $31.62 in New York trading Friday morning.
