Saudi Arabia’s Trojena mountains destination has announced it will house a JW and a W hotel from Marriott. They are two of many international hotels opening atop the man-made ski retreat, where Saudi plans to host the Asia Winter Games in 2029.
Dubai appears ready to legalize gambling. Does Marriott’s new partner MGM Resorts have an advantage?
11.09.2023 - 17:19 / thepointsguy.com / Wynn Al-Marjan / Ras Al-Khaimah / Wynn Resorts / Jim Murren
Las Vegas and Macau might be the world's leading casino resort destinations, but a potential third might soon join their ranks in a surprising location.
The United Arab Emirates is poised to be the first country in the Persian Gulf region to legalize casino resorts. The UAE launched a new regulatory body, called the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority, with the intent of creating a "regulatory framework for a national lottery and commercial gaming," according to Emirati state media WAM.
The move might be a potential head-scratcher for some, given gambling is seen at odds with Islam and Sharia law that often guides various Middle Eastern governments. But the UAE (the emirate of Dubai, particularly) and other parts of the region have increasingly relaxed laws, especially for tourists.
Former MGM Resorts International CEO Jim Murren was tapped to chair the GCGRA while longtime casino industry veteran Kevin Mullaly will serve as CEO. But don't take the MGM connection as any sign the casino resort company is going to get any head start at developing a Dubai megaresort.
Both MGM Resorts, which recently announced a new U.S. partnership with Marriott International, and Wynn Resorts were already underway with plans to build up their respective presence in the UAE before the government's new gaming authority had officially been announced.
The UAE's moving to legalize casino gambling isn't out of left field. The leaders of major casino resort owners signaled in recent years plans to open properties in the UAE and indicated they expected legalization was just around the corner.
MGM Resorts first announced plans for a non-gaming Dubai resort in 2017, but the direction of that property appeared to include a casino floor when CEO William Hornbuckle spoke to investors on an earnings call earlier this year.
"As it relates to Dubai, that property continues to evolve," he said on the call this spring. "The owners want to upgrade the property, I think, with gaming in mind. But it's up to Abu Dhabi and the national government to ultimately decide … We're hoping 'any day.' But I got to believe as the summer fulfills itself, we'll hear more news on that."
Hornbuckle indicated a preference to develop in Dubai but said other emirates could also be in consideration depending on how the legalization effort went.
MGM's competitor Wynn Resorts also has plans for a nearly $4 billion UAE Resort. The property, Wynn Al Marjan Island, is expected to feature 1,500 guest rooms and villas and be in Ras Al Khaimah, an emirate about 45 minutes from Dubai.
Even before the GCGRA was announced, Wynn Resorts noted the planned resort would have a "gaming area," which many took as a signal gaming legalization was on the horizon.
While
The website maxtravelz.com is an aggregator of news from open sources. The source is indicated at the beginning and at the end of the announcement. You can send a complaint on the news if you find it unreliable.
Top Autors
Popular Topics
thepointsguy.com
20.09.2023 / 20:07
MGM Resorts remains in disarray for travelers amid cybersecurity crisis
Things might be better than they were a week ago, but it appears to still be a case of hit-or-miss mayhem at MGM Resorts following a "cybersecurity issue" the company acknowledged earlier this month.
forbes.com
19.09.2023 / 20:25
This New Vegas Hotel Will Have A Spa-Within-A-Spa And An Event Sauna
When Fontainebleau Las Vegas makes its long-awaited debut Dec. 13, it will unveil Lapis Spa, a 55,000-square-foot refuge with unique amenities like a spa-within-a-spa, a European event sauna, a foot spa, décor that changes with the body’s circadian rhythms and one of the largest hotel gyms on the Strip.
breakingtravelnews.com
17.09.2023 / 07:33
RAS AL KHAIMAH HARNESSES THE POWER OF SHORT-FORM VIDEO IN NEW CREATIVE CAMPAIGN
Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) in partnership with award-winning creative agency, Beautiful Destinations, harnesses the power of short-form video in a new landmark creative video campaign.
forbes.com
13.09.2023 / 16:45
Inside The Ransomware Attack That Shut Down MGM Resorts
More than 60 hours after a brazen cyberattack targeted the computer systems at one of the world’s largest casino-hotel chains, patrons trying to access the MGM Resorts website are still met by a splash page that apologizes for the inconvenience.
skift.com
13.09.2023 / 06:53
Marriott Strengthens Expansion Plans in Turkey. Plus: Private Jet Service for Pets
Marriott International announced 13 deal signings in Turkey comprising over 2,000 rooms.
skift.com
12.09.2023 / 15:31
Middle East Gaming Authority Paves Way For 'Arabian Strip' Gambling Zone
The United Arab Emirates has established the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority, known as the GCGRA, a federal-level entity to regulate and establish “strict guidelines” for the country’s commercial gaming industry. The GCGRA sets the scene for future casinos where Ras Al Khaimah already has the confirmed Wynn resort; a potential “Arabian Strip;” and gaming in other emirates, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
forbes.com
12.09.2023 / 15:25
A Cyberattack Shuts Down MGM Resorts In Las Vegas And Other Cities
A cyberattack has breached the computer system at MGM Resorts, forcing the company to shut down operations at a dozen of the most iconic casino hotels in Las Vegas—including the Bellagio, Mandalay Bay and the Cosmopolitan—as well as another half-dozen MGM properties around the United States. The attack has left hotel guests locked out of their rooms and unable to use their digital key cards to charge goods and services.
thepointsguy.com
11.09.2023 / 23:19
MGM Resorts heavily impacted by cyberattack: Here’s what you need to know
Various MGM Resorts International properties across the U.S. Monday faced a "cybersecurity issue" that caused the gaming giant to temporarily shutter computer systems across the country.
traveldailynews.com
29.08.2023 / 09:02
New partnership sees more than 100,000 JustPark spaces made available to book via Parkopedia
As part of the roll-out, JustPark’s extensive network of on- and off-street parking spaces will become visible and payable through the growing number of UK connected cars that have Parkopedia in-car services and through the Parkopedia website and mobile apps
traveldailynews.com
29.08.2023 / 08:58
Minor Hotels announces Ramsey Saarany as General Manager at Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Resort
Ramsey, an accomplished professional with academic achievements from the University of Surrey, City University London, and Cornell University in New York, contributes a wealth of two decades’ worth of experience in the premium hospitality sector.
breakingtravelnews.com
28.08.2023 / 14:36
Brand Dubai unveils new guide on the occasion of Emirati Women’s Day
Titled ‘From Dubai to Emirati Women’, guide lists various outlets that are extending exclusive discounts and offers for women on 28 August