Within minutes of finding our table at Papi Steak, the flashy Miami transplant at the equally flashy Fontainebleau Las Vegas, an EDM song blasts from the speakers. Our server politely excuses himself, answering the siren call.
14.10.2024 - 18:58 / skift.com / Rashaad Jorden / Ras Al-Khaimah / Sarah Kopit
Gambling has long been taboo in the United Arab Emirates, but officials in the country are quietly developing a multi-billion-dollar gaming industry, a topic Skift recently examined in depth.
Middle East Reporter Josh Corder discussed what he discovered about the UAE’s efforts to establish gambling with Editor-in-Chief Sarah Kopit and Head of Research Seth Borko in this episode of the Skift Travel Podcast.
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Secrecy and Timing in the UAE’s Casino Industry: The casino industry in the UAE is being built behind the scenes. The government is waiting for everything to be ready before legalizing gambling officially, creating an “avalanche” effect when it launches. This secrecy, including the unreleased Federal Law on gaming, has frustrated analysts but appears strategic in timing.
Foreigners as the Target Market: With 80% of the UAE’s population being foreigners, the casino industry is mainly targeting non-Emiratis. Advertising rules hint that locals won’t be the focus. Operators like Wynn and MGM are targeting markets from India, the GCC, Europe, and potentially China.
Heavily Regulated Gambling: The UAE will impose strict regulations on gambling, inspired by Singapore’s model. Regulations will include responsible gaming measures like voluntary exclusion lists, ID requirements, and advertising restrictions. Gambling will likely be kept separate from traditional Emirati culture to maintain local values.
Economic Importance of Ras Al-Khaimah (RAK): RAK, one of the lesser-known emirates, will be the first to host a casino, with Wynn’s resort being a cornerstone of its economic strategy. This project is expected to significantly boost tourism and property values, positioning RAK as a crucial player in the UAE’s gaming industry.
UAE’s Diversified Approach to Tourism: The UAE is developing a multi-faceted tourism strategy, with Dubai known for luxury shopping, Abu Dhabi for sports and events, and RAK for gambling. This integrated approach encourages tourists to experience multiple emirates, enhancing the overall appeal of the UAE as a destination.
The casino industry in the United Arab Emirates is being developed quietly, with little public disclosure. Despite ongoing preparations, including gaming licenses, the UAE hasn’t yet officially legalized gambling. The secrecy stems from the UAE’s cautious approach, aiming for a sudden, large-scale launch rather than a gradual introduction. Cultural sensitivities and religious considerations are driving this cautious rollout, with the UAE’s leadership aiming to balance modern economic development with traditional values.
The UAE’s casinos will likely cater primarily to foreigners, as advertising restrictions and cultural
Within minutes of finding our table at Papi Steak, the flashy Miami transplant at the equally flashy Fontainebleau Las Vegas, an EDM song blasts from the speakers. Our server politely excuses himself, answering the siren call.
It seems everything is getting more expensive, and travelers are likely seeing it most when they’re booking trips to big cities. Are big cities becoming more expensive to visit? And why?
As the temperatures fall, so are airfare prices. Frontier Airlines is running its «Full Size Sale», which provides fares as low as $19 to destinations around the United States. Best of all, the flights can be booked five days of the week, whereas previous promotions from Frontier have been more limited in date availability. The sale ends on October 31, 2024 at 11:59pm EST, however tickets can be purchased for travel through February 26, 2025. This makes the sale a great option for travelers and families looking to take a winter getaway, or fly to a destination with warmer temperatures. Travel + Leisure spotted a variety of one-way flight deals including:
Several prominent airlines have recently made significant investments in premium cabins and products. Airlines Editor Gordon Smith discussed that trend and his recent in-depth look at airlines that are quiet quitting China in this episode of the Skift Travel Podcast with Head of Research Seth Borko.
It’s a season of savings for travelers seeking flight deals.Spirit Airlines has dozens of flight deals with one-way fares under $50 to popular destinations including Las Vegas, New York, Orlando, and more. The lowest price spotted in the promotion was just $11, for a flight from Las Vegas, NV to Sacramento, CA. The airline also has a variety of $20 flights including Dallas, TX to Atlanta, or Los Angeles (LAX) to Las Vegas. The deals are listed on the “Popular Flight Deals” within Spirit’s website.
Southwest Airlines is having a «Catch a Sale Fare, Go See your BOO!» promotion, with discounted tickets as low as $59. The sale ends on October 24 at 11:59pm PST, and offers discounts on travel through February 12, 2025. Travel + Leisure spotted a variety of one-way deals in the fare sale including:
Good morning from Skift. It’s Tuesday, October 22, 2024, and here’s what you need to know about the business of travel today.
A brand-new W hotel is coming to the Las Vegas strip, the latest development in the partnership between MGM Resorts International and Marriott International.
Planning an end-of-year getaway? Spirit Airlines has dozens of flight deals for travel over the next three months, but you’ll want to act quickly to book.
Marriott's growing partnership with MGM Resorts means one lifestyle hotel brand hits the jackpot while another is leaving Las Vegas.
Travel metasearch engine Skyscanner is preparing to launch a new marketplace within its app that offers a range of additional services.
The Sphere, which illuminates Las Vegas’ skyline and has enthralled Sin City guests, will open a second attraction in Abu Dhabi.