This is despite the similar consumption power of tourists in UAE, if crowded ultra-luxury hotels in Dubai are an indication. Benchmarking against Singapore, UAE’s gaming revenue could reach $6.6 billion and implied gaming outlay per tourist in UAE might fall below that in Singapore and Macau. The casino market of the UAE could surpass that of Singapore in terms of revenue, although visibility of profitability is low as the government hasn’t defined a tax structure. Gambling is prohibited under Islam and is illegal in the country, where offenders can be fined or sentenced to two years in prison, or both.Īlthough the plans are fluid and could change, the UAE is considering granting each emirate one casino license, which would allow them to tap the lucrative casino market while keeping growth under control, another person said. The introduction of casinos would be a step change for the UAE where Islamic, or Shariah law, is the main basis for legislation. In the meantime, officials are considering the possibility of introducing a poker series to the city, one of the people said. It’s not clear how long Dubai may hold off on any plans to introduce casinos and authorities could revisit the idea if circumstances change, the people said. In Dubai, meanwhile, senior government officials decided after months of discussions that gambling wasn’t a priority for the city because its tourism sector is already booming, some of the people said. has announced plans for a $3.9 billion integrated resort that’s due to open in 2027. In Ras Al Khaimah, a northern emirate about a 45-minute drive from Dubai, Las Vegas-based Wynn Resorts Ltd. theme parks, as well as the Yas Marina Formula One Circuit - and a plot near the city’s port among the sites being considered, some of the people said, asking not to be identified because the discussions are private. (Bloomberg) - The emirates of Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah have emerged as frontrunners to introduce casinos before their neighbor Dubai, after the glitzier city-state put any immediate plans to allow gambling on the backburner, according to people familiar with the matter.Īfter the United Arab Emirates set up a framework for legalized gaming in September, Abu Dhabi is mapping out what it would look like to open a casino, with Yas Island - home to the Ferrari World and Warner Bros.

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