What happens in Vegas will now happen and stay in Dubai too. According to MEED (Middle East Economic Digest), ‘The Island’, a brand new Las Vegas-style megaproject by Wasl properties is underway in Dubai.
Construction is set to start soon to turn this 3.5 million square metre development into a reality. Much like the name suggests, this colossal project is an entire island that will occupy prime real estate – it will be located off the coast of Jumeirah public beach, right by Jumeirah Beach Hotel and Marsa al-Arab.
Three big Las Vegas Hotels are coming to Dubai
A trifecta of legendary Vegas hospitality brands will build Dubai outposts on The Island – The Strip’s MGM, Bellagio and Aria hotels will be the crown jewels of this island getaway. While the three hotels will add around 1,400 hotel rooms to The Island, accommodation here will also include apartments as well as shopping and F&B outlets.
News of this project first came through in 2017, when it was announced as a hotel and entertainment district that MGM Hotels would operate. Now, MEED has confirmed that The contract for The Island’s construction has been awarded by Wasl to Beijing-based China State Construction Engineering Corporation. Valued at approximately AED 4.4 billion, this is one of Dubai’s largest construction deals to date.
Will Dubai’s The Island have Vegas-style casinos?
Nothing’s been confirmed but a statement by MGM Resorts’ CEO and President William Hornbuckle in MGM’s earnings call for 2023 hinted that “this existing project could include a world-class gaming component, if approved.” However, the most recent earnings call from MGM for Q4 2023 has quashed that speculation with Horbuckle stating that the project will go ahead without any gaming elements.
But the statement hints that in the event Abu Dhabi or any of the other emirates is granted a casino license, MGM Hotels will be prepared to add casinos to their properties in the UAE. Gaming legalisation, he further mentioned, looked most likely to happen in Abu Dhabi first, with opportunities present in Yas Island.
Although the UAE announced earlier this year that a General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) will be established in the country to put in place regulations for a national lottery and commercial gaming, the UAE’s first casino is expected to open in Ras Al Khaimah.
Dream Island in RAK is gearing up for the opening of a 1,500-room Wynn Resort (another Vegas brand) slated for a 2026 opening with a fully licensed casino.