The Future of Casinos in UAE: Which Brands Have the Edge?
Skift Take
Analysts in Las Vegas were working this weekend after the UAE regulators published its gaming regulations on Sunday.
The first take we're hearing: Industry investors are generally optimistic, but the UAE's casino industry may be more local than expected.
The license for the first lottery went to an Abu Dhabi-based company. And the rules for issuing gaming licenses require that operators have a “qualifying domestic entity”, or QDE, in the UAE or have a relationship with one. This QDE must have a "substantial" financial and operational history in the country.
A local focus would be good for companies like Kerzner with its Atlantis brand, and Emaar. However, Wynn and MGM already have local partners as well.
Both Emaar and Atlantis are owner-operators. That's an advantage over other operators who may want a casino but their owners do not.
Emaar and Atlantis did not respond to a request for comment.
What About U.S. Casino Brands?While the licenses themselves ma
