We have spent the past decade ensuring all of the latest and most relevant gambling updates from Dubai and the wider UAE come to you. For years now, our team of experts have been keeping track of the casino news regarding this area by releasing thorough articles, analysis and pieces of advice. And this seems appropriate as news emerges that the UAE may imminently open its first land-based casino in Dubai. It is also a moment that will transform not just the Dubai landscape, but all of the Middle East when it comes to gambling as well.

There are many more arguments or debats as the UAE comes very close to accepting legal gambling on its territory. A casino in Dubai could open the floodgates and alter the gambling landscape of not just Dubai but also other countries as well, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain. In the following article, we will dig deep into Dubai´s relatively recent casino news and what this potential development means both for Dubai at large and beyond in the wider Middle East. We will also look at the arguments for and against such a move in a nation with laws and culture heavily influenced by Islamic values.

Dubai’s First Casino: A UAE Game€‘changer

For long, Dubai has been the archetype of luxury, progress and modernity in Middle-east. Dubai being recognized as one of the top places for business as well as leisure has its tall sky scrapers, high end resorts and awesome tourism factor about it. But even though the world has become a lot more connected, one area that still requires us to have some restraint is gambling. Countries following the Islamic faith such as in the UAE have banned gambling on religious grounds, since it goes against their own interpretation of freedom.

Apparently, there is a change. According to reports, the UAE could soon legalize its first brick and mortar casino. If built, the casino would be based in Ras Al Khaimah – a northern emirate near Dubai – as part of an effort to increase tourism and reduce reliance on oil. This moment would be historic, not just for the UAE but for the Arab world as a whole. In fact, if a casino were to open in Dubai, it might change the attitudes of other countries nearby and encourage them reevaluate their own rules on the matter.

The UAE is seen as having always taken a forward looking approach to economic development and it would appear the country leadership may be looking into the positives of such action. The latter would provide a fresh source of revenues, as well as attract high-net-worth individuals seeking the glitziness and glamour that are so typical of casinos. It is thought that this policy change may form part of a larger shifting focus in the UAE to diversify their economy away from oil revenues and also carve out a place as an international entertainment destination during the coming decades.

What This Means, and the effects it has on Our Economy,Culture

A casino in or near Dubai would not only make headlines there, but could be a transformative event for the UAE and potentially the Middle East at large. As it stands, the region does have extremely limited gambling mainly down to stringent Islamic law forbidding betting and games of chance. Nevertheless, a Dubai casino might pave the way for other GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) states to adopt similar practices. Conversations about the prospect of gaming in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and Saudi Arabia are already doing the rounds as they consider opportunities and repercussions.

This would be significant if it happens for a couple reasons. In economic terms the UAE diversified via tourism and entertainment. With over 15 million tourists visiting Dubai annually, a high-end casino could serve in cementing the city as an central international hub. And though it would not be allowed to offer sports betting — at least from the outset — a casino could take in millions of dollars annually from gambling, and even more from ancillary businesses like restaurants, hotels and shows. The availability of a casino in one emirate or city could also create an appetite for similar projects elsewhere, perhaps even in neighboring countries such as Abu Dhabi, Qatar and Bahrain.

In addition, the arrival of a casino would lead to profound social and cultural changes. The City of Gold, Dubai, is liberal as an open city for foreign visitors and international enterprises in comparison to rest of the Islamic kingdom. It also means any decision about opening a casino would provoke cultural and religious opposition that must be very carefully managed. The government will probably establish some rules to regulate and control the game play, so that only e.g. tourists or high net-worth individuals are allowed in the casino while local residents won’t be considered as potential visitors.

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The benefits of a casino in the UAE for the economy

Although the cultural and religious changes of introducing a casino in Dubai are profound, equally essential to understand are the potential economic benefits this change might have. Consider the multiplicity of benefits that could flow from this to various sectors of UAE economy if implemented.

Dubai: Besides Being a world leader in attracting millions of visitors from around the globe as one of the leading destination to luxury tourism. A casino would contribute to its entertainment offerings, attracting high-rolling tourists who enjoy gambling. And like in other places where casinos are legal, a Dubai casino would also attract high-end tourists to the city if positioned near amenities and additional attractions.

Attracts More Foreign Investment — The city is set to raise a considerable amount of foreign direct investment (FDI) in the building of their local casino. Since the potential for a new market that many international gaming companies have been waiting to enter, investors willingly would jump on board. And anyway, such an infusion of liquidity would provide a positive spillover to affiliating sectors like real estate, hospitality and construction.

Creation of Jobs: Thousands of jobs would be created in the construction and operation and also for other industries such as hospitality, retail entertainment. This would fulfill the plans of reducing oil revenues, and diversifying their economy in the UAE.

Government Income: The governments in the UAE can subject taxes on gambling games and that revenue will be earned by a new trail. This money could be invested in public services, infrastructure and social programs. Countries like Macau have seen huge increases in their national economy by taxing its gambling industry.

Luxury Real Estate Market Growth – A casino would probably push up demand for luxury real estate, as foreign tourists and high-net-worth Londoners may want to live close to the proposed entertainment destination. That could help create new high-end luxe properties and thereby expand the economic base.

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Better Global Image: This would make Dubai more than a place to swag money but could also improve the city as a whole as high end casinos in Dubai will give it’s image a boost on global standards for a luxury destination. The UAE has already made a name for itself with its over the top offerings, like Burj Khalifa and Palm Jumeirah. It would also further establish the island as a magnet for high-quality tourism and a haven of attraction for foreign direct investment.

Entertainment options: Rather than being limited purely to gambling, casinos are sometimes used for hosting other entertainment and social activities such as live concerts, theatrical performances or sporting events. This is due to an increase in demand for artists, entertainers and events, further diversifying the country’s rich cultural landscape.

Cultural and religious concerns

Of course for all the financial incentives to opening a casino in the UAE there are also sensitive cultural and religious issue involved with gambling in an Islamic society. Gambling is haram under the Islamic faith and is strictly forbidden. For the UAE — a country where Sharia law informs legal and social practices — this presents a major conundrum.

Religious Perspective: Because the general public of UAE and a great segment of Middle Eastern believe that gambling supports immorality, many religious scholars in the region oppose to it. They say gambling is just a way to fleece the poor, destroy incomes and guarantee riots. It is likely that any steps towards the legalization of gambling in Dubai would be met with heavy resistance from religious leaders for this reason.

Casino gaming is also known to have a high social cost with problem gambling and potential financial crisis prevalent in the countries where casinos operate. The UAE would have to introduce tight controls to avoid the social consequences linked with gambling. For example, they can restrict casino access to residents or take some action against gambling addiction.

Cultural Backlash: Although Dubai is one of the most liberal emirates within the UAE, there remains a sizable segment of its population who strongly identifies with conservative values. Coming under the latter class, the presence of a casino would be considered blasphemy by certain administ Groups whose communities are religious in nature or who clung to ethnic traditions would view the establishment as undermining their culture with social disordering which leads to boycotts.

The equation of modernity and tradition UAE/ By Fran Gillespie & Stefanie Hollywood, Gulf News Share to FacebookShare to TwitterShare to WhatsappCopy linkPublished: January 04, 2019 Balancing modernity with traditional culture has always been a tightrope for the UAE. While no doubt a casino would help diversify the economy, it must also harmonise with the nation’s Islamic principles. One of the obvious ways is to contain gambling in limited areas and allow only tourists and foreigners to enter into the casino.

Broader Implications for the Middle East: Possible Tidal Waves

A casino in Dubai would have a ripple effect that could be felt far beyond the borders of the UAE. It could spark a domino effect throughout the Middle East, leading to conversation about gambling in other conservative Arab countries. While it has a history of tough anti-gambling regulations, success by a Dubai-based casino could prompt other regional countries including Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait to rethink their strict social policies.

For instance, in Saudi Arabia, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has unveiled the Vision 2030 plan to launch a country-wide ambition to re-imagine their economy by fostering tourism, entertainment and foreign investments. The Kingdom currently prohibits gambling, but as we already know they are looking to diversify their economy so perhaps the laws will be relaxed in time. Qatar, meanwhile, is in similar talks and looking to make its mark as a global business-and-holiday destination with an array of high-profile international events such as the FIFA World Cup set for the Gulf state.

The UAE’s Strategic Advantage

If Dubai goes ahead to leave aside its conservative Islamic values to open a casino, it will confirm the ability of the UAE be an attractive base in what is essentially a high-fame hub with relatively liberal — at least compared to Saudi Arabia — and businesss-friendly policies. The nation has already established itself as a hub for industries such as aviation, logistics and premium tourism. The addition of a casino would also distinguish the UAE from neighbouring countries, as it looks to enhance its position as one hitherto unseen in economic diversification and tourism.

In its appeal, the consortium pointed out that a casino would burnish Dubai’s image as an oasis of luxury and innovation that could lure affluent tourists to the city and spur investment in their hospitality and entertainment sector. In the long term, other neighboring countries might want to follow in their footsteps by easing their own gambling prohibitions — effectively transforming the entire Middle Eastern gambling industry as we know it.

Extended FAQs About Dubai Casino News

1. Gambling is legal in Dubai / UAE?

Currently, gambling is banned across the UAE (and Dubai) because of Islamic law, under Sharia Law, that applies to casinos. New Reports However show that the UAE is looking to introduce legal gambling into specific zones and a casino in the proposed resort near Dubai. This would be a massive about turn on the countries stance towards gambling.

2. Where in the UAE will host the country’s first casino?

The initial land-based facility in the UAE is penned in to be opened at Ras Al Khaimah, one of the northern emirates close to Dubai. The site has been selected for its close-but-not-too-close distance from the city, separating it from Dubai’s comparatively more conservative residential areas. The casino will be part of an extended luxury resort, although the project is still having its location and details determined.

3. How does the UAE plan to control / manage whatever social issues gambling can bring about?

The UAE is likely to impose highly restrictive laws so that the dangers of gambling, such as addiction and financial ruin, are reduced. This included; limiting the casino to tourists and non-residents, implementing responsible gambling initiatives and operating in a monitored framework of strict controls. The government is likely to tread carefully and make sure that the social impact decreases protecting its pro-poor image.

4. What Might A Casino Opening In Dubai Mean For The Gambling Laws Of Other Middle Eastern Countries

Perhaps the UAE opening a casino might provide other states in the Gulf with food for thought, namely to reassess their present gambling laws. If they eventually turn to casinos for non-oil revenue, then countries like Bahrain, Qatar and even Saudi Arabia might revisit the notion of massive casino development given that all are attempting to diversify their economies. But that is unlikely to happen overnight, as it would be a very subtle change and these countries have to devise their own strategies in order to balance economic interests with cultural and religious values.

5. So, how do you think a casino would affect tourism in Dubai?

The addition of a casino would undoubtedly only further boost the tourism that is already doing incredibly for Dubai. It would have appealed to high net worth individuals – particularly those with an appetite for upscale entertainment and big bets. Such tourists will not only be pourings in a/enhancing the gaming sector but also boosting their demand for luxury hotels, fine-dining restaurants, and entertainment that in turn will solidify Dubai´s status as one of the leading tourist cities on Earth.

6. What are the main difficulties for a casino establishment in the UAE?

Opening a casino in the UAE will not be without its challenges, including cultural and religious opposition. Given how Islam bars gambling, the government will have to be vigilant and sell the casino as an exclusive attraction for travelers instead of a menace to local mores. There are also potential logistical challenges in overseeing the casino and enforcing higher standards for responsible gambling.

7. More in line with the UAEs longer term economic strategy?

The building of a casino is consistent with the wider UAE objective to create alternative revenue streams other than oil revenues. The UAE can establish itself as one of the regional pioneers in economic innovation, by growing into industries such as tourism and entertainment, and increasing foreign investment in a number of sectors. Complementing additional luxury offerings in Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah, a casino will have the power to bring new tourists and investors to the region.

Summary: The Future of Dubai Casino News and the Middle East Gambling Market

It would be a first for Dubai — and the UAE — to have a casino located at its doorstep in the desert. Since a decade we have been writing about the nuanced dynamics of gambling in the Middle East and this is no doubt the biggest ever news from this region. The synergistic values of: the possibility of a casino in Dubai, would have far-reaching implications from the smallest state across the Middle East, and represents a possible remake of entertainment/tourism lines throughout.

Such economic windfall is palpable: more tourists, inflow of foreign capital into local economies, employment creation among them and the adrenaline surge across an entire nation on its ascent in global influence. Nevertheless, the benefits of utilizing genetically engineered seeds must be balanced with the cultural and religious sensitivities that are firmly entrenched in the UAE and its neighbors. Ensuring that the casino lines up with biblical writing means a delicate balance must be had between embracing moderrnity and remain true to tradition, to avoid social outrage and answer from relgious body.

Dubai Casino News will continue to follow and write in depth of what comes next from this developing story. Whether you live in the country (or want to benefit from its investment climate) or not, and are intrigued as to how the Middle East may look in years to come, we shall keep you apprised of any major steps.

Follow us all here at our Blog about Dubai Casino News for the latest  casino news in Dubai and the UAE  and expect this story to play an important role in defining what entertainment, tourism, and economic policy may look like not only in the UAE but around much of the world.