For a long time, it looked like the Middle East's most touristy attraction, Dubai, was going to allow casinos. Some rumors came out that casino giant The Wynn was going to settle in Dubai. The Wynn is already based in Las Vegas, Macau and is in the race for a casino license in New York. Dubai would be the next step for the American casino. However, a member of the government in Dubai announced last week that there are no plans at all to online gambling and allow casinos in Dubai. However, this does not apply to Ras al Kaimah, one of the Arab Emirates that is located next to Dubai. Ras Al Khaimah would regulate casinos from 2026.
Ras Al Khaimah is a one of the 7 United Arab Emirates, RAK now seems to choose to allow casinos. This allows you to visit a casino in RAK within an hour from Dubai. Previously, there were rumors that there would be (also) casinos in Dubai. After the well-known Caesars Palace built a hotel in 2018, there were already rumors that Caesars would also open a casino in the rich oil state. However, this did not turn out to be true. At the beginning of this year, new sounds came out about live casinos in Dubai. However, members of the government in Dubai now declare that this is not the case.
The Gulf region has traditionally imposed stricter Islamic rules than other parts of the Middle East. As a result, gambling was until now a prohibited area, however, there are more and more rumors that the Gulf region will deal with it more smoothly in the near future.
Now casinos will already be happy to be able to settle in Ras Al Kaimah to this not too far light from Dubai. However, Dubai will of course be the holy grail to casino be able to enter the Middle East.
