Change is afoot at a rapid pace in the Middle East, and nowhere epitomises this more than Dubai and the UAE. In this ultimate guide, we’re going to put talk of politics to one side and focus on what’s been going on in real life. We’re not picking sides — only reporting the facts — because it’s the only way to show you what the big picture really looks like.
Let’s dive into the details, starting with an overview of what’s driving this seismic shift in culture and domestic policy.
What is happening in Dubai?
A region that was once home to a highly conservative and private society has been modernised at a pace that few could have predicted just a few short years ago. While Qatar has hosted the World Cup, Dubai has been hosting the UFC, F1, and high-level football and cricket for much longer. This is a country that has a strong commitment to diversifying away from a reliance on fossil fuels to fund its economy, especially considering how many Western countries are looking to become energy independent.
Another factor that we, of course, have to consider is the interconnected nature of the world we all live in today. The internet, and social media in particular, has made it so that young people in Dubai can see how their peers are choosing to spend their free time and disposable income. While many will retain an affection for the religious values and traditions of Dubai, they have also pushed for more of a liberal, progressive society in recent years.
The combination of an outward-looking new generation and a forward-thinking administration willing to redefine Dubai’s place on the global stage has proven to be a recipe for success. The result has been a clear shift in policy that few would have predicted a decade ago.
The formation of a regulatory body
Every country where online and in-person gambling operates legally has to have a transparent, robustly supported, and well-funded regulatory body. Without one, too many grey areas emerge that can leave legitimate businesses facing an uphill battle and players facing poor security and low-quality gaming experiences.
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Dubai’s formation of the GCGRA has laid the foundations for a change in the way the region approaches online and in-person gaming. The body is fully independent, well-staffed and funded, and given powers to approve or deny applications for gaming licenses without having to seek permission from other branches of government. This is precisely what is needed when you want to be able to set up a country from scratch in a way that ensures players are going to be looked after correctly from day one.
They offer two main classes of licenses, and taking a look at each in turn will give us a clearer perspective of the size and nature of the changes that are occurring in Dubai right now.
Entity licenses in Dubai
An entity license is one that is awarded to gaming platforms or physical facilities that allows them to handle wagers and bets, produce a series of odds, and then distribute winnings as and when appropriate. They are also awarded to companies that want to run and administer any form of national or local lottery where money can be won.
These same types of licenses will also cover companies that supply gaming and gambling equipment for use within the borders of the UAE. Examples would include companies that write the code that allows an online casino to function, as well as businesses that manufacture, import, and install physical games such as slot machines and fixed-odds betting machines.
Individual licenses in Dubai
An individual license will also need to be awarded to those in decision-making positions, such as executives and directors of gaming and gambling companies. These individuals will need to be able to demonstrate to the GCGRA that they are of consistently good character, that their personal financial situation doesn’t mean they are susceptible to bribery or corruption, and that they are committed to abiding by a strict code of ethics.
Applying for a license from the GCGRA
Understanding how the licensing approval process works can help shed light on how things work in Dubai in 2025. The key steps involved are as follows:
- Initial screening requires you to notify the GCGRA of your intention to file an application and to provide basic information such as names, addresses, and titles of those involved
- Submission can only occur once the GCGRA replies, stating that they are willing to look at a full application. At this point, they will provide access to their secure licensing portal so that business plans and compliance documents can be uploaded
- Assessment and evaluation soon follow, and this is where the operational capabilities of all those involved will be rigorously checked against the specific requirements they must meet and adhere to
- Periodic monitoring is applied to all licensees to ensure that they continue to uphold the standards required by the GCGRA. The process is designed to be fully transparent and to give licensees adequate time and notice when they need to make improvements and adjustments
- Renewals of licenses will be considered on a case-by-case basis based on things such as the nature of the new license and the historical performance of the licensees
While some of this may seem a little abstract, it has already led to sizable developments on the ground, not just in the online space.
A new mega casino is being built
Wynn Resorts has already secured a license for a huge development they are calling Wynn Al Marjan Island, and it is expected to open in the next 2 years. By joining the growing list of authorised casinos in Dubai, Wynn Resorts has shown that it is possible to do business in Dubai in a way that will move gambling away from being a purely online pursuit.
With over 10,000 jobs set to be created and people expected to fly in from all over the world to play, the resort is set to be the jewel in the crown for the first big shift in gambling in the region. Not only will this bring plenty of new eyes from around the world to Dubai, but it will also show other businesses and operators that the country is open for business. If you then add in the fact that other countries like Qatar will have their eyes closely fixed on what is going on, you start to get a real appreciation of the size of the change that is about to unfold.
Looking to the future
With an incredible resort set to open in just two years, Dubai is set to further cement its position as one of the premier destinations for travelers from all over the world. Their reputation for luxury and attention to detail certainly continues to stand out on the global stage, but it’s their increasing willingness to adapt, be flexible, and accommodate lifestyle choices and activities from other countries that is really making waves. And with the GCGRA regulating everything in a proportionate and transparent way, we can expect this to be only the beginning of what is an exciting chapter in the history of Dubai.
