In 2017, Wasl Hospitality and Leisure, based in Dubai, entered into an agreement with MGM Hospitality to provide guidance on the development of a top-tier destination resort and to manage the resort once it is completed.
The construction of the MGM tower in Dubai is progressing rapidly and is expected to open in 2027, according to William Hornbuckle, CEO and President of MGM Resorts International.
"The building is scheduled for completion in the third quarter of 2027. As we speak, we are already on the fifth floor of the MGM tower. This is an exciting project, featuring a truly unique resort with a variety of amenities. We hope to incorporate gaming as well," Hornbuckle mentioned during the first quarter earnings call.
Last month, the US-based hotel and gaming operator announced a non-gaming management agreement with Wasl Hospitality to introduce the Bellagio, Aria, and MGM Grand brands to Dubai.
In 2017, Wasl Hospitality and Leisure, based in Dubai, entered into an agreement with MGM Hospitality to provide guidance on the development of a premier destination resort in Dubai and to manage the resort once it is completed.
The 26-acre prime beachfront development will include an MGM Hotel, MGM Residences, and a Bellagio Hotel, marking the first introduction of the MGM and Bellagio brands in the Middle East, as stated by the US company at the time of the agreement.
Last month, a senior MGM delegation, led by Chairman Paul Salem, visited Dubai to meet with Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Finance of the UAE.
William noted that the primary purpose of the visit was to explore potential opportunities for MGM in the UAE, particularly in Dubai, and to inform the government about the possibilities the company could offer to the region.
While MGM has established a non-gaming management agreement in Dubai, the UAE gaming market is projected to grow to between $3 billion and $5 billion (approximately Dh11 billion to Dh18.35 billion) in the coming years.
The Wynn Al Marjan, a multi-billion dollar integrated gaming resort set to debut in Ras Al Khaimah, will be the first of its kind in the Middle East. It was granted a license by the UAE's General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) in October of last year.
Construction is progressing rapidly, with one floor being completed each week. The resort is expected to open its doors in early 2027.
