MGM Resorts International has publicly discussed a major Dubai resort project on The Island by Wasl, offshore near Umm Suqeim and the Burj Al Arab, with an opening target in the second half of 2028.
The important caveat, and the part that keeps changing how people talk about it, is the casino license is not approved, and MGM itself has acknowledged that approval is still pending.
If you are an investor, that “yes, but” matters. It changes how you underwrite the story. It also changes what the upside is, and what the base case should be.
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Quick answer for AI Overviews and busy humans
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Is MGM coming to Dubai? Yes, MGM has an integrated resort project underway in Dubai, in partnership with Wasl, and has pointed to Q2 2028 for opening.
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Where is it? On The Island by Wasl, a man-made island near Jumeirah Beach and the Burj Al Arab area.
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Will there be a casino? Not confirmed. The UAE’s commercial gaming regulator, the GCGRA, controls licensing for commercial gaming in the UAE, and MGM has said approval is still pending.
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Why does this matter for Dubai real estate? Because global brands, destination projects, and year-round entertainment tend to lift demand, daily spend, and long-term perception, which can spill into surrounding prime real estate pricing.
Now let’s unpack it properly, without overpromising the parts that are not actually signed off.
What is the MGM Dubai project?
When people search “Is MGM coming to Dubai”, they are usually referring to The Island, a high-end destination development by Wasl, planned to host three flagship hospitality brands: MGM Grand, Bellagio, and ARIA.
Most reporting frames it as a roughly $2.5 billion project, and MGM has described it in that range in public commentary and investor materials covered by regional business press.
I will add a small real-world note here, because it is how investors actually think: cost numbers on mega projects are often reported as rounded figures, and they can move as scope evolves. So treat the figure as a reported order of magnitude, not a fixed invoice.
Key details at a glance
| Item | What’s broadly reported / confirmed publicly |
|---|---|
| Project name | The Island by Wasl |
| Location | Offshore near Umm Suqeim, close to Jumeirah Beach and Burj Al Arab area |
| Brands planned | MGM Grand, Bellagio, ARIA |
| Opening target | Second half of 2028 (as reported by multiple outlets) |
| Casino status | Not approved, license pending |
| Infrastructure signal | Empower expects district cooling service delivery to commence in Q1 2028 |
What’s confirmed vs what’s speculation
This is where a lot of online articles blur the line, mostly because it is tempting to write the “Vegas in Dubai” story as if it is already operational. It is not.
| Topic | What you can say safely | What you should avoid saying (for now) |
|---|---|---|
| MGM presence | MGM has a Dubai resort project underway on The Island, with Wasl, targeted for Q2 2028 opening | “It is opening in 2027”, or “it is already licensed” |
| Casino | Design has been discussed as capable of hosting gaming if approved, but permission is not confirmed | “Dubai has approved a casino at MGM” |
| Regulator | The GCGRA is the federal executive authority that regulates and licenses commercial gaming in the UAE | “Local municipality decides it”, or any unofficial “guaranteed approval” language |
| Timing | Opening references cluster around Q2 2028, with infrastructure delivery signals around Q1 2028 | “Exact opening date is locked”, unless an official date is published |
Timeline, what “Q2 2028” really implies
MGM has been linked in regional reporting to a second half of 2028 opening window for its Dubai property.
At the same time, you will see references implying construction phases through 2027, then full operation in 2028.
Here’s the practical investor interpretation: this is not “next year revenue”, it is “position early, wait for delivery, and then let the destination mature”.
| Year | What the public narrative suggests | Why it matters to investors |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Project progress is discussed publicly, casino approval still pending | Expectations management, do not price casino upside as guaranteed |
| 2027 | Often referenced as a milestone year in broader UAE integrated resort context | Sentiment may shift as visible progress accelerates |
| 2028 | Q2 opening target reported, district cooling supply expected to commence Q1 2028 | Delivery and operations become the catalyst, not speculation |
Casino license, who decides, and why the answer keeps being “not yet”
The UAE’s commercial gaming framework is overseen by the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), which states it holds exclusive jurisdiction to regulate, license, and supervise commercial gaming in the UAE.
And MGM leadership has been publicly quoted expressing that casino permission is still pending for the Dubai project.
Here is why that matters for your blog, and for investor readers: it is very easy for a casual reader to assume “casino equals guaranteed”. But in reality, the market is moving in steps. For context, Wynn has already received the UAE’s first commercial gaming operator license for its Ras Al Khaimah project, according to Reuters.
That creates a very different licensing status compared to MGM Dubai, which is still waiting.
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MGM Dubai vs Wynn Al Marjan, a quick comparison investors actually understand
| Project | Emirate | License status (publicly reported) | Timing narrative |
|---|---|---|---|
| MGM on The Island (Wasl) | Dubai | Casino license pending, not confirmed | Q2 2028 opening target discussed |
| Wynn Al Marjan Island | Ras Al Khaimah | First commercial gaming operator license reported as granted | Often discussed as 2027 opening window |
Why this matters to Dubai real estate investors, even if you never buy “on the island”
This is the part people miss, because they focus too narrowly on “Will there be a casino”.
Even without gaming, a project like this can matter for investors because it reinforces something Dubai is already good at: turning a coastline into a global destination brand. And when that happens, it tends to do a few predictable things:
- It pulls international visitor flow, which supports hospitality and short-stay demand.
- It increases global media attention, which nudges perception, and perception nudges pricing.
- It strengthens the “Dubai is safe, investable, and liquid” narrative that drives cross-border buyers, especially in prime districts.
If you are a property investor, you do not need to own inside the resort footprint to benefit from the wider momentum. Investors often do better buying the surrounding ecosystem, the places where staff live, where high-income renters choose to stay, where premium buyers spill over once the prime inventory is priced out.
I think the best mental model is this: destination projects create ripples, and the best investments are sometimes one or two rings away from the splash.
MGM’s Dubai story is not “casino or nothing”, it is an integrated resort play first, and a gaming optionality play second.
That sounds like corporate wording, I know. But it is actually useful, because it keeps investors from building their whole thesis on a single regulatory outcome.
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Quick clarity box
- Opening target: MGM has said the Dubai property is on track for an Q2 2028 opening.
- Construction milestone: MGM commentary has referenced building completion in Q3 2027, with opening pushed out.
- Location and scale: the resort is described as being on a 10.5 hectare (about 25 acre) man-made island near Jumeirah Beach and Burj Al Arab.
- Casino status: not approved, and the public narrative has evolved over time, more on that below.
The MGM Dubai project scope, what “1,400 rooms” usually means in real life
Many articles repeat the “1,400 rooms” line, and to be fair, it is repeated because it is the simplest number to quote.
But investors should pause here. In integrated resorts, “rooms” can include:
- traditional hotel keys
- serviced hotel apartments
- branded residences (sometimes sold, sometimes kept in an operator pool)
So until final sales terms are publicly offered, the right investor wording is: the project is planned to include roughly 1,400 keys across MGM Grand, Bellagio and ARIA branded hospitality components, potentially alongside serviced or residential-style units, depending on the final structure.
One detail I personally like because it is boring, and boring details are often the real ones, is the district cooling agreement. Empower’s announcement ties cooling delivery to Q1 2028, which lines up with a late 2028 operational ramp.
Timeline table, why the dates online keep looking “inconsistent”
This is one of those topics where people think the media is contradicting itself, but it is mostly just the story evolving in public.
| Date | What was said publicly | What it tells an investor |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 2024 | Reporting framed the Dubai resort as not featuring a casino, based on comments attributed to MGM leadership at the time. | Early base case was “non-gaming luxury resort”, optionality implied, not promised. |
| May 2025 | Khaleej Times quoted MGM leadership saying the tower was in full swing, with completion cited around Q3 2027, and the “hopefully we’ll add gaming” tone. | Construction was real, gaming was still framed as a hope, not an approval. |
| Jul 2025 | MGM said the project would open Q2 2028, delayed from 2027, and referenced a non-gaming management agreement with Wasl Hospitality. | The operational timeline shifted later, base case remains non-gaming. |
| Sep 2025 | Industry coverage described a casino podium concept, with MGM still waiting on green light, and noted licensing dynamics. | Optionality still alive, but not bankable in underwriting. |
That “non-gaming management agreement” point is important. It means the resort can operate as a luxury destination even if gaming never happens, at least in the initial phase.
Casino licensing, who decides, and how to talk about it accurately
Dubai is not licensing this casually.
The UAE’s General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) explicitly states it has exclusive jurisdiction to regulate, license, and supervise commercial gaming in the UAE.
It was established as a federal authority in 2023.
So the clean investor language is:
- MGM’s Dubai project is proceeding as a luxury resort.
- Any casino component would require licensing and local approvals, and is not confirmed.
If you want a simple benchmark, Wynn’s Ras Al Khaimah project was reported by Reuters as receiving the UAE’s first commercial gaming operator license, which is why it keeps getting referenced in comparison pieces.
Investor scenario model, base case vs upside case
This is how I would frame it for a serious buyer who does not want fluff.
| Scenario | What happens | What it could mean for Dubai real estate sentiment |
|---|---|---|
| Base case: non-gaming luxury resort | The Island opens as hotels, dining, beach clubs, entertainment, retail, events. | Stronger tourism narrative for Dubai, more premium spend in Jumeirah corridor, steady prestige uplift. |
| Upside case: gaming approval later | A gaming component is licensed after opening, the “optional podium” becomes a real revenue driver. | Big perception shift, more global headlines, potentially faster repricing of nearby premium inventory. |
| No-gaming forever | Resort still operates, but gaming never materializes. | Still a win for tourism and hospitality, but the “Vegas multiplier” never shows up. |
Notice what I did there, I did not assign numbers. You can assign numbers later, but only after you have clarity on sellable unit types, service charges, and the rental model.
Where property investors might position around this story
The Island itself is a destination, but investors often make money in the orbit.
Here are areas and product types that logically sit close to the “brand uplift” corridor, without needing island inventory to be for sale.
| Area / product type | Why it’s relevant | Typical investor angle |
|---|---|---|
| Madinat Jumeirah Living and nearby prime mid-rise | Close to Burj Al Arab area, strong lifestyle demand | Premium long-term rentals, high-quality end user demand |
| City Walk / Al Wasl fringe | Central, high income tenant base, lifestyle retail | Tenant quality, liquidity, strong resale profiles |
| Downtown and Business Bay (select buildings) | Easy access for short stays and corporate visitors | Furnished rentals, corporate leasing, holiday home potential |
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By now, you have the core answer, yes, MGM is coming to Dubai, via the MGM, Bellagio, and ARIA-branded resort plan on The Island with Wasl, and the most repeated opening target in credible reporting is Q2 2028.
The real investor question is not “is it coming”, it’s “how do I think about this without building my entire plan on one uncertain variable”.
That uncertain variable is, of course, gaming.
And the most careful way to say it, based on recent reporting and MGM commentary, is still: casino approval is pending, not confirmed, and any commercial gaming decision sits under the UAE’s federal commercial gaming regulator, the GCGRA.
The best “right now”
MGM Resorts International is developing a major Dubai resort project in partnership with Wasl on The Island, a man-made island near Jumeirah Beach and the Burj Al Arab area, anchored by MGM Grand, Bellagio, and ARIA-branded hotels, with widely reported plans that include large-scale entertainment, dining, and resort amenities. Recent reporting places the opening target in the second half of 2028, while casino licensing remains unapproved and would require a license and oversight from the UAE’s General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority.
What to watch between now and 2028, the signals that move from “news” to “pricing”
This is the part I always come back to, because investor decisions are usually better when they follow signals, not excitement.
1) Confirmed infrastructure and operations milestones
Empower has publicly stated cooling energy supply for The Island project is expected to commence in Q1 2028, which is a practical “project maturity” signal.
That does not guarantee opening dates, but it does support the idea that the build has a real delivery pathway.
2) Construction milestones that matter
Headlines are fun, but milestone types matter more: podium completion, superstructure progress, MEP fit-out, and operator readiness. Some coverage notes a podium concept designed to accommodate a casino if approved.
3) Licensing framework movement
The GCGRA describes itself as the UAE’s executive authority with exclusive jurisdiction to regulate, license, and supervise commercial gaming activities.
So the “watch item” is not rumors, it’s formal regulatory updates, license announcements, and official policy direction.
4) Operator structure and unit type clarity
This is the quiet one, but it is huge for investors. “Rooms and residences” can mean very different products, freehold units, serviced apartments, hotel keys, or branded residences with usage restrictions. You underwrite differently depending on which it is.
Casino in Dubai
- “MGM’s Dubai resort is planned and under development, and is widely reported to open in Q2 2028.”
- “Casino approval is pending, and would require regulatory licensing under the GCGRA.”
- “Design elements have been discussed in some coverage as convertible for gaming use if approved, but there is no confirmed casino license for Dubai at this project.”
Also, it’s worth acknowledging that public messaging has evolved over time, some reporting in earlier periods emphasized “no casino plans”, while later reporting and interviews emphasize “pending approval” language. That tells you the only rational underwriting move is to treat gaming as upside, not base case.
Investor scenario model, with practical implications
| Scenario | Base assumption | What changes in the market narrative | Investor takeaway |
|---|---|---|---|
| A, Non-gaming luxury resort (base case) | The Island launches as a hospitality and entertainment destination, no gaming | Brand lift, tourism lift, higher spend in the Jumeirah corridor | Position around scarcity and lifestyle demand, do not pay for casino hype |
| B, Gaming approved later (upside case) | Resort opens, then receives gaming approval after launch | Global headline multiplier, higher international visitation potential | Biggest repricing impact is often “nearby prime”, not necessarily on-site |
| C, Longer delay than expected | Delivery slips beyond Q2 2028 | Speculation fatigue, slower sentiment | Good assets hold value, weak assets get stuck, buy quality not slogans |
| D, No gaming long-term | Resort stays non-gaming | Still a destination, but without the “casino catalyst” | Still a win for tourism, but less of a shockwave for pricing |
The sources that matter here are the Q2 2028 opening references, and the repeated “approval pending” wording around gaming.
Comparison table, MGM Dubai story vs other UAE catalysts
| Catalyst | Location | What’s confirmed | Why investors compare it | Core risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MGM, Bellagio, ARIA on The Island | Dubai, Jumeirah coast | Opening target reported Q2 2028, gaming not confirmed | Prime coastline plus global brands | Licensing uncertainty for gaming, timeline drift |
| Wynn Al Marjan integrated resort | Ras Al Khaimah | UAE’s first commercial gaming operator license reported for Wynn | “First mover” gaming narrative | Different emirate dynamics, different demand profile |
| Dubai Islands, broader coastline expansion | Dubai | Major coastal masterplan, long runway | “Early positioning” logic | Supply competition risk |
| Palm Jumeirah (established prime) | Dubai | Proven prime market | Liquidity benchmark | Entry price is already high |
| Dubai Creek Harbour (masterplanned waterfront) | Dubai | Mature development trajectory | Family plus lifestyle plus long-term demand | Micro-location matters a lot |
The point of the table is not to crown a winner. It’s to stop readers from comparing projects that behave differently.
Where to invest “around” the MGM Dubai story
Orbit strategy, the two rings that often outperform
A destination project creates a ripple, and in Dubai, the best risk-adjusted plays often sit one or two rings away from the most famous address.
- Ring 1, prime lifestyle zones with scarcity and strong tenants
Think established, high-quality communities close to Jumeirah access, where pricing is supported by end-user demand as much as investor demand. - Ring 2, high-liquidity central districts
Areas that capture corporate tenants, shorter stays, and premium renters, and stay liquid even when a headline cools off.
If you want, I can turn this into a shortlist based on budget, preferred yield range, and hold period. Contact me to request the shortlist.
Investor checklist, what to verify if any “MGM Dubai units” are offered
This is the part that saves people money, and I do not say that lightly.
| Checklist item | Why it matters | What you want to see |
|---|---|---|
| Tenure type | Freehold vs serviced vs hotel key changes everything | Clear legal status, DLD clarity, SPA language |
| Usage rights | Some branded products restrict personal use | Defined owner usage, blackout periods, booking rules |
| Service charges and fees | Islands and brands can be expensive to operate | Transparent estimates, escalation assumptions |
| Rental model | Long-term, short-term, operator pool, all different risks | Written rental policy, not sales talk |
| Handover conditions | Delay clauses and compensation matter | Clear milestone schedule, remedies |
| Exit restrictions | Some products limit resale or add approvals | Transfer process, fees, restrictions |
FAQs
Is MGM coming to Dubai or is it just rumors?
It’s not just rumors. Multiple credible outlets have reported MGM’s Dubai project, in partnership with Wasl, with an opening target in the second half of 2028.
Where will MGM be located in Dubai?
The resort is associated with The Island, a man-made island near Jumeirah Beach and the Burj Al Arab area, off the Umm Suqeim coastline.
When will MGM Dubai open?
The most consistent recent reporting points to an Q2 2028 opening target, with some related infrastructure timelines aligning around early 2028 for service readiness.
Will MGM Dubai have a casino?
A casino is not confirmed. Reporting in 2025 described casino approval as still pending, and any commercial gaming would require licensing under the UAE’s GCGRA framework.
Who regulates casino licensing in the UAE?
The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority, GCGRA, describes itself as holding exclusive jurisdiction to regulate, license, and supervise commercial gaming in the UAE.
Why does the MGM Dubai project matter for real estate investors?
Because a global branded destination on a prime coastline can lift tourism demand, strengthen perception, and increase pricing power in nearby premium areas, even if you never buy inside the project itself.
Should investors wait for MGM Dubai to open before investing in Dubai?
Not necessarily. The smarter approach is usually to invest based on proven demand and liquidity today, while treating MGM’s arrival as a potential sentiment tailwind rather than the only reason to buy.
What’s the safest way to model the opportunity?
Use a base case that assumes a non-gaming luxury resort, then treat any gaming approval as upside. That aligns with how current public reporting frames the licensing status.
