Monday, 20 April 2026
Author: Omar Hegazy
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is in the middle of one of the fastest regulatory pivots in global gaming, from a jurisdiction where commercial gambling was prohibited outright to one preparing to host the Middle East’s first integrated resort casino, a licensed national online gaming and sports betting market, and annual gaming revenues that some say will rival the Las Vegas Strip.[1] For operators, vendors and their advisors, the opportunity is substantial, but the window is narrow: licences are limited, compliance expectations are high, and the legal framework is still being built. This article sets out the regulatory foundations, the economic vision driving reform, the legal harmonisation underway, and what early preparation should look like.
Article Overview
To continue reading or watching login or register here
Already a member? Sign in
Get access to all of the expert analysis and commentary at LawInSport including articles, webinars, conference videos and podcast transcripts. Find out more here.
Related Articles
Written by
Omar Hegazy
Omar is Of Counsel at Greenberg Traurig LLP, based in Dubai. He has over 20 years’ experience advising on varied commercial and regulatory matters across the Middle East. With almost half of his legal career in-house, he brings an invaluable 360-degree view and commercial nous. He regularly advises corporates and government clients on complex venue projects, events management, sponsorships, policy, privatization of sports assets, and more.