n a recent statement, MGM Resorts International CEO Bill (William) Hornbuckle confirmed that its long‑awaited Dubai resort is scheduled to open in the second half of 2028. This marks a significant milestone in the company’s ambitious global expansion, especially in the Middle East market 🚀
🏗️ A Long‑Planned Megaproject
Originally announced in 2017, MGM partnered with Dubai’s Wasl Hospitality and Leisure on a sprawling 25‑acre development off Jumeirah Beach, known informally as “The Island.” The resort was to feature three iconic brands—MGM Grand, Bellagio, and Aria—linked by a shared podium structure.
Construction officially began in 2024. As of early 2025, progress includes rising foundations and the MGM tower already reaching its fifth floor, with executives targeting a Q3 2027 tower completion and full resort opening by second half of 2028.
✨ Luxury Meets Entertainment (Without a Casino — Yet)
Though MGM Resorts is world‑famous for its integrated gaming resorts, Hornbuckle made it clear that Dubai’s version will be non‑gaming, at least initially. MGM has submitted no casino license application for Dubai; instead, focus is on luxury hospitality, entertainment, culinary experiences, and family attractions.
Planned resort components include:
- Approx. 1,400 guest rooms and villas across three brands
- Water show and immersive experiences akin to Bellagio in Las Vegas
- Diving pool called “The Cavern”—about 7,000–8,000 m² where visitors can snorkel under the surface
- A theater, retail outlets, restaurants, beach club, museums, and adventure zones for children and adults alike
🎰 Gaming on the Horizon?
Despite the project’s current non‑gaming status, MGM is firmly monitoring regulatory developments across the UAE. A new federal body, the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), now oversees gaming regulation—raising the possibility of future gaming approvals in some emirates.
Hornbuckle and MGM leadership—including Chairman Paul Salem—recently met with Dubai’s Deputy Ruler Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, citing conversations about broader opportunities, including integrated gaming. Hornbuckle remarked, “They haven’t said yes, they haven’t said no… we are building an environment that can accommodate it.”
MGM has also applied separately for a casino license in Abu Dhabi, signaling interest beyond Dubai. Hornbuckle believes licensing could initially follow a phased approach, potentially starting digital gaming or lotteries first.
🏆 Why MGM Is Betting on Dubai
- Global luxury hub: Dubai’s rise as a destination for international tourism, events, and high‑end hospitality makes it a natural fit for MGM’s deluxe brands.
- Strategic partnerships: Wasl Hospitality, a large state‑connected real‑estate group, anchors the project with deep Dubai government ties.
- Long‑term vision: MGM’s leadership—particularly Hornbuckle, re‑signed through December 2028—sees Dubai as part of a broader multi‑billion‑dollar expansion strategy across Asia and the UAE.
📅 Project Timeline at a Glance
| Milestone | Date / Period |
|---|---|
| Partnership announced | 2017 |
| Construction commences | 2024 |
| MGM Tower reaches 5th floor | Q1 2025 |
| Tower structure complete | Third quarter 2027 |
| Full resort openings | Second half of 2028 |
🤔 How It Compares to RAK / Wynn
Meanwhile, Wynn Resorts is building its Ras Al Khaimah resort on Al Marjan Island, including a licensed casino, with projected opening in early 2027. It’s expected to be the first casino resort in the UAE.
The MGM‑Dubai project, by contrast, remains non‑gaming but is faster to scale in Dubai proper and possibly better positioned for future expansion if regulations shift.
✍️ What This Means for Dubai & the Region
- Tourism boost: Offering upscale entertainment, cultural performances, immersive attractions, and kid-friendly zones, MGM’s debut could draw millions from across the globe.
- Hospitality innovation: Features like a snorkel‑dive pool, multimedia Sphere experiences, and themed adventure zones elevate the non‑gaming luxury resort concept.
- Gaming policy watcher: MGM’s cautious but hopeful tone suggests Dubai could eventually shift toward licensing gaming, aligning with the broader competitive landscape in RAK and Abu Dhabi.
- Industry impact: The emergence of an MGM brand cluster alongside Bellagio and Aria signals Dubai’s intent to position itself on par with other global integrated resort markets.
🎤 Final Thoughts
Bill Hornbuckle said it best: “It’s a pretty spectacular project… and hopefully, we’ll get to add gaming.” Whether casinos come to Dubai remains a question—but the resort is steadily coming to life with or without them.
This project is a landmark in MGM’s global playbook. By the second half of 2028, if everything stays on schedule, Dubai will welcome its first taste of Las Vegas‑style resort luxury—complete with world‑class hotels, themed entertainment, adventure, culture, culinary experiences and possibly much more
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