With the first land-based casino set to open in 2027, a national lottery now licensed, and online rumours swirling, all eyes are on the market potential of the UAE, with many seeing it as not only the next Singapore, but also a direct competitor to Macau (and possibly even Malta by recent recruitment stories). With the expected luxury of its hospitality and VIP offerings, ease of access for travel for European and African players, as well an expat heavy population, the UAE has an opportunity few markets before have, with returns projected on par with Singapore at 1.6% of GDP. Yet legalising gambling will be a step change for the Middle East, where Sharia law is the main basis for legislation. While the upside is there, few will argue there isn’t a steep learning curve and risks – from cultural clash to AML flags.

• Now in its infancy, what can the UAE learn from Singapore’s launch?
• What’s happening on the ground? How far off is the region beyond RAK?