Konami Gaming is the latest supplier to be cleared to provide its services to the United Arab Emirates gaming market.
The supplier has been awarded a Gaming-Related Vendor License by the UAE’s commercial gaming regulator, the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), permitting the company to offer the market its casino gaming and management systems.
“Since Konami Gaming’s inception, our global growth has been achieved with an unwavering commitment to compliance,” commented Tom Jingoli, President & Chief Operating Officer at Konami Gaming.
“As the United Arab Emirates expands its economy to the regulated commercial gaming space, Konami is dedicated to supporting this market with the same integrity, innovation, and excellence we bring to all 431 gaming jurisdictions we serve worldwide.”
A Gaming-Related Vendor Licence has been handed to several companies by the GCGRA, including Aristocrat, Smartplay, PayBy, Xpoint, EQL Games, Novomatic, IGT, Light & Wonder, Scientific Games, Random State, Fennica Gaming, TCS John Huxley Singapore and Pollard Banknote.
Wynn Resorts has a Land-Based Gaming Facilities Licence for its Wynn Al Marjan Island resort joint venture with Marjan and RAK Hospitality Holding, scheduled to open in 2027. Meanwhile, a Lottery Licence has been received by The Game to operate the UAE lottery.
Hard Rock in the UAE
Hard Rock International is also looking for a slice of the UAE gaming market, but only as a hotel and residence provider.
Scheduled to open in 2028, Hard Rock Hotel & Residences Ras Al Khaimah is a joint venture between Malta-based db Group and RAK Hospitality Holding and will be operated by the joint venture company HR Hotel FZ LLC. It will also be adjacent to the Wynn Al Marjan Island resort.
Todd Hricko, SVP & Head of Global Hotel Development at Hard Rock International, noted: “Hard Rock International is proud to introduce its hotel and residence accommodations known for its unique brand of entertainment and superior hospitality to the region.
“This development will open new doors for the Hard Rock global traveller in a destination with rich history and nature to explore.”
Hard Rock Hotel & Residences Ras Al Khaimah will comprise approximately 300 rooms and 395 branded residences, restaurants, a rooftop bar, conference space, event venue, beach club, swimming pools, spa and fitness centre, creating roughly 500 permanent jobs.