The United Arab Emirates recently made headlines by launching its very first national lottery, making it the first country in the Arabian Peninsula to do so. This move is significant considering that gambling is prohibited by the Quran, the holy book of Islam. Despite this, the UAE Lottery has officially kicked off, offering a grand prize of 100 million dirhams (US$27.2 million) with tickets available for purchase on the lottery website. The inaugural draw is scheduled for December 14.
It’s worth noting that while smaller lotteries and raffles existed in a legal grey area in the UAE before, such as the Abu Dhabi Big Ticket, Mahooz, and the Emirates Draw, the UAE Lottery is the first officially licensed national lottery that is open to all residents regardless of their nationality. This decision may come as a surprise considering that Islam strictly prohibits gambling, deeming it a grave sin. The UAE’s unique blend of globalist capitalism and adherence to Islamic teachings is evident in this move towards diversifying its economy beyond oil.
Although gambling beyond the lottery remains illegal in the UAE, the government is exploring the possibility of allowing foreign casino operators to establish themselves in the country. The establishment of the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) in response to Wynn Resorts’ interest in building a hotel casino in the UAE indicates a potential shift in the country’s stance on gambling. Wynn Resorts’ Wynn Al Marjan Island project, set to open in 2027, is poised to be the first integrated resort in the Middle East, signaling a new era in the region’s tourism and entertainment industry.
With the immense wealth present in the UAE, there is speculation that the country could rival gambling hubs like Singapore in terms of revenue generation once casino gambling is legalized. The potential for growth and development in the UAE’s gaming sector is substantial, and the government’s willingness to explore new opportunities in this realm is indicative of its commitment to economic diversification.
As the UAE embarks on this new chapter in its history, the introduction of the national lottery and the possibility of casino gambling signal a shift towards a more open and dynamic economy. While the traditional values of Islam continue to shape the country’s legal framework, the UAE is also adapting to the changing global landscape by embracing new industries and opportunities for growth. It will be interesting to see how the UAE’s gaming sector evolves in the coming years and what impact it will have on the country’s economy and society as a whole.
