MGM Tower in Dubai Set to Open by 2027

The upcoming MGM Tower in Dubai is making steady progress and is now five floors up, according to MGM Resorts International CEO William Hornbuckle. The project is expected to be completed by the third quarter of 2027.

“It’s an exciting project,” Hornbuckle said during a recent earnings call. “A unique resort with a lot of potential. Hopefully, we’ll also get to add gaming.”

MGM and Bellagio brands making Middle East debut

The new tower is part of a larger beachfront development covering 26 acres. The site will include the MGM Hotel, MGM Residences, and the region’s first-ever Bellagio Hotel. This will mark the debut of the globally recognized MGM and Bellagio brands in the Middle East.

The development is part of a collaboration with Dubai-based Wasl Hospitality and Leisure, which signed an agreement with MGM Hospitality back in 2017 to manage and operate the future resort.

High-level MGM visit sparks fresh discussions

In April, top MGM executives including Chairman Paul Salem visited Dubai for meetings with Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai. The main goal was to explore opportunities MGM could bring to Dubai’s fast-evolving hospitality and entertainment landscape.

Hornbuckle noted that the visit was also about updating UAE leadership on MGM’s progress and potential contributions.

Gaming talks still ongoing amid rising market interest

While MGM’s current deal with Wasl Hospitality is strictly non-gaming, the company has expressed long-term interest in the UAE’s gaming potential. The MGM, Bellagio, and Aria brands are all part of the agreement — minus the casinos for now.

Industry analysts estimate the UAE’s gaming market could be worth between $3 billion to $5 billion in the coming years. The sector gained momentum when Wynn Al Marjan in Ras Al Khaimah secured the country’s first gaming licence in October 2023. Construction on the Wynn resort is moving quickly, with a floor being built every week, aiming for an early 2027 opening.

A new chapter for UAE luxury and entertainment

With both MGM and Wynn projects targeting 2027 openings, the UAE is gearing up for a new era in hospitality. While gaming remains a developing conversation, the arrival of international brands like Bellagio signals Dubai’s continued push to attract high-end tourism and entertainment investments.