Dubai’s MGM Tower to Redefine Luxury Hospitality by 2027
Friday, 9 May 2025
Dubai’s skyline is set to welcome a world-class addition—MGM Tower. With its stunning architecture and legendary brand heritage, this mega project is poised to redefine luxury hospitality in the Middle East.
Project Overview
- MGM Tower is currently under active construction.
- Expected opening: Q3 2027.
- Location: A 26-hectare beachfront site in Dubai.
- Development includes:
- MGM Hotel
- MGM Residences
- Bellagio Hotel—making its debut in the Middle East.
Leadership Insight
- William Hornbuckle, CEO & President of MGM Resorts International, confirmed:
“We’re literally up on the fifth floor of the MGM Tower as we speak. It’s an exciting project… Hopefully, we’ll get to add gaming.” - His comments came during MGM’s Q1 earnings call, highlighting Dubai’s strategic importance to the brand.
Partnership & Vision
- Originally launched in 2017, the project is a joint effort between:
- Wasl Hospitality and Leisure (Dubai-based)
- MGM Hospitality (U.S.-based)
- MGM signed a non-gaming management agreement with Wasl to bring iconic brands to Dubai:
- Bellagio
- Aria
- MGM Grand
Middle East Debut for Global Luxury Brands
- This project marks the regional debut for the MGM and Bellagio brands.
- Aimed at turning Dubai into a global leisure destination with unmatched resort experiences.
🇦🇪 High-Profile Support
- Recent visit to Dubai by MGM leadership included:
- William Hornbuckle (CEO)
- Paul Salem (Chairman)
- Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum (Dubai’s Deputy Attorney General and UAE Finance Minister)
- Discussions focused on expanding MGM’s influence in the UAE and future development opportunities.
Gaming Industry Potential in the UAE
- While MGM’s current agreement is non-gaming, the UAE is seeing a shift in gaming regulations.
- The UAE’s General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) issued the country’s first casino license in 2024.
- The Wynn Al Marjan project near Ras Al Khaimah:
- Will be the region’s first integrated casino resort.
- One level added weekly during construction.
- Also set to open in early 2027.
- Experts predict the UAE’s gaming sector could reach $3–$5 billion in value.
A Glimpse into Dubai’s Future
MGM Tower is more than just a building—it’s a statement. It reflects Dubai’s growing influence in global tourism, luxury, and potentially even gaming. As the city evolves, projects like MGM Tower signal that the future of hospitality is bold, branded, and built on visionary partnerships.
