MENA NEWS

UAE breaks new ground with first lottery licence

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has issued its first-ever lottery license, hinting at a potential shift towards the legalization of casinos and other forms of gaming. This development is seen as a significant stride in the country’s gaming industry.

First Olympic Esports Games set in Saudi Arabia in 2025

In a historic move, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has approved the creation of the Olympic Esports Games, with the inaugural event set to take place in 2025 in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In its news release, the IOC said the decision was endorsed unanimously by the 142nd IOC Session held in Paris, marking a significant milestone in the committee’s approach to the digital and esports sectors.

Saudi Arabia at the forefront of esports with EWC

The Esports World Cup (EWC), which kicked off on 3 July in Saudi Arabia, has drawn professional gamers, publishers, and fans from around the globe for an eight-week gaming extravaganza. However, this event has also sparked a mix of anticipation and apprehension within the industry.

PIF and Reuben Brothers acquire stake in Newcastle United

British investor Amanda Staveley will sell her stake in Newcastle United to the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia and the Reuben Brothers. This move will further consolidate the control of the top shareholders over the Premier League club.

UAE residents mixed on Wynn Resorts’ impact on Ras Al Khaimah, survey reveals   

As Wynn Resorts prepares to open the first-ever casino in the UAE, a survey conducted by Dubai Casinos reveals varied opinions on its potential impact on Ras Al Khaimah. This landmark development, set to launch in 2026 on Marjan Island, has sparked significant interest and debate among locals.

UAE poised to become ‘Las Vegas of the Middle East,’ CBRE says  

The CBRE Capital Advisors has identified the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as the “next gaming frontier,” with projections suggesting it could generate $8.5 billion (€7.9 billion) in revenue. This figure positions the UAE to rival major gaming hubs like Las Vegas and Singapore.   “We believe the UAE represents one of the most compelling opportunities in global…

Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s controversial reign: unsettling winds of change at Manchester United

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the owner of INEOS, has been at the helm of Manchester United since February, following his acquisition of a 27.7 percent stake in the club. His tenure, however, has been m

Bet365 makes a record payout

As the dust settles on the 2023/24 Premier League season, bet365, a leading online gambling company, finds itself in an unusual position. While Manchester City celebrated lifting the Premier League trophy for the fourth consecutive time, bet365 was left to count the cost of a season that ended in a way few could have predicted.

UAE’s Param Labs shapes future of Web3 gaming

Param Labs, a gaming infrastructure startup based in the United Arab Emirates, has recently secured a strategic investment from Animoca Brands, a Hong Kong-based pioneer in digital property rights for gaming and the open metaverse. This investment not only strengthens their existing partnership but also fuels the development of Param Labs’ scalable Web3 infrastructure, thereby expanding…

Last gallop marks termination of Macau’s horse racing industry

Macau will today witness the end of an era when the city’s horse racing industry will be consigned to history as the government terminates the Macau Jockey Club’s (MJC) concession to operate racing. This decision marks the end of a sport that has been part of the city’s heritage for over four decades.