Integrated resorts set to transform tourism experiences across the Middle East and beyond
The growth of integrated resorts in the Middle East and Asia Pacific (APAC) is redefining the hospitality industry by blending luxury, entertainment, and culture into immersive destination experiences, as reported by experts at Arabian Travel Market. Experts predict that annual gross gaming revenues (GGR) in the UAE could reach between US$3 billion and US$5 billion, driven by the introduction of integrated resort developments. The upcoming launch in Ras Al Khaimah is expected to significantly boost tourism, with the emirate aiming to attract 3.5 million overnight tourists by 2030, generating thousands of employment opportunities. The highly anticipated opening of Wynn Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah in 2027 marks a significant milestone for the region, reflecting a broader shift towards diversified tourism offerings. Similarly, the upcoming opening of a casino at Cinnamon Life's City of Dreams development in Sri Lanka signals a shift toward regulated gaming as part of a holistic resort offering.
At ATM 2025, panellists from across the hospitality, research and technology sectors, including Judith Cartwright, Founding & Managing Director, Black Coral Consulting; Darren Bishop, SVP, Market Research and Strategy Consultant, Heart+Mind Strategies; and Edward Batrouni, Founder and Executive Director, Zenitech discussed how these resorts are shifting perceptions and driving demand from key source markets, including India, China, the GCC and Europe.
Sanjiv Hulugalle, CEO, Cinnamon Life Hotel & Mall at City of Dreams, Sri Lanka, also part of the expert panel, commented: 'A sense of place is critical to making a successful integrated project and not making the casino the centre. You've got to really tap into the surrounding destination and not just centre yourself in the place you are. It makes the fabric, the texture, and the soulfulness far more impactful than just saying: I've got a casino. It's far beyond the positioning.'
Panellists agreed that while gaming offers a new and exciting dimension, it is a combination of art, music, food, wellness, and local storytelling that truly defines the guest experience. Industry leaders attending the event emphasised that gaming is just one element in a much broader tapestry of cultural, culinary, and entertainment experiences that are key to the success of integrated developments.
Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: 'The conversations at ATM this year highlighted a vital shift in how integrated resorts are being developed across the region. It's not just about gaming but about crafting a sense of place, telling compelling stories, and building meaningful cultural connections. Destinations in the MENA region and beyond are demonstrating how these developments can become national assets, unlocking new revenue streams and creating immersive experiences for multi-generational travellers.'
Speakers noted that in markets such as Sri Lanka, where gaming is being introduced under new regulatory frameworks, local community support and government collaboration have been key to the success of the City of Dreams development to date.
In the UAE, the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) was established in 2023 to regulate commercial gaming and oversee all individuals and businesses in the industry, ensuring sustainable growth and efficient regulation. The country's pioneering steps into the integrated resort space are helping to establish it as a regional hub for tourism innovation, with advanced technology, personalised service, and responsible gaming protocols playing a critical role.
Research insights shared during the session revealed that while gaming ranks lower in priority among potential visitors, its value as an adrenaline-driven activity for affluent, older audiences makes it a significant contributor to revenue. Moreover, gaming's association with luxury tends to increase visitor spend, with a 30% uplift observed in similar resort models globally.
With feeder markets like India, Saudi Arabia, and UAE-based expatriates showing strong interest, and European travellers seeking luxury and bespoke experiences, integrated resorts are poised to reshape regional tourism landscapes.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arabian Business
2 hours ago
- Arabian Business
Abu Dhabi's Mubadala invests in AI open-source company Anaconda
Abu Dhabi's Mubadala Capital has participated as one of the main investors alongside Insight Partners in the US$150 million Series C funding of Anaconda Inc, the company committed to advancing AI with open source at scale. The company operates profitably with over US$150 million in annual recurring revenue (ARR) as of July 2025. The new funding values the startup at about US$1.5 billion. Acquisitions on their mind Capital will be invested in new AI features, strategic acquisitions, and to fuel Anaconda's global expansion into new markets. Additionally, the funding will offer liquidity options for current and former employees, driving the company's continued momentum and growth. This news comes on the heels of Anaconda's newly launched AI Platform as well as a recently announced partnership with Databricks, the data and AI company. Since its founding in 2012, Anaconda has been one of the most trusted and widely used Python distribution platforms, with over 21 billion downloads and 50 million users. Today, more than 10,000 large enterprises rely on Anaconda to build and manage AI systems effectively. The infusion of capital comes at a pivotal moment as enterprises shift from isolated data science projects to building compound AI applications, validating Anaconda's mission to empower organisations and builders to innovate with data through a unified open source ecosystem for enterprise Python—the coding language that has become synonymous with AI development. George Mathew, Insight Partners Managing Director, said: 'As agents and compound AI systems gain traction, companies need a foundational platform to effectively manage key open source artifacts and components to drive fast, scalable innovation. Anaconda takes this a step further by layering simplicity and security to AI in enterprise landscapes. 'As enterprises move from specialised data science to generalised AI systems, we believe Anaconda is incredibly well-positioned for this generational shift.'
Sharjah 24
2 hours ago
- Sharjah 24
UAE spearheads dialogue to redefine future of media
The event serves as a critical milestone in the lead-up to the BRIDGE Summit 2025 - the largest platform uniting media, cultural and creative content creators, leaders, and decision-makers to transform how the world communicates, set to take place in Abu Dhabi, from 8 - 10 December 2025. Following the successful events in New York, London, and Osaka, Shanghai becomes the latest hub for the global conversation on how today's information dynamics are reshaping economies, governance, culture, and public trust. At this pivotal gathering, leading voices from Asia and beyond came together to discuss the region's growing influence on global media and culture, and to examine the role of innovation and responsibility in the fast-changing media landscape. Shanghai provided a dynamic backdrop for the BRIDGE Roadshow, aligning with the city's prominent role in the global media and tech landscape. In the presence of Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, Chairman of the National Media Office (NMO) and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the UAE Media Council; Muhannad Sulaiman Al Naqbi, Consul-General of the United Arab Emirates in Shanghai; and Khalid Al Shehhi, Deputy Ambassador of the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in China, the event attracted leaders from across media, technology, and business to discuss how innovation, technology, and cultural influence are converging in the global media narrative. A central theme of the Shanghai event focused on the role of innovation in media and how China's platforms and creators are reshaping the global media landscape. A key discussion, moderated by John Darling, Co-Founder & CEO, Creative Capital Ventures, centred on whether Chinese stories could shape the international narrative, considering how China's unique position in global media offers new opportunities for soft power. The panellists, including Joleen Liang, Co-Founder & President of Squirrel AI Learning, Zengxin Li, Deputy General Manager of Caixin Global, and Dennis Potgraven, Chief Strategy Officer of WPP Media China, explored the challenges and opportunities of this dynamic. They discussed how Chinese platforms are influencing perceptions both locally and globally, with an emphasis on how these platforms are redefining what it means to tell a story in today's interconnected world. Another central theme in Shanghai was the potential of gaming as the next frontier of cultural influence. A talk, led by Fangda Wan, Founder & General Partner of Gam3Girl Ventures, discussed how China's gaming industry is rapidly evolving into a nearly US$50 billion market, offering new ways to blend technology with culture. Speakers examined how gaming is becoming a powerful force in global media, allowing for new forms of storytelling that merge traditional Chinese narratives with cutting-edge technology. Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, Chairman of the National Media Office (NMO) and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the UAE Media Council, emphasised that the Shanghai stop of the BRIDGE Roadshow marks a defining moment, highlighting China's dynamic media and cultural landscape and its growing impact on shaping global narratives. The Chairman stressed that the challenges facing global media today are not limited to tools or platforms, but extend to the overarching vision guiding them. While technologies continue to evolve rapidly, there remains a pressing need for a comprehensive intellectual outlook that reaffirms the media's humanistic and civilisational role as a platform for meaningful content and a key contributor to knowledge-based societies and future economies. He also underlined that the Roadshow's path through New York, London, Osaka, and now Shanghai reflects the UAE's deep-rooted commitment to cultivating more balanced and inclusive global media perspectives. This effort is rooted in the UAE's core belief in building bridges of communication and fostering meaningful cultural exchange. The Chairman concluded by stating that the discussions held during the Shanghai stop will help enrich the agenda of the upcoming Bridge 2025 Summit in Abu Dhabi, which will serve as a platform bringing together media decision-makers and influence alliances, aiming to explore the future of media and strengthen its role as a partner in development, innovation and global understanding. For his part, Dr. Jamal Mohammed Obaid Al Kaabi, Director-General of the UAE National Media Office, shared his perspective on the evolving media ecosystem. He said, 'As the media landscape continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, China's innovative leadership in media and cultural industries is playing a pivotal role in shaping global narratives. Through a unique blend of tradition and cutting-edge technology, Chinese platforms and creators are expanding the boundaries of soft power, offering diverse perspectives that are reshaping how news and stories are consumed around the world. BRIDGE provides an essential platform to bring together leaders and innovators from across the globe, helping to ensure that the stories we tell remain authentic, inclusive, and impactful.' The BRIDGE Roadshow series is designed to fuel an ongoing discussion about the future of media. Each stop contributes to Connecting Conversations, an evolving series of insights that will inform the programming and partnerships for BRIDGE Summit 2025 in Abu Dhabi. In New York, the focus was on AI's role in ensuring trust in media, while London explored narrative diplomacy and the responsibility of media in cross-border relations. Osaka, which preceded Shanghai, placed a strong emphasis on media innovation and the ethical use of generative AI. Osaka, which marked the third stop on the roadshow after New York and London, explored themes of AI, media innovation, and cultural authenticity, setting the stage for Shanghai to dive deeper into China's role in shaping global narratives. In Shanghai, with its dynamic creative economy, further explored the delicate balance between technological advancement and cultural authenticity in the media space. The roadshow continues to build momentum, offering new perspectives on how media, technology, and culture intersect in a rapidly transforming world. BRIDGE Summit 2025 will serve as a space for content creators, artists, influencers, and agencies — those who know how to engage — to join forces with government entities, investors, and corporations — those who have the power to shape change. By bridging these two worlds, the summit will unlock purpose-driven collaborations that shape public perception and influence behaviour across borders. This is where thought leadership meets business innovation — providing the space and tools for a new generation of global communicators to co-create solutions that transcend entertainment and drive tangible, lasting impact.
The National
3 hours ago
- The National
Oil drops on weak US jobs data and Trump's tariffs
Oil prices dropped on Friday after a weaker-than-expected US jobs report and tariffs announcements weighed on prospects for energy demand growth. Brent, the benchmark for two-thirds of the world's oil, dropped 2.83 per cent to $69.67 a barrel at the market close on Friday, while West Texas Intermediate, the gauge that tracks US crude, fell 2.79 per cent to settle at $67.33 a barrel on Friday, its biggest drop in a single day since June 24. A US jobs report on Friday put employment growth at a much lower level than expected. The Labour Department's employment report for July showed employers added 73,000 jobs. Markets had expected a gain of 100,000 jobs, but the figure fell short and was compounded by a downwards revision for May and June payrolls. The unemployment rate ticked up to 4.2 per cent. 'This report is a major red flag,' Nigel Green, chief executive of global financial advisory deVere Group, said. 'The headline miss is bad enough. But the real story is the scale of the revisions. The jobs market isn't just slowing – it has been much weaker than anyone realised.' The downwards revisions for May and June jobs is a signal for the Federal Reserve to take more action. 'This jobs report will likely be the turning point that tilts the balance decisively in favour of a September cut. That's what markets are telling us. Policy is about to get looser,' Mr Green said. The next Fed meeting is scheduled for mid-September, with one more jobs report due before then. 'The jobs market just gave the Fed a green light. They're likely to take it,' Mr Green said. Oil prices on Friday were also pressured by traders widely expecting that the Opec+ alliance will decide to boost supplies to the market during a meeting this weekend. 'Opec+ is set to increase production by 548,000 barrels per day in September, which could potentially weigh on prices,' Milad Azar, market analyst at XTB Mena, said. The Opec+ alliance is expected to meet on August 3 to announce the return of additional barrels to the market from next month. On Thursday, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order imposing ' reciprocal tariffs ' between 10 per cent to 41 per cent on dozens of countries. Markets will keep a close eye on Mr Trump's tariffs and any retaliatory measures from its targeted trade partners, analysts said. The President signed an executive order on Thursday that increased the rate on Canada to 35 per cent from 25 per cent, but an exemption for goods under the US-Mexico-Canada trade pact that includes oil remained in place. 'The focus for oil markets will likely remain on any tariffs fallout should countries look to retaliate against the US, and on any greater clarity on sanctions as US envoy Steve Witkoff is due to visit Russia,' Daniel Richards, Emirates NBD's Mena economist, said. The US set levies of 39 per cent on Switzerland and 25 per cent on India. Among Middle East countries, Syria faces 41 per cent, and Iraq and Libya will pay 35 per cent and 30 per cent, respectively. For Jordan and Israel, the rate is 15 per cent. 'There is also still a view within the market that [US] tariffs are, once again, a negotiating gambit, with the 'final' levies unlikely to be close to these levels, as negotiations between the US and its trading partners continue,' Michael Brown, senior research strategist at Pepperstone, said. Oil traders are also focused on Mr Trump's heightened pressure on Russia to reach a peace deal with Ukraine through the threat of secondary tariffs to be imposed on buyers of Russia crude, such as China and India, if Moscow does not reach a truce by the set deadline, Mr Brown said. 'Oil prices could remain under pressure over the medium to long term due to concerns about weaker global demand,' Joseph Dahrieh, managing principal at Tickmill, said. 'US tariffs have fuelled fears of a long-term impact on the global economy. Uncertainty around US-China trade talks could also remain an important source of risks, as the two largest oil-consuming nations could take a hit,' he said. 'If the economic slowdown materialises, the market could see new declines in prices. Tariffs are also expected to drive more inflation in the US, which could delay interest rate cuts, keeping borrowing costs elevated and slowing growth.' The main topic that traders are watching this week is Mr Trump's threat to hit buyers of Russian oil with secondary tariffs, according to Giovanni Staunovo, a strategist at Swiss bank UBS. 'Supply disruption concerns supported crude prices. The tariffs news had only a modest negative impact on prices as the EU and China got either lower tariffs or are still negotiating,' he said. Still, this is a market that is 'vastly oversupplied', thereby tilting the balance of risks firmly to the downside, and leaving any spikes vulnerable to being sold into relatively quickly, said Mr Brown.
