Last week, BettingJobs CEO Jennifer Innes returned to the UAE, where she engaged in various insightful discussions with our Middle Eastern counterparts. Conversations revolved around the bright future of the iGaming landscape in the UAE in light of the recent announcement from the GCGRA which has granted the country’s first lottery license, along with other exciting developments.
Below, Jennifer shares her recent experiences in the country and highlights what we can look forward to in the very near future.
We’re speaking with an increasing number of clients who are either already operating in the UAE or are planning to expand their operations there in the very near future. Individuals see the GCGRA’s approval and the granting of the first lottery license as the validation they need allowing them to be more confident in their decision to seriously consider a new role or relocation to the region. Companies in the UAE are continually seeking our assistance not only with staffing, but also for our expert guidance on enhancing their organisations to better accommodate for a more diverse workforce, how other companies and regions have adapted, and the advancements in those areas. At BettingJobs, we are uniquely positioned whereby we speak with both clients and candidates, allowing us to gain a better understanding of the region, sometimes even more so than those already located there and involved with the industry. We speak with all pieces of the puzzle, so this allows us to see the bigger picture. We’re witnessing our network snowball rapidly in the UAE, which we predict will only continue to expand. I would describe it as a snowball that has been built and is now at the top of the mountain. As it rolls down, it will continue to grow and pick up speed along the way. It came up during multiple conversations not only what the snowball effect will be in the UAE, but also how it will impact other countries, such as Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the broader Gulf region, particularly regarding their risk appetite for the gaming sector. It’s clear that even as temperatures in the UAE drop, recruitment remains a hot topic.
This time around, I didn’t just visit Abu Dhabi and Dubai, I had several meetings across the country, including one with the HR director of The Wynn Resort in Ras Al Khaimah which is currently under construction. Set to open in 2027, this luxurious resort and the first of its kind in the UAE, will require approximately 8,000 staff members. It was truly interesting to see the UAE as a whole this time round and to explore the differences between areas such as Sharjah, which has a more of a family vibe. While Ras Al Khaimah may not have much at the moment due to ongoing development, it will soon become a highly sought after location, especially with the opulent Wynn Resort on the horizon.
It’s no longer just African, Indian and Asian facing operators (as can be seen in Pragmatic Play’s presence in the region) or cryptocurrency firms in the UAE; now, major players like The Wynn are entering the scene and are building a massive resort which brings a new level of credibility to the iGaming industry in the Middle East. The tide is turning in terms of the stability of the region; more people are relocating with their families, and it has now become a career-defining hub for the gaming industry. What began as a few individuals establishing themselves in Dubai to serve customers in Asia, Africa, and India for example has now evolved into a credible industry, thanks to the presence of the GCGRA. A license has been granted for the first lottery operator, The Wynn resort is in development, and there will soon be two online gaming licenses granted in each Emirate. Interestingly, the definition of ‘gaming’ by the GCRGA is used interchangeably – “commercial gaming means any game of chance or any other game relying on chance and skill in which an amount of money, in cash or cash equivalents, is placed as a bet for the purpose of winning an amount of money or any other valuable item from or in the territory of the United Arab Emirates” – GCGRA Advertising Standards, 2024.
During this visit, I met up with an ex-candidate who quickly became a cherished friend of mine over the past 14 years. As a mum to young twins, my approach to networking has changed through the years, nowadays I find meaningful connections to be much more valuable. It was so nice to introduce my children to candidates and their families that I’ve helped to place in their dream roles, and to show them the work we’re doing in the region. As you can see in the image below, they quickly spotted “Big Ticket” as we were heading home to Scotland – maybe they were listening to me after all!
We’re excited to witness the growth and development of the UAE as an iGaming hub in the coming months and years. Our goal is to help make your company’s expansion plans as seamless as possible offering our guidance and expertise every step of the way. Additionally, if you’ve always dreamed of relocating to the UAE, which offers tax-free income and numerous other benefits to pursuing a new opportunity, don’t hesitate to reach out to us today.
