The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) has named Dr Ahmad Hesham as its new general counsel and board secretary. This move comes as the UAE continues to build its reputation as a burgeoning hub for regulated gaming. Dr Hesham brings over 25 years of legal and regulatory expertise, spanning various jurisdictions. Previously, he played a pivotal role as senior legal adviser to the UAE federal government, where he was instrumental in drafting major legislative reforms, including the UAE Labour Law and the Higher Education Law.
In This News
Hesham’s Extensive Legal Background
With a PhD and two master’s degrees in law, Dr Hesham’s legal credentials are hard to overlook. Still, he has held roles such as vice-president of the Supreme Administrative Court, showcasing his extensive involvement in judicial matters. His experience isn’t just limited to the courtroom—he’s represented governmental entities in international forums, further underscoring his depth of expertise. But the GCGRA emphasized that his addition will strengthen their regulatory framework, aiming to position the UAE as a leader in commercial gaming oversight.
Regulatory market in the UAE
Set up in 2023, the GCGRA is tasked with coordinating the gambling regulation across the Emirates, a region that’s actively reshaping its gaming market. Dr Hesham will work alongside Ciarán Carruthers, the newly appointed permanent CEO, who came on board last month. Carruthers, with a rich background in Asian gaming, has openly expressed his enthusiasm about advancing the UAE’s regulatory climate to “global benchmark” standards. He stepped into the role following Kevin Mullally’s resignation in November. Industry observers have noted the UAE’s rapid push toward commercialized gaming. Notably, the introduction of Play971 marked the country’s foray into online gaming, a development propelled by parent company Momentum’s acquisition of internet gaming and sports wagering licenses last year.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
Though the UAE is making strides, establishing a regulatory framework that satisfies both domestic and international scrutiny remains a hurdle. But the complexities involved in transitioning to a regulated environment, given regional dynamics, can’t be understated. While the authority’s framework is still evolving, the inclusion of seasoned experts like Dr Hesham suggests a commitment to a broad regulatory approach. Moving forward, all eyes will be on the GCGRA to see how these strategic appointments translate into action. The authority faces a major task in aligning operational practices with its ambitious goal of creating a world-class gaming regulatory environment. Industry insiders will be watching closely—especially with the regulatory market’s potential impacts on licensure and operations. The journey is just beginning for UAE’s gaming regulatory push. Momentum’s licensing to operate through November 2025 will serve as a critical testing ground. The industry’s stakeholders await further announcements on operational guidelines and standard-setting initiatives.
Garry Sputnim is a seasoned journalist and storyteller with over a decade of experience in the trenches of global news. With a keen eye for uncovering stories that resonate, Alex has reported from over 30 countries, bringing light to untold narratives and the human faces behind the headlines. Specializing in investigative journalism, Garry has a knack for technology and social justice issues, weaving compelling narratives that bridge tech and humanity. Outside the newsroom, Garry is an avid rock climber and podcast host, exploring stories of resilience and innovation.
