A subsidiary of MGM International Resorts will be partnering with the Bellagio to build a luxury beachfront 2 million square foot resort in Dubai on 26 acres. It has a target opening of 2021.
The project, which will not include gaming, will be built along the Jumeirah Beach, a white-sand beach known for luxury properties and a seven-star hotel. It will include an MGM Hotel, MGM Residence and a Bellagio Hotel with a 360-foot-high sphere built in front, the “Dubai Sphere,” which will have a theater inside of it. There will be no gaming at the facility, of course, since gambling is illegal in Dubai.
Bill Hornbuckle, president of MGM Resorts declared “We are excited and honored by the opportunity to introduce our incredible brands in one of the world’s fastest growing tourist destinations. This marks the first time we will offer multiple MGM luxury brands at a prime beachfront location.”
He added, “This agreement, which makes us the development advisor and operator, reflects our commitment to remaining disciplined and focused in our investments while continuing to advance our brand of entertainment resorts in markets around the world.”
He told the Las Vegas Review Journal: “It’s a big deal for us. This has been going for the better part of two years with the wasl group, which has been a great group to work with.”
This is MGM’s first project in the Middle East. Dubai is the largest city in the United Arab Emirates and is located on the Persian Gulf.
It is partnering with the Dubai-based wasl Hospitality and Leisure, a subsidiary of wasl Asset Management Group.
