The US state of New Jersey and the UAE will be joining forces to enhance cyber security, consumer protection and innovation in the internet-based gaming sector.
According to statement from New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, an agreement was signed by the state's division of gaming enforcement and the UAE's General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority to solidify the partnership between the two government entities.
“Commercial gaming is a key pillar of the UAE’s strategy for diversified economic growth, playing a significant role in driving tourism and attracting foreign investment,” said Kevin Mullally, chief executive of the GCGRA.
“This moment represents a unique opportunity to align innovative technology with modern, collaborative regulation to unlock substantial economic potential while ensuring the highest standards of consumer protection.”
Wesley Mathews, president and chief executive of Choose New Jersey, a non-profit organisation seeking to attract business to the state, said the agreement with the UAE would help to bolster New Jersey's gaming infrastructure and technology ecosystem.
"The collaboration between the DGE and GCGRA will strengthen our international economy while prioritising responsible gaming," Mr Murphy said.
The UAE GCGRA, in Abu Dhabi, holds exclusive jurisdiction to regulate, license and supervise all commercial gaming activities and facilities in the UAE.
Its staff includes experts in commercial gaming regulation, financial crime prevention, gaming technology, law enforcement, responsible gaming and other specialist areas.
According to the GCGRA's website, it also serves as an innovation incubator that helps to enhance protection for users.
The regulating authority says "commercial gaming in the UAE encompasses lottery, internet gaming, sports wagering and land-based gaming facilities".
While gambling remains prohibited in the UAE, the GCGRA was established in September 2023 to oversee and supervise commercial "gaming activities" including lotteries, internet gaming and integrated gaming centres or resorts.
Its aim is to enforce responsible gaming, which it defines as "the practice of commercial gaming in a way that safeguards consumers and minimises the potential adverse consequences of excessive gaming for individuals and society".
The announcement of the agreement with New Jersey comes as the Wynn Al Marjan Island resort in Ras Al Khaimah prepares to open in 2027, after securing the UAE's first gaming licence from authorities last year.
Our legal columnist
Name: Yousef Al Bahar
Advocate at Al Bahar & Associate Advocates and Legal Consultants, established in 1994
Education: Mr Al Bahar was born in 1979 and graduated in 2008 from the Judicial Institute. He took after his father, who was one of the first Emirati lawyers
When Umm Kulthum performed in Abu Dhabi
Known as The Lady of Arabic Song, Umm Kulthum performed in Abu Dhabi on November 28, 1971, as part of celebrations for the fifth anniversary of the accession of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan as Ruler of Abu Dhabi. A concert hall was constructed for the event on land that is now Al Nahyan Stadium, behind Al Wahda Mall. The audience were treated to many of Kulthum's most well-known songs as part of the sold-out show, including Aghadan Alqak and Enta Omri.
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Classification of skills
A worker is categorised as skilled by the MOHRE based on nine levels given in the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO) issued by the International Labour Organisation.
A skilled worker would be someone at a professional level (levels 1 – 5) which includes managers, professionals, technicians and associate professionals, clerical support workers, and service and sales workers.
The worker must also have an attested educational certificate higher than secondary or an equivalent certification, and earn a monthly salary of at least Dh4,000.
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How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
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What are the regulations?
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- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
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