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.
Other acts on the Jazz Garden bill
Sharrie Williams
The American singer is hugely respected in blues circles due to her passionate vocals and songwriting. Born and raised in Michigan, Williams began recording and touring as a teenage gospel singer. Her career took off with the blues band The Wiseguys. Such was the acclaim of their live shows that they toured throughout Europe and in Africa. As a solo artist, Williams has also collaborated with the likes of the late Dizzy Gillespie, Van Morrison and Mavis Staples.
Lin Rountree
An accomplished smooth jazz artist who blends his chilled approach with R‘n’B. Trained at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, DC, Rountree formed his own band in 2004. He has also recorded with the likes of Kem, Dwele and Conya Doss. He comes to Dubai on the back of his new single Pass The Groove, from his forthcoming 2018 album Stronger Still, which may follow his five previous solo albums in cracking the top 10 of the US jazz charts.
Anita Williams
Dubai-based singer Anita Williams will open the night with a set of covers and swing, jazz and blues standards that made her an in-demand singer across the emirate. The Irish singer has been performing in Dubai since 2008 at venues such as MusicHall and Voda Bar. Her Jazz Garden appearance is career highlight as she will use the event to perform the original song Big Blue Eyes, the single from her debut solo album, due for release soon.
Destroyer
Director: Karyn Kusama
Cast: Nicole Kidman, Toby Kebbell, Sebastian Stan
Rating: 3/5
UAE release: January 31
UAE squad v Australia
Rohan Mustafa (C), Ashfaq Ahmed, Chirag Suri, Rameez Shahzad, Fahad Nawaz, Amjed Gul, Shaiman Anwar, Ahmed Raza, Imran Haider, Muhammad Naveed, Amir Hayat, Ghulam Shabir (WK), Qadeer Ahmed, Tahir Latif, Zahoor Khan
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
Fixtures
Tuesday - 5.15pm: Team Lebanon v Alger Corsaires; 8.30pm: Abu Dhabi Storms v Pharaohs
Wednesday - 5.15pm: Pharaohs v Carthage Eagles; 8.30pm: Alger Corsaires v Abu Dhabi Storms
Thursday - 4.30pm: Team Lebanon v Pharaohs; 7.30pm: Abu Dhabi Storms v Carthage Eagles
Friday - 4.30pm: Pharaohs v Alger Corsaires; 7.30pm: Carthage Eagles v Team Lebanon
Saturday - 4.30pm: Carthage Eagles v Alger Corsaires; 7.30pm: Abu Dhabi Storms v Team Lebanon
MATCH INFO
Rugby World Cup (all times UAE)
Final: England v South Africa, Saturday, 1pm
