Wanderlust World Wanderlust World The United Arab Emirates has no casinos. Gambling in all forms is strictly prohibited under UAE federal law, which aligns with Islamic principles that forbid games of chance (maisir).
This ban extends to:
Violations carry severe penalties including heavy fines, imprisonment, and deportation for expatriates. The UAE's only legal gaming-adjacent activities are horse racing (with no on-site betting) and certain skill-based competitions.
Neighboring emirates like Dubai and Abu Dhabi have built world-class tourism infrastructure—luxury hotels, theme parks, shopping festivals—without casino gaming. Visitors seeking gambling typically travel to nearby destinations where it is legal.