The UAE’s General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) has confirmed the appointment of Ciarán Carruthers as the regulator’s new Chief Executive Officer.
Carruthers replaces Kevin Mullally, the GCGRA’s first-ever CEO, after he abruptly left the regulator in November 2025 to return home to the US.
The industry veteran joins the GCGRA at a crucial time, however, as the country has been impacted by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East between the US, Israel and Iran.
The UAE has been the target of drone strikes by Iran, which have threatened to destabilise the development of the UAE’s gaming market and the wider tourism industry.
Carruthers is no stranger to navigating a turbulent climate for tourism, having steered Wynn Macau out of the COVID-19 pandemic smoothly and back into a period of stability.
During his tenure at Wynn, Macau as a market underwent a significant transformation as the region evolved into a global capital for integrated resorts, a journey that the UAE is looking to mirror in its own way.
Last month, Wynn Resorts, which is part of the consortium developing the UAE’s first-ever casino resort, told investors that it expects a ‘modest delay in our opening timeline’ as a result of the geopolitical tensions, as it is forced to address ‘logistical and shipping challenges in the region’.
Despite this, Wynn’s CEO, Craig Billings, remained bullish on the prospects of the multi-billion-dollar project, in which Wynn holds a 40% stake, and the wider ability of the UAE to bounce back as a leading tourist destination.
Speaking on Wynn’s first-quarter earnings call, he said: “This is a country that has navigated multiple regional conflicts over the past two decades and has consistently come out stronger. They’ve done that by investing in infrastructure, diversifying their economy, and positioning themselves as a neutral hub for commerce and tourism.”
Building on a strong foundation
The GCGRA was introduced in September 2023 to develop the UAE’s gaming market, and the first gaming licence was awarded to The Game LLC, authorising it to operate the UAE Lottery.
So far, the GCGRA lists 26 operators on its register of licensees. Most recently, Play971, operated by Coin Technology Projects LLC, was named as the first licensed sportsbook and iGaming platform in the UAE.
Mullally, alongside Chair of the GCGRA Jim Murren, was appointed to lead the transition to a new era for the UAE, and he repeatedly spoke about the regulator’s desire to foster innovation during his tenure through the development of an ‘agile, predictable, and forward-looking regulatory environment’.
Like Mullally, Carruthers brings significant experience to the regulator, having worked in the gaming and hospitality industry for over 40 years. Throughout this time, he has served as the CEO of Crown Resorts and Chief Operating Officer of Wynn Macau, among other roles.
Stakeholders in the market will be hoping that Carruthers’ perspective of working within operators previously will help to shape the approach of the GCGRA as it continues to develop its regulatory framework for the UAE.
On the appointment, Murren said: “Ciarán brings exactly the calibre of leadership this role demands. His track record of building trust with governments, regulators, and industry partners across multiple jurisdictions is exceptional. The future of gaming regulation in the UAE is in exceptional hands.”
