written and last updated by
Sam Smith at
20 Oct 2025
Journalist, Editorial Department
For the first time in history, the United Arab Emirates has drawn the grand prize of its national lottery. According to the operator's statement, a single ticket holder correctly matched all seven numbers required to win the jackpot. As a result, the winner will take home a prize of 100 million dirhams (approximately $27.2 million). Organizers have described this event as a "historic milestone" for a country that is moving towards creating a more welcoming environment for the gambling industry.
The operator is currently conducting necessary checks to ensure compliance with all internal rules, safety protocols, and the requirements set by the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA). These procedures must be completed before the official award ceremony and the announcement of the winner's details.
The GCGRA is the federal executive body responsible for regulating and overseeing commercial gambling in the UAE. Its establishment has sent a strong signal to international investors, demonstrating the government's systematic approach to developing this new sector.
Currently, a casino is under construction at the Wynn Al Marjan Island resort complex. The opening of this project, which has a budget exceeding $5 billion, is expected in early 2027 and is located less than an hour's drive from Dubai. This will be the first integrated resort-casino in the Emirates, which is anticipated to significantly boost tourism revenue. Thus, the record lottery jackpot marks just the first step in a major transformation of the gaming landscape across the region.
Notably, Wynn Resorts has announced the timeline for the completion of the first resort-casino in the UAE.
