The Island by Wasl: MGM Dubai Mega-Resort Update

July 19, 2026

Timeline: Q3 2028 target per latest earnings call, some trackers flag H2 2028. AED 4.4bn CSCEC contract on schedule. Empower district cooling (23,853 RT) begins Q1 2028. Location: man-made island between Jumeirah Public Beach and Burj Al Arab. Scale conflict unresolved: 10.5 ha vs 3.5M sqm cited across sources. Mix: MGM Grand, Bellagio, Aria towers plus villas/residences, ~1,400-1,500 units. Entertainment/Casino: 800-seat theater. Non-gaming agreement formally in place; MGM confirms 250,000 sqft podium built for casino conversion, awaiting Dubai ruler approval. Wynn Al Marjan Island (RAK, 2027 target) is the regional bellwether.

MGM's Vegas-brand mega-resort on Dubai's man-made Island by Wasl tracks to Q3 2028 opening per latest earnings guidance, though some trackers cite H2 2028. AED 4.4bn CSCEC construction continues; Empower district cooling (23,853 RT) begins Q1 2028. Site footprint metrics conflict across sources (10.5 ha vs 3.5M sqm), unverified. Casino contingency: 250,000 sqft podium built, MGM awaiting Dubai ruler's regulatory approval; non-gaming agreement remains formal status quo.