GCGRA Appoints Dr Ahmad Hesham as General Counsel
Dr Ahmad Hesham joins UAE's GCGRA with extensive legal expertise, enhancing the regulatory framework for commercial gaming.
The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) of the United Arab Emirates has named Dr Ahmad Hesham as its new general counsel and board secretary. Dr Hesham brings over 25 years of significant legal, regulatory, and public policy experience from various jurisdictions. He previously served as general counsel and senior legal adviser to the UAE federal government, contributing to legislative reforms such as the UAE Labour Law and the Higher Education Law.
Enhancing UAE's Regulatory Framework
Dr Ahmad Hesham's appointment is seen as a strategic move to strengthen the GCGRA's regulatory capabilities as it develops a comprehensive framework for commercial gaming in the UAE. With a PhD and two master's degrees in law, Hesham has held notable judicial positions, including vice-president of the Supreme Administrative Court. His experience extends to representing governments in international forums.
The GCGRA was established in 2023 with the responsibility of overseeing gambling regulation in the Emirates. It manages licensing and other regulatory aspects to position the UAE as a leader in responsible gaming.
A New Leadership Era
Dr Hesham joins the GCGRA alongside Ciarán Carruthers, a distinguished figure in the Asian gaming sector, who became the agency’s permanent CEO last month. Carruthers replaced Kevin Mullally, who resigned in November of the previous year. "The UAE is setting a global standard for gaming regulation," Carruthers remarked during his appointment, emphasizing collaboration with stakeholders to achieve these goals.
Momentum in UAE's Gaming Sector
The UAE is accelerating its efforts in the gaming industry, evidenced by the licensing of online and retail vendors, including the launch of its first online platform, Play971. Momentum, the parent company of Play971, secured internet gaming and sports wagering licences in November 2025, marking a significant step in the UAE's commercial gaming expansion.
These developments indicate the UAE's commitment to establishing a regulated and internationally recognized gaming market, with Dr Hesham and Mr Carruthers leading the charge.
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Eleanor Whitfield
Regulatory Affairs Correspondent
Eleanor Whitfield tracks gambling legislation, licensing decisions, and regulator enforcement across key markets — from the UKGC, MGA, and Germany's GGL to Spain's DGOJ and the state-by-state map in the Americas. The reporting answers three questions precisely: what changed, where, and who it affects, with jurisdictions, effective dates, and penalty figures named exactly as published. Compliance officers and operators read Eleanor Whitfield to know which rulebook moved before their next board meeting.
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