The long-anticipated addition to the UAE’s hospitality industry is on its way. The stunning MGM Resort megaproject in Dubai is now officially on track for a projected full opening to the public in the third quarter of 2028. The massive undertaking aims to completely transform the luxury seaside offerings of the city, bringing three of Las Vegas’ most iconic and recognizable hospitality brands directly to the Middle East.
On an earnings conference, MGM Resorts International CEO and President Bill Hornbuckle recently stated that the behemoth structure in Dubai is on schedule. He said that the Bellagio, Aria, and MGM Grand hotel towers will all open in Q3 2028. The important statement gives tourists, investors, and residents a much better understanding of how the massive project is progressing well towards its final completion date.
The Island by Wasl: A Massive Waterfront Destination
This incredible megaproject is being crafted on “The Island” in Wasl, a stunning 10.5-hectare man-made waterfront resort right off the beautiful coast of Umm Suqeim. This island is perfectly located between two of Dubai’s most active and popular leisure destinations, the world-famous Burj Al Arab and the ever-popular Jumeirah Beach.
When finished, this massive beachside project is officially poised to inject over 1,500 luxury units into the local real estate market. That number is staggering, with about 1,400 high-end hotel rooms from the three major brands, plus a wonderful selection of superb hotel apartments and private villas. Some of the biggest brands in the hospitality business are renowned worldwide, such as the Bellagio, Aria, and MGM Grand. They have a long history of delivering luxury accommodation, high-octane entertainment, mega-events, fine dining, and other leisure pursuits.
Multiple Sources of Revenue and Entertainment
MGM has always been quite clear in the past that this specific Dubai development is just a non-gaming integrated resort and has strongly confirmed that no gambling facilities are planned for the massive project. Bill Hornbuckle had previously said that the firm has entered into an intensive management agreement for a non-gaming integrated resort that was constructed in close partnership with Wasl.
Instead of just a cluster of hotels, the developers are focusing more on establishing a more extensive resort program, not on gaming. The wide site design includes several cafés, eating businesses, high-end boutiques, great family entertainment options, and greatly improved seaside access. The developers are looking to vastly increase guest stay time by immediately connecting more beachfront access to top-notch dining, shopping, and entertainment. This cleverly designed architecture will maximize seaside traffic, improve daily eating expenditures, and capture room demand from day one of launch, indicating that basic room inventory will not be the main source of revenue.
Project Details and Accomplishments – Brief Overview
Below is a quick review of the major elements immediately relevant to the MGM megaproject, to help better understand the sheer size, timeline, and physical features of this future locale.
| Project Information | Official Information |
| Resort Name | The Island by Wasl |
| Hotel Brands | Bellagio, Aria, MGM Grand |
| Opening Date | Q3 2028 |
| Location | Off coast of Umm Suqeim (near Burj Al Arab) |
| Total Area | 10.5 hectares (man-made island) |
| Unit Capacity | Over 1,500 units (1,400+ hotel rooms, villas, and flats) |
Utility Infrastructure & Construction Contracts
- Construction Partner: China State Construction Engineering Corporation.
- Cooling Systems: Empower signed a major infrastructure agreement on January 15, 2025, to provide crucial cooling systems sized at an impressive 23,853 refrigeration tons.
- Energy Efficiency: This system is designed to address the varied demands of the island’s myriad facilities while reducing overall energy consumption and carbon emissions, potentially saving up to 50% of energy compared to conventional air conditioners.
A Thrilling New Addition to Dubai’s Coastline
The lesson for Dubai’s burgeoning hotel business is clear. The huge Island project now has a far more definitive opening window, a clear utilities timetable, and a very diverse resort mix to totally entertain travelers from all over the globe. The developers have smartly built in a needed gap before the official Q3 launch, since Empower is actively planning to provide its critical cooling supply in the first quarter of 2028. This anticipated gap provides for a significant period for staff mobilization, magnificent interior fit-outs, intricate systems testing, and essential pre-opening operations across the mixed-use resort. With the 2028 target becoming closer, The Island by Wasl will certainly evolve into one of the most amazing and recognizable entertainment hotspots in the Middle East.
