Established in September 2023, the GCGRA is tasked with overseeing gaming regulations across the Emirates. Initially, only chairman Jim Murren and chief executive Kevin Mullally were publicly known as part of the regulatory body. However, with the launch of its website, the GCGRA has now confirmed its full board of directors and C-level executives, providing a comprehensive view of the team steering the UAE’s gaming future.

The board is chaired by former MGM Resorts CEO Jim Murren and includes several notable industry figures:

  • Nick Casiello: A seasoned lawyer and co-founder of the International Masters of Gaming Law (IMGL), Casiello has a robust background in gaming law and is a member of the International Association of Gaming Advisors (IAGA).
  • William Grounds: Previously the president and COO of Infinity World Development Corp, Grounds has extensive experience in high-profile projects such as CityCenter Las Vegas. He also holds a director position at PointsBet and has served on the MGM Resorts board.
  • Mark Lipparelli: The former chair of the Nevada Gaming Control Board, Lipparelli is currently the chairman of Galaxy Gaming and Golden Entertainment, bringing a wealth of regulatory experience to the GCGRA.
  • Giovanni Lega: As the founder and managing partner of the law firm LCA, Lega has a significant background in M&A, real estate, and gaming transactions.
  • John Kelly: A partner at London law firm Harbottle & Lewis, Kelly specializes in reputation protection, privacy, and data protection, advising high-profile clients globally.
  • Chris O’Donnell: A real estate and investment expert, O’Donnell is the managing director of CNN Advisory and has previously served as a director at CityCenter Holdings in Las Vegas.

The GCGRA’s executive team, led by Kevin Mullally since September 2023, comprises individuals with substantial experience in key roles within high-profile Abu Dhabi institutions:

  • Ahmed Barakat, Chief Operating Officer: With a background in banking at Credit Suisse, Merrill Lynch, and the Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, Barakat brings financial acumen to the regulator.
  • Manuela Croci, Chief of Supervision, Investigations, and FCP: Croci previously headed internal audit and compliance at the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, ensuring robust oversight within the GCGRA.
  • Ourouba El Arab, General Counsel and Board Secretary: El Arab’s legal expertise comes from her tenure at the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development and First Abu Dhabi Bank.
  • Leina ElBarasi, Chief Financial Officer: Formerly the head of budgeting and planning for the Abu Dhabi Media Company, ElBarasi’s financial management skills are critical for the GCGRA’s fiscal responsibilities.
  • Carlos Gutierrez, Chief Information Officer: Gutierrez’s experience as general manager for TEC Evolution Technology Services equips him with the technical knowledge to oversee the GCGRA’s IT operations.
  • Dina Helal, Chief Human Resources Officer: Helal has extensive HR experience from her roles in various banks, including her recent position as SVP and head of employee relations and policies at First Abu Dhabi Bank.

This comprehensive team has already made significant strides, including visiting Wynn’s development site in Ras Al-Khaimah, underscoring their commitment to developing a robust and regulated gaming industry in the UAE. The appointment of The Game LLC as the lottery operator signifies a new era, promising regulated and transparent gaming operations across the Emirates.