Dubai's Government and Gambling

[Sithara007]

You are right - the economy will put everything in its place and if cryptocurrencies are an integral part of the future, then any religion will have to come to terms with it. Nikaka, the most totalitarian and strict religion, cannot resist the progression, because in this case it loses in the number of its admirers and dies out.

I don't think that the idea of cryptocurrency is incompatible with any of the religions. First of all, the basic idea of cryptocurrency is that of a digital asset which is protected against inflation as a result of controlled supply. I don't think that any of the Islamic tenets ban such an asset. As far as I know, Islam only bans taking interest on loans, which is not applicable for cryptocurrency. Even if there is some aspect of cryptocurrency not compatible with any religion, the leaders of that religion can create a new cryptocurrency that is compatible.

I don’t think releasing a license is possible in Dubai. Not even an approval to operate. No connection is stronger than their principles, values, and religion’s natural law.

Dubai has a majority of 80% Muslims. And in Muslim, gambling is “Haram”. Haram is something that is unacceptable and has to be stopped immediately. Unless you want yourself hanged or you beheaded.

Dubai is strict enough that even it’s their family member who would like to establish a gambling platform, they would point a gun at that one. Besides, gambling could not survive in Dubai, people won’t hesitate to avoid it because their rulers are good.

I wasn't mentioning gambling in that post. I was mentioning cryptocurrency, as user KTChampions was arguing that cryptocurrency is haram as per the Islamic law and Muslims should not be owning it. I know that gambling is haram as per the law, but there is no sufficient proof to claim that cryptocurrency is against the sharia law. Read my post again. And I guess I have already mentioned in my post that obtaining a gambling license is not possible in the UAE, because it is banned there.

[ethereumhunter]

Although Dubai isn't as strict as other Middle-East countries, if they don't have gambling casinos. There must be that something that stops them to do it. I don't know if it's religious or anything sort related to belief. But we may somehow see that in the future if they are keeping up their economy and they're no longer have the main source of country's livelihood. They're becoming a tourist spot and maybe after this corona virus pandemic, there will be more tourists again and that's the time they'll try to reconsider that idea.

The government can open a gambling casino in Dubai if they are hard to get an income because of this pandemic. But they will strict in the regulations and not all people can go to that casino since it will be related to the religion of that country. The government will try to search for another source of income for their country and if gambling can help them have the income, maybe they will allow gambling but with terms and conditions. But the government needs to discuss with the religious leaders before they allow gambling in Dubai.

[Vishnu.Reang]

The government can open a gambling casino in Dubai if they are hard to get an income because of this pandemic. But they will strict in the regulations and not all people can go to that casino since it will be related to the religion of that country. The government will try to search for another source of income for their country and if gambling can help them have the income, maybe they will allow gambling but with terms and conditions. But the government needs to discuss with the religious leaders before they allow gambling in Dubai.

As posted earlier, the UAE doesn't need additional income from these sectors. They already have a very diversified economy, which is not entirely dependent on the oil and gas industry (at least when compared to the neighboring nations such as Saudi Arabia and Kuwait). On top of that, in terms of per capita wealth they are one of the richest countries in the world. So obviously they don't need to allow any of the industries or sectors that are not compatible with their religious beliefs.

[Kong Hey Pakboy]

Didn't know about this, I just assumed that they are all strict since Islam is a strict religion that has been following their Qur'an for a long time, not meaning to offend but being more liberal even though your primary faith is strict is a progressive thing to do.

But if that is about gambling, I think the government will not let gambling allow in their country because that can break their rule. Gambling is haram in their country, but we do not know if their people do not play gambling publicly because that can attract the officer to arrest them. Islam is a strict religion and if there something that is not matched with their Qur'an or Hadist, they will not tolerate it. But we do not know more about that, and maybe we need to wait for the next news from them so we know what happens in that country.

Doesn't matter how strict their religion is, I am sure that there are people in their country that is going to break the rules, one example is how come there are gays in Islam dominated countries even though it warrants death? That's the same for gambling, people will do what they want to do because they have free will of some sort.

[TheNineClub]

Didn't know about this, I just assumed that they are all strict since Islam is a strict religion that has been following their Qur'an for a long time, not meaning to offend but being more liberal even though your primary faith is strict is a progressive thing to do.

But if that is about gambling, I think the government will not let gambling allow in their country because that can break their rule. Gambling is haram in their country, but we do not know if their people do not play gambling publicly because that can attract the officer to arrest them. Islam is a strict religion and if there something that is not matched with their Qur'an or Hadist, they will not tolerate it. But we do not know more about that, and maybe we need to wait for the next news from them so we know what happens in that country.

Doesn't matter how strict their religion is, I am sure that there are people in their country that is going to break the rules, one example is how come there are gays in Islam dominated countries even though it warrants death? That's the same for gambling, people will do what they want to do because they have free will of some sort.

Yes, but if you are gay you can keep it on the low down and in your 4 walls not risking your life, or risking it in the least possible way. If you want to open a casino you really can't do that. Is there gambling in Islamic countries? Sure, but it's probably on the lowest level possible, and that level is not what the casinos are aiming for. So yeah, I think religious restrictions are a major factor for widespread, organised, and advertised gambling.

[bryant.coleman]

Doesn't matter how strict their religion is, I am sure that there are people in their country that is going to break the rules, one example is how come there are gays in Islam dominated countries even though it warrants death? That's the same for gambling, people will do what they want to do because they have free will of some sort.

Religion should not dictate on personal stuff like sexual orientation. Also, it should be kept out of politics. But increasingly we are seeing religion inserting more and more influence in politics and personal life. And I don't think that this is something good. One reason is that the western religious bodies have now become more of a business than spiritual organizations. In this I need to commend the eastern religions (Hinduism, Buddhism.etc), because they offer a lot of freedom for their followers.

[mv1986]

You are right - the economy will put everything in its place and if cryptocurrencies are an integral part of the future, then any religion will have to come to terms with it. Nikaka, the most totalitarian and strict religion, cannot resist the progression, because in this case it loses in the number of its admirers and dies out.

I don't think that the idea of cryptocurrency is incompatible with any of the religions. First of all, the basic idea of cryptocurrency is that of a digital asset which is protected against inflation as a result of controlled supply. I don't think that any of the Islamic tenets ban such an asset. As far as I know, Islam only bans taking interest on loans, which is not applicable for cryptocurrency. Even if there is some aspect of cryptocurrency not compatible with any religion, the leaders of that religion can create a new cryptocurrency that is compatible.

Well, I can't provide logical reasons for many things that are banned by these strictly religious countries and neither could I provide reasons for a cryptocurrency ban. If they call it false money or fake money, than that is what it is. It goes to show that seem to fail to understand what money is, why money is and how it works. Money is a set of rules and conditions, not a specific object. Exactly like Bitcoin, which is also a set of rules and conditions.

[passwordnow]

Although Dubai isn't as strict as other Middle-East countries, if they don't have gambling casinos. There must be that something that stops them to do it. I don't know if it's religious or anything sort related to belief. But we may somehow see that in the future if they are keeping up their economy and they're no longer have the main source of country's livelihood. They're becoming a tourist spot and maybe after this corona virus pandemic, there will be more tourists again and that's the time they'll try to reconsider that idea.

The government can open a gambling casino in Dubai if they are hard to get an income because of this pandemic. But they will strict in the regulations and not all people can go to that casino since it will be related to the religion of that country. The government will try to search for another source of income for their country and if gambling can help them have the income, maybe they will allow gambling but with terms and conditions. But the government needs to discuss with the religious leaders before they allow gambling in Dubai.

Yes, they can open that and I think the government will do that in the future. Their main source before is oil and they've seen that it's not going to last forever that's why they've built infrastructures that can also help their economy to keep up through tourism and other industries. That's why the possibility of it to happen in the future is big. There could be a consultation from their religious leaders since it's a country that respect religions but it's still depending to the officials that sees the opportunity on it.

[nhaila]

Well I included that in my post but I do not mind repeating myself, it is true they have a lot of assets and they have been doing a very good job managing those assets unlike what we see in countries like Venezuela, however they know this is not going to last forever so why do nothing until the crisis manifest itself? They are being proactive and they are trying to get other forms of income so when their oil finally runs out or a substitute is found they are not left holding the bag, to me this is smart and many people around the world would wish that when it came to their economy their government was as careful as the one at Dubai.

They have such huge assets, so probably don't have to worry for the next 10 generations or so. Still they are doing the right thing by focusing on the future. It's not just tourism. The UAE has zero income tax and corporate tax, and this has resulted in a large number of corporations moving there. They have been very successful in diversification, unlike some of their neighbors such as Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. And this is what liberal laws can result in.

There's a corporate tax in UAE for Oil companies and Foreign banks, there's also an excise tax and value added tax, that helps the economy of UAE to grow further despite of not collecting Income tax on individuals, and they have a lot of good resources that can really help them survive.
I don't think they need to accept gambling so they can collect taxes, this is against their belief so better to respect it and I'm sure the finance ministry of Dubai knows where to collect funds, and again they made a good investment in other countries as well.

you get it    UAE is a Muslim country and i Know that it is against their law to adopt bitcoin because this is now Halal.( well that's what i Read in the past threads)

When it comes to haram and halal in muslims the bitcoin is considered to be haram.

Bitcoin is fake currency not real therefore it is (haram). banks responsibility and will be allowed (halal) to use in Islamic banks.
Source: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/344409884_Is_Bitcoin_Halal_or_Haram_in_the_Islamic_Banking_and_Finance_An_Overview

Actually dubai a muslims oriented countries where cryptocurrencies fully valid but at the view of muslims community rules and regulations cryptocurrencies fully not valid or Haram. But when banks and governments support ,then it considered as halal. But gambling fully prohibited in Muslim religion. But I don't hear anything about gambling supports by dubai governments.

[Fatunad]

Actually dubai a muslims oriented countries where cryptocurrencies fully valid but at the view of muslims community rules and regulations cryptocurrencies fully not valid or Haram. But when banks and governments support ,then it considered as halal. But gambling fully prohibited in Muslim religion. But I don't hear anything about gambling supports by dubai governments.

They wont really be opposing and trying to deal up with things which is stated to be haram into their religion but i believe that there are still some who do make engagement in spite of such restriction or
considered to be a sin.We know that Dubai is a rich country and at the same time to be a rich city and when it comes to imposing rules and regulations then no doubt that there would be existing
on that place and as expected where it cant really be seen on that place.

[smyslov]

Whoever spread those rumors has a bad intention, it could be to attract more gamblers to that city or to make the authorities grant them a license if they see that many are agreeing that Dubai should grant gambling license, but Dubai although not very strict to its tourist is predominantly a Muslim country and they adhere to the teaching of Muslim laws.

[ethereumhunter]

As posted earlier, the UAE doesn't need additional income from these sectors. They already have a very diversified economy, which is not entirely dependent on the oil and gas industry (at least when compared to the neighboring nations such as Saudi Arabia and Kuwait). On top of that, in terms of per capita wealth they are one of the richest countries in the world. So obviously they don't need to allow any of the industries or sectors that are not compatible with their religious beliefs.

We do not know if they do not need additional income because they will not tell the public if they need more income. All of the natural material will be gone someday, so their government needs to renew their income for their country. Yes, they are one of the richest countries in the world, but there is no guarantee they will become like that.

Yes, they can open that and I think the government will do that in the future. Their main source before is oil and they've seen that it's not going to last forever that's why they've built infrastructures that can also help their economy to keep up through tourism and other industries. That's why the possibility of it to happen in the future is big. There could be a consultation from their religious leaders since it's a country that respect religions but it's still depending to the officials that sees the opportunity on it.

Consultation with the religious leaders is needed if they want to open a business in the gambling sector because their country could not easily accept something against their religion, especially from religious leaders. Everything can change in the future as the situations will also follow change, so we can see what will happen in their country.

[Sithara007]

We do not know if they do not need additional income because they will not tell the public if they need more income. All of the natural material will be gone someday, so their government needs to renew their income for their country. Yes, they are one of the richest countries in the world, but there is no guarantee they will become like that.

Even if the crude oil and natural gas becomes worthless all of a sudden, the economy of the UAE won't be impacted much. Because unlike the other GCC nations, UAE has already been very successful in diversifying their economy. They were able to attract the service industry, by imposing zero corporate and income tax. So they are already in a very comfortable position and as of now there is no need to find any additional avenues of revenue by opening casinos.

[michellee]

Didn't know about this, I just assumed that they are all strict since Islam is a strict religion that has been following their Qur'an for a long time, not meaning to offend but being more liberal even though your primary faith is strict is a progressive thing to do.

But if that is about gambling, I think the government will not let gambling allow in their country because that can break their rule. Gambling is haram in their country, but we do not know if their people do not play gambling publicly because that can attract the officer to arrest them. Islam is a strict religion and if there something that is not matched with their Qur'an or Hadist, they will not tolerate it. But we do not know more about that, and maybe we need to wait for the next news from them so we know what happens in that country.

Doesn't matter how strict their religion is, I am sure that there are people in their country that is going to break the rules, one example is how come there are gays in Islam dominated countries even though it warrants death? That's the same for gambling, people will do what they want to do because they have free will of some sort.

Yes, that is right. Not all people can follow their religion without making a mistake. There will be some people who will try to break the rule and try to make money from the "hot money" and hide their activity from the authorities. It will become interested if gambling can be allowed in Dubai because that will make many people from other countries visit that place and play gambling.

[leea-1334]

Even if the crude oil and natural gas becomes worthless all of a sudden, the economy of the UAE won't be impacted much. Because unlike the other GCC nations, UAE has already been very successful in diversifying their economy. They were able to attract the service industry, by imposing zero corporate and income tax. So they are already in a very comfortable position and as of now there is no need to find any additional avenues of revenue by opening casinos.

Exactly. I think a lot of people are ignoring the fact that these OPEC countries have learnt a lot of lessons from the past few decades,,, and the oil money they know will not last forever, which is why they have invested in big businesses all over the world. Just like the old oil governments in North Europe in the past who now even diversify into Bitcoin;)

[rodskee]

According to Social Media Rumors People did think that the Dubai Government was apparently approving and giving license to various hotels for Gambling. But as it turns out the news was indeed false.
*Therefore if there is a person living in Dubai who was indeed fooled by this should realize that no hotel does own a legal license and be safe, be careful and stay away from such scams*
News:- https://www.gamblinginsider.com/news/11711/dubai-government-denies-rumours-of-legalised-gambling

The Government of Dubai's Media Office has stated rumours of licensed gambling in the city are false.

The misinformation was spread on social media regarding several hotels in Dubai that allegedly obtained licenves for gambling activity.

The rumor stated the licences would allow venues to offer gambling services to visitors as early as mid-May, with the start of the Eid al-Fitr celebration.

Gambling is illegal under UAE law and those engaging in the activity could be fined anywhere between AED250,000 ($54,459) and AED500,000. Illegal activities include creating, managing or supervising gambling-related content.

Currently, the city has no plans to legalise casino gaming or sports betting; however, there are several horse racingvenues, which do offer guests a limited chance to punt on horses without breaking the law, though this service is very strictly regulated.

Last year, Dubai’s police launched an app where people can report suspicious activity. The app can be used both by tourists and residents alike. Additionally, in 2020, the Dubai Government shut down gambling kiosks that targeted low-income workers.

The activity was called Lucky Game and allowed players to draw envelopes with a chance to win prizes.

Managers of the kiosks argued they were offering prizes, not cash, so the service was not illegal, but the authorities shut the kiosks down due to exploitative practices; ensuring all raffles in Dubai are monitored by Dubai Economy and any similar activity should be reported.

Plus they also have a hefty fine. Therefore if you were to engage with such hotels you would loose a lot more definitely!!

Other than that people in the UAE can actually gamble :
1. They can gamble in offshore casinos (online)
2. Use foreign currency

Since this is not stated in the laws so this is all you guys can try other than that be careful.

well Dubai is one of the open country in UAE so meaning at some point if there are one that can provide gambling for leisure then it is them right?

I have been in Dubai back in 2010 and yeah gambling is illegally played there , But  i come to have some play there Secretly lol.

But thanks to this news, i may be back inDubai in 2025 for some business tour so i think that time gambling is alive and free.

[TheNineClub]

Even if the crude oil and natural gas becomes worthless all of a sudden, the economy of the UAE won't be impacted much. Because unlike the other GCC nations, UAE has already been very successful in diversifying their economy. They were able to attract the service industry, by imposing zero corporate and income tax. So they are already in a very comfortable position and as of now there is no need to find any additional avenues of revenue by opening casinos.

Exactly. I think a lot of people are ignoring the fact that these OPEC countries have learnt a lot of lessons from the past few decades,,, and the oil money they know will not last forever, which is why they have invested in big businesses all over the world. Just like the old oil governments in North Europe in the past who now even diversify into Bitcoin;)

But they will not start changing strict religious rules just because they might be running out of oil. Maybe they will eventually, but that will be the last thingto go. For now they are not competing to be gambling heavens but more of touristic spots.

[bryant.coleman]

Exactly. I think a lot of people are ignoring the fact that these OPEC countries have learnt a lot of lessons from the past few decades,,, and the oil money they know will not last forever, which is why they have invested in big businesses all over the world. Just like the old oil governments in North Europe in the past who now even diversify into Bitcoin;)

Almost every OPEC nation now have trillions of USD worth of assets stored in various Sovereign wealth funds (SWF). They have invested mostly in American and European stocks, and these markets have returned good profits in the last two years (despite the pandemic). The Gulf nations in particular, have learnt their lesson from the slump of 2008-09. The oil prices have remained below $100 per barrel for almost 7 years now, but the impact is limited to some of the smaller nations such as Venezuela and Angola.

[passwordnow]

Yes, they can open that and I think the government will do that in the future. Their main source before is oil and they've seen that it's not going to last forever that's why they've built infrastructures that can also help their economy to keep up through tourism and other industries. That's why the possibility of it to happen in the future is big. There could be a consultation from their religious leaders since it's a country that respect religions but it's still depending to the officials that sees the opportunity on it.

Consultation with the religious leaders is needed if they want to open a business in the gambling sector because their country could not easily accept something against their religion, especially from religious leaders. Everything can change in the future as the situations will also follow change, so we can see what will happen in their country.

AFAIK, they have the most open country in the Middle-East. They are consisting of religions that are free to worship based from their beliefs and unlike any other country that has only one religion to keep.
But that would be a good thing that they must do for them to have the consultation which is going to be a sign of respect to the religious leaders regardless of their faith and belief.

[TimeTeller]

Yes, they can open that and I think the government will do that in the future. Their main source before is oil and they've seen that it's not going to last forever that's why they've built infrastructures that can also help their economy to keep up through tourism and other industries. That's why the possibility of it to happen in the future is big. There could be a consultation from their religious leaders since it's a country that respect religions but it's still depending to the officials that sees the opportunity on it.

Consultation with the religious leaders is needed if they want to open a business in the gambling sector because their country could not easily accept something against their religion, especially from religious leaders. Everything can change in the future as the situations will also follow change, so we can see what will happen in their country.

AFAIK, they have the most open country in the Middle-East. They are consisting of religions that are free to worship based from their beliefs and unlike any other country that has only one religion to keep.
But that would be a good thing that they must do for them to have the consultation which is going to be a sign of respect to the religious leaders regardless of their faith and belief.

Yes, UAE is considerably the most open country in the ME region.
But still, they are following their Islamic law, where any form of gambling is strictly prohibited.
They are respecting all other religions, but in terms of government laws, they abide what they called Islamic law.
Maybe, in time, they will be open to this kind of activity. Remember, they are hosting some boxing fights already.
For sure, they know, there are betting activities involved in this sports.