UAE Gaming Regulator Appoints Ahmad Hesham as General Counsel

UAE Gaming Regulator Appoints Ahmad Hesham as General Counsel – Legal Leadership Strengthens Governance Framework

Key Takeaways

• The UAE General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority has appointed Ahmad Hesham as general counsel and board secretary.
• Hesham brings more than 25 years of international legal, regulatory and public policy experience.
• He previously served as general counsel and senior legal advisor to the UAE Federal Government.
• The appointment follows the recent hiring of former Crown Resorts CEO Ciarán Carruthers as GCGRA chief executive officer.

Appointment of Ahmad Hesham as General Counsel and Board Secretary

The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority of the United Arab Emirates has named Ahmad Hesham as its new general counsel and board secretary. The regulator confirmed the appointment as part of its ongoing efforts to build its institutional and governance structure.

In his new role, Hesham will oversee legal affairs and support the authority’s board in its governance responsibilities. The regulator stated that it is continuing to develop what it described as a robust and internationally respected regulatory framework for commercial gaming in the UAE.

The appointment comes at a time when the authority is expanding its operational structure, including leadership positions and supplier licensing activity.

More Than 25 Years of Legal and Regulatory Experience

Dr. Hesham brings more than 25 years of experience in international legal, regulatory and public policy matters. According to the regulator, his career has included advising governments, regulators and public institutions across multiple jurisdictions on complex legislative and governance issues.

Before joining the GCGRA, Hesham served as general counsel and senior legal advisor to the UAE Federal Government. In that role, he was involved in the development of significant legislative and regulatory reforms. These included the UAE Labour Law, the Domestic Workers Law, the Unemployment Insurance Scheme, and the Higher Education Law. He also played a role in major strategic workforce and Emiratisation initiatives.

In addition to his advisory work, Hesham has judicial experience. He has served as a sitting judge and as vice president of the Supreme Administrative Court. The regulator also noted that he has represented governments and public institutions in regional and international legal and policy forums.

This background combines legislative drafting, regulatory design and judicial oversight, all of which are directly relevant to a national regulatory authority overseeing commercial gaming activities.

GCGRA Expands Leadership Structure

The appointment of a general counsel follows other recent senior hires at the authority. Last month, the GCGRA appointed Ciarán Carruthers, former chief executive officer of Crown Resorts, as its new CEO.

The combination of executive and legal appointments indicates that the regulator is continuing to formalize its governance and operational structure. For market participants, including licensed suppliers and potential applicants, the presence of a defined executive team and senior legal leadership provides greater clarity on institutional oversight.

The regulator has also continued to issue licences to suppliers. Playtech subsidiary VSTechnology recently became the latest supplier to secure a licence from the authority. While the regulator did not disclose additional details in this announcement, the reference confirms that the licensing process for suppliers is active.

For operators, suppliers and service providers monitoring developments in the UAE, these appointments signal that the authority is progressing in parallel across leadership, legal oversight and licensing functions.

Implications for Licensed Suppliers and Market Participants

A general counsel plays a central role in interpreting legislation, drafting regulatory instruments and ensuring compliance with applicable laws. In the context of commercial gaming, this function typically includes oversight of licensing frameworks, enforcement procedures, and governance standards.

Hesham’s prior involvement in drafting and implementing major federal laws suggests experience in managing complex statutory frameworks. His judicial background may also be relevant in shaping enforcement processes and administrative decision making within the authority.

For suppliers such as VSTechnology and other entities seeking or holding licences, the establishment of a senior legal office can contribute to clearer procedural standards and formalized regulatory processes. The regulator’s public statement emphasized its aim to build an internationally respected framework, linking the appointment directly to that objective.

While no further policy details were disclosed, the timing of the appointment alongside ongoing licensing activity reflects a continued buildout of the UAE’s commercial gaming oversight infrastructure.

Our Assessment

The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority has strengthened its leadership team by appointing Ahmad Hesham as general counsel and board secretary. Hesham brings more than 25 years of legal and regulatory experience, including senior advisory work for the UAE Federal Government and prior judicial service. His appointment follows the recent hiring of CEO Ciarán Carruthers and comes as the authority continues licensing suppliers such as Playtech subsidiary VSTechnology. Together, these developments indicate continued institutional expansion within the UAE’s commercial gaming regulator.