The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) has announced the appointment of Dr. Ahmad Hesham as its new general counsel and board secretary. With over 25 years of legal, regulatory, and public policy expertise in various jurisdictions, Dr. Hesham brings extensive experience to this role.
Previously, he served as the general counsel and senior legal adviser to the UAE federal government, where he played a key role in drafting and implementing significant legislative reforms, including the UAE Labour Law, the Domestic Workers Law, the Unemployment Insurance Scheme, and the Higher Education Law. Dr. Hesham holds a PhD and two master's degrees in law.
In addition to his regulatory work, he has held numerous judicial positions, such as vice-president of the Supreme Administrative Court, and has represented both governments and public institutions in various regional and international forums.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the GCGRA emphasized that Dr. Hesham’s expertise would enhance the authority’s capabilities as it aims to establish a reputable and internationally recognized regulatory framework for commercial gaming in the UAE.
Established in 2023, the GCGRA is tasked with coordinating gambling regulation across the Emirates and has a pivotal role in managing licensing. Dr. Hesham joins Ciarán Carruthers, an experienced figure in Asian gaming, who was appointed as the regulator's second permanent CEO last month. Carruthers previously stated, "The UAE is establishing itself as a global benchmark for modern and responsible gaming regulation, and I look forward to working closely with the team, licensees, and government partners to deliver on that ambition."
Carruthers succeeded Kevin Mullally, who resigned in November 2022. This appointment arrives during a period of rapid progress in the UAE’s efforts to commercialize regulated gaming, which includes licensing various online and retail vendors and launching the UAE’s first online gaming site, Play971. The parent company, Momentum, secured internet gaming and sports wagering licenses to operate throughout the UAE in November 2025.
