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Amazing Things Being Built
The MGM, Bellagio and Aria Dubai resort will bring three celebrated Las Vegas hotel names to The Island by Wasl, a new island just off the Jumeirah coast near the Burj Al Arab.
Updated
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At a glance
Island by Wasl
Developed by Wasl and operated by MGM Resorts, the island will hold three hotels with about 1,400 rooms, along with entertainment, dining, beaches and leisure. It sits off Umm Suqeim, one of Dubai's most sought-after beachfront neighborhoods.
It joins a coast already lined with landmark hotels; see Dubai luxury hotels.
The project adds to a stretch of coast that already holds many of Dubai's most famous addresses, and it reflects the city's goal, set out in its D33 economic agenda, of welcoming ever more international visitors. For travelers it promises a new kind of resort stay in Dubai: three distinct hotels, each with its own restaurants and pools, sharing one island and a private beachfront setting. Expect a strong program of live shows and dining, the MGM brands' signature in Las Vegas.
The flagship of the island resort.
Official site ↗The famous Las Vegas name arrives on the Gulf.
Official site ↗A contemporary hotel completing the trio.
Official site ↗MGM Resorts' chief executive has guided to the second half of 2028 and reaffirmed that timeline in February 2026. The exact date has not been announced.
Dubai is about 12 to 13 hours nonstop from New York, eight to nine hours ahead of US Eastern time, and at its best from November to March. Plan around Dubai's finest hotels and the region's best resorts.
The Jumeirah and Umm Suqeim villa districts are among the city's most established. Read Dubai Luxury Real Estate and investing near the new landmarks.
Each brand has a distinct personality in Las Vegas: MGM Grand for big entertainment, Bellagio for classic elegance, and Aria for contemporary design. Dubai's versions are expected to carry those identities into a beach setting, with pools, restaurants, nightlife venues and event spaces. The island is reached from Umm Suqeim, minutes from Madinat Jumeirah and Mall of the Emirates.
China State Construction Engineering Corporation won the main construction contract, and work has moved through the main structure.
Pairing it
From Umm Suqeim, Downtown Dubai and the Burj Khalifa are about 20 minutes by car, Palm Jumeirah about 15, and Dubai International Airport around 30. Dubai's dining scene, from Michelin-starred restaurants to beach clubs, is a big part of the draw; see the Dine section.
For another landmark resort opening sooner, look north to Wynn Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah, and see all the region's amazing new landmarks.
Arriving in style is part of the experience: see chauffeurs and luxury cars and helicopter transfers.
MGM Resorts has guided to the second half of 2028. No exact date has been announced.
Just off the coast at Umm Suqeim, near the Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah Beach.
Jumeirah Al Naseem and the Madinat Jumeirah resorts are close by, and the Burj Al Arab reopens in 2027.
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Checked October 2026. Prices and dates are approximate and can change. See our standard.