UAE Gaming Regulator Appoints Dr. Ahmad Hesham as General Counsel

The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) has appointed Dr. Ahmad Hesham as its new general counsel and board secretary. The announcement was made on Tuesday to support the regulator’s ongoing framework development.

Legal Background and Judicial Experience

Dr. Hesham brings more than 25 years of legal and regulatory experience across several jurisdictions. He previously served as general counsel and senior legal adviser to the UAE federal government, where he drafted key legislation including the UAE Labour Law, the Domestic Workers Law, the Unemployment Insurance Scheme, and the Higher Education Law. He holds a doctorate and two master’s degrees in law, and has held judicial positions such as vice-president of the Supreme Administrative Court.

Regulatory Context and Market Developments

The GCGRA, established in 2023, coordinates gambling regulation and licensing across the Emirates. In its Tuesday statement, the authority noted that Dr. Hesham’s arrival will strengthen its legal expertise as it continues to build a regulatory framework for commercial gaming in the UAE. Dr. Hesham joins Ciarán Carruthers, who became the regulator’s second permanent CEO last month after Kevin Mullally resigned in November. The staffing update coincides with expanded licensing activity in the UAE, including the launch of Play971 and Momentum’s November 2025 approval for internet gaming and sports wagering operations across the country.