GCGRA Names Ahmad Hesham as General Counsel

The UAE gaming regulator has appointed Dr Ahmad Hesham as general counsel and board secretary while regulated commercial gaming continues to develop across the Emirates.

Good to Know

• Hesham brings more than 25 years of legal and regulatory experience.
• He previously advised the UAE federal government on major legal reforms.
• The appointment follows the arrival of Ciarán Carruthers as GCGRA CEO.

Legal Appointment Supports UAE Gaming Plans

The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority now has new legal leadership as licensing activity grows across online and retail gaming.

Hesham previously served as general counsel and senior legal adviser to the UAE federal government. His work covered the UAE Labour Law, Domestic Workers Law, Unemployment Insurance Scheme and Higher Education Law.

He also held judicial roles, including vice-president of the Supreme Administrative Court, and represented governments and public bodies in regional and international forums. Hesham holds a PhD and two master degrees in law.

GCGRA said the appointment would add expertise “as we continue to build a robust and internationally respected regulatory framework for commercial gaming in the UAE”.

The regulator began operations in 2023 and oversees commercial gaming licensing and coordination across the Emirates.

Hesham joins shortly after Asian gaming executive Ciarán Carruthers became the second permanent GCGRA CEO. Carruthers replaced Kevin Mullally, who resigned in November.

“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 said.

Recent developments include new online and retail vendor licences and the launch of Play971, the first online gaming site in the UAE.

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