UAE’s GCGRA appoints new general counsel and board secretary
The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) has appointed Dr Ahmad Hesham as its new general counsel and board secretary.
Dr Hesham joins the GCGRA with over 25 years of extensive legal, regulatory and public policy experience across multiple jurisdictions.
He also spent time as the general counsel and senior legal adviser to the UAE federal government, where he drafted and implemented legislative reforms.
These reforms included the UAE Labour Law, the Domestic Workers Law, the Unemployment Insurance Scheme and the Higher Education Law. He holds a PhD and two master’s degrees in law.
Hesham has also held various judicial positions, including vice-president of the Supreme Administrative Court, and has represented governments and public institutions in various regional and international forums.
The GCGRA highlighted, in a statement on Tuesday, that Dr Hesham’s appointment would enhance its expertise “as we continue to build a robust and internationally respected regulatory framework for commercial gaming in the UAE”.
The GCGRA, established in 2023, is responsible for coordinating gambling regulation in the Emirates, including managing licensing.
The evolving landscape of UAE
Dr Hesham joins Asian gaming veteran Ciarán Carruthers, who was appointed as the regulator’s second permanent CEO last month.
“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 at the time of his appointment.
He replaced Kevin Mullally, who resigned in November last year.
The appointment came amid accelerated UAE efforts to commercialise regulated gaming, including the licensing of various online and retail vendors, and the launch of the UAE’s first online gaming site, Play971.
Parent operator Momentum secured internet gaming and sports wagering licences to operate across the UAE in November 2025.
Kathryn Evans
Kathryn covers bitesize breaking news with a primary focus on EMEA and US legislation. A proud North Walian, fluent Welsh speaker and lifelong Wrexham FC fan – long before Hollywood came calling.