Rotana, a UAE Hotel Chain, has Announced a Casino Resort Abroad.

The Pontus Rotana Resort & Spa, Gonio, will be the first casino resort to be opened by UAE-owned hotel chain Rotana. The resort, which is scheduled to open in 2026, will include 600 rooms and suites, as well as restaurants, a spa, a number of swimming pools, and a children's play area. It will be situated in Batumi's popular coastal district.

According to the resort's owner, a sizable investment firm called Pontus Capital, the huge casino would provide "world-class gaming." Taking a direct flight will take you from Dubai to Batumi in around three and a half hours.

Guy Hutchinson, president and chief executive officer of Rotana, commented on the news, saying: "We are thrilled to be collaborating with Pontus Capital to introduce the first Rotana-branded five-star resort in Georgia. Pontus Rotana Resort & Spa will fulfill its exclusive brand promise of 'Treasured Time' for both guests and tourists, complete with glitzy architecture, a range of fine-dining establishments, and upgraded recreational amenities.

"The 600-key property marks a significant milestone for Rotana as we continue to expand our footprint internationally with new regions in the pipeline, and we look forward to the property's successful launch," said a spokesperson for Rotana.

"We are pleased to welcome Rotana, one of the largest hospitality management companies, for the first time in Georgia to help realize this vision and create an extraordinary getaway for all," said Irakli Varshalomidze, managing director of Pontus Capital.

"Batumi, a city that experiences all four seasons and has breathtaking natural beauty, is a desirable location for tourists to discover Georgia. Since Georgian culture and language have strong ties with the Arab world, our collaboration with Rotana makes perfect sense.

Casinos in the UAE

An increasing number of investors anticipate the opening of more casinos back in the Emirates, where Rotana is headquartered. With a combined purchasing power of US$2.5 billion and a net worth of US$3.2 billion, 183 ultra-high-net-worth people from across the globe were polled for Knight Frank's latest Destination Dubai research in collaboration with YouGov.

The capital of Abu Dhabi, which announced its own MGM Grand in 2008 but has since put it on hold, is seen by 59 percent of those polled to be the next in line for a casino. While 58 percent of respondents think Dubai will establish one. Caesar's Palace already resides in the emirate, and an MGM is under construction there.