General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority has underscored the importance of strong financial governance as it continues building the country’s commercial gaming regulatory framework. In a public statement, Chief Financial Officer Leina El-Barasi said the Authority’s financial function is central to transparency, operational efficiency and long-term resilience.
El-Barasi said finance within a newly established regulator must be designed to scale from the outset, supported by modern systems and clear processes that strengthen accountability. She noted that financial leadership is vital in enabling confident decision-making and responsible growth as the Authority develops its nationwide oversight of commercial gaming.
The GCGRA is the federal body with exclusive jurisdiction to regulate, license and supervise commercial gaming across the UAE. Its remit covers lottery, internet gaming, sports wagering and land-based gaming facilities, and includes oversight of all businesses and individuals operating within the sector.
The Authority develops strategies and regulations using evidence and risk-management techniques and monitors compliance with technical standards and financial crime prevention rules.
El-Barasi, a senior finance executive with more than 18 years of experience, plays a central role in financial planning, forecasting and governance at the Authority. Her background spans leadership roles at Abu Dhabi Media Company and Ernst & Young, where she focused on financial transformation, audit quality and regulatory compliance.
She said success means establishing a financially strong and digitally enabled regulator that upholds high standards of governance and supports the UAE’s vision for a trusted and sustainable commercial gaming ecosystem.
Responsible Gaming is a core mandate of the GCGRA, which aims to ensure the industry grows within a framework that prioritises player protection and social responsibility
