GCGRA CFO highlights financial governance priorities for UAE gaming sector
Leina El-Barasi emphasised the importance of scalable financial frameworks, modern systems and data-driven insights as the regulator continues to license operators across multiple gaming segments.
UAE.- UAE’s gambling regulator, the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), has highlighted the importance of strong financial governance and modern systems in building a transparent and sustainable regulatory framework for the country’s emerging gaming sector.
In a statement, the Authority’s chief financial officer, Leina El-Barasi, said the finance function within the organisation goes beyond basic oversight and plays a key role in “enabling confident decision-making, operational discipline and long-term growth.”
According to El-Barasi, the Authority is prioritising robust governance structures, clear financial processes and data-driven insights to support transparency, integrity and efficiency across its operations.
She noted that establishing scalable financial and procurement frameworks is particularly important for a newly formed regulator, as these systems must be capable of supporting the Authority as the sector develops. El-Barasi said: “By embedding modern systems, strong controls and efficient structures, we ensure the organisation can support innovation and maintain accountability and public trust.”
The CFO added that effective financial leadership is essential to strengthening institutional resilience and ensuring the organisation can operate sustainably over the long term. She said: “For me, success means building a financially strong and digitally enabled Authority that operates with discipline, confidence and integrity.”
El-Barasi pointed out that achieving this vision means ensuring the Authority’s financial foundations support sound decision-making, responsible growth and long-term resilience. She concluded: “Above all, it means contributing to an institution that upholds the highest standards of governance and supports the UAE’s vision for a trusted and sustainable regulatory ecosystem.”
The GCGRA was established in 2023 to regulate and supervise all forms of commercial gaming in the UAE. Since its launch, the regulator has issued more than 20 licences covering several segments, including lottery, gaming-related services, land-based gaming and internet gaming.
