Research analysts have yet to weigh in on the potential of a United Arab Emirates (UAE) gaming market that Bloomberg Intelligence predicted could be worth up to $6.6 billion a year in casino revenue.

The silence didn’t deter MGM Resorts International CEO Bill Hornbuckle.

In remarks last week as part of an investors presentation hosted by Bank of America, Hornbuckle said the company has been exploring opportunities in the Middle Eastern country governed by Sharia law since 2015.

MGM is partnering with a subsidiary of Dubai-based wasl Asset Management Group on a 25-acre non-gaming resort development on a man-made island in the emirate.