Dubai buys some Vegas Light
February 26, 2008 | 11:34
am
The other big story in the world of Las Vegas nightclubs was the investment
by Dubai in the Light Group. Light Group actually describes the partnership as
being with a company called Zabeel. And I guess that is technically accurate.
Zabeel is owned by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed al-Maktoum, a son of the
country's ruler. Dubai not being a democracy, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed
al-Maktoum is also the man appointed as heir apparent to rule Dubai. 
I spoke by phone last week with Andrew Sasson, the founder of the Light
Group, about this investment.
Light Group runs, among other properties, Bank (formerly Light) at Bellagio
and Jet in Mirage. Here is what he had to say about why he is so excited to be
partnered with Dubai.
Richard Abowitz: So, how does a nightclub company hook up with Dubai?
Andrew Sasson: How did Dubai connect to the Light Group? Well, Zabeel is
building a huge hotel over there that has a Vegas concept in mind. Not a theme.
But a concept. They were looking at a huge venue with a lot of food and
nightlife and exciting entertainment inside it. They were traveling the world
looking for a company that could come in and consult with them and maybe operate
some venues. They found us. And then one thing led to another.
Q: As your 50% partner, will things be changing at Bank or Jet or is this
for projects moving forward?
A: I am going to get their input as partners, and we are going to learn
things to improve and develop. That is the philosophy of how we work here.
Hopefully a lot of people from Dubai and that region will start coming to
Vegas to frequent the Light Group venues, because they know they have an
interest in it and a local partner and they are curious to check it out. I think
that will change. Apart from that, I don't think anything else will
change.
Q: So, what is the primary reason behind the partnership?
A: It is twofold: to develop the Light hotel brand in Las Vegas and
Dubai. I will be able to give a lot more detail in about 8-10 weeks. We are also
going to develop a lot of entertainment, food, beverage and some nightlife in
Dubai and that region and keep doing what we are doing in Las Vegas with
MGM.
Q: What is next in Vegas?
A: The first Vegas venue will open in November 2009 as part of City
Center.
Q: So, they will be your partner in the cost of that?
A: Yes, they are our partner in that.
Q: You seem to see this more as Light Group expanding from Las Vegas to
Dubai than as Dubai coming into Vegas?
A: Definitely. I never left Vegas for a reason: Everything is here. This is
the most amazing place. But after going to Dubai five or six times I could see
Dubai has a chance to be that for Europe, the Middle East and maybe Asia. This
will not be in the way we perceive things with our cultural views, but in
keeping with their cultural views.
Q: I guess that means no strippers. Interesting that you included Asia. Do
you see potential in Macau?
A: No.
(Courtesy Photo)
(Courtesy Photo)
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Posted by: Justin Z | March 08, 2008 at 12:45 PM