Melco explores premium brands as trademark filing raises dragon-i Macau questions

Melco Resorts & Entertainment is exploring premium concepts as it weighs possible additions to its Macau resorts, as a trademark filing has fueled speculation about a potential “dragon-i Macau” venue.

Melco has not confirmed a launch, but the move comes as it continues to expand its non-gaming appeal through food, beverage, and entertainment offerings across its properties.

In response to an enquiry from the Times, Melco said: “Melco continually explores and evaluates premium brands and concepts that complement the positioning of our integrated resorts. As part of our normal course of business, we regularly assess opportunities aligned with our development strategy and guest experience objectives.”

In its response, Melco did not confirm or address whether a dragon-i Macau concept is scheduled to open at City of Dreams Macau’s new all-suite tower in the second half of 2026, and offered no details on timing or scope.

The trademark filing was made on July 20 by MCO (IP) Holdings Ltd., an entity linked to Melco Resorts, for “dragon-i Macau.” The trademark application covered catering, entertainment, and nightclub-related services, suggesting a possible expansion of the company’s nightlife portfolio in Macau.

The “dragon-i” brand is associated with Hong Kong businessman Gilbert Yeung and his long-running Dragon-i nightclub concept. The Hong Kong nightclub in Central recently reopened in spring 2026 following a redesign by London studio Pirajean.

In Macau, Melco already operates nightlife venues at two of its flagship properties. City of Dreams houses Para Club, a two-level nightclub, while Studio City is home to Club MOP, a large nightclub with a terrace, DJ booth, and event space.

Those existing venues suggest any Dragon-i concept would likely be positioned as an additional premium entertainment offering rather than a standalone experiment.

The potential expansion also fits with a broader partnership announced in February 2024, when Black Spade Capital Ltd., an investment office linked to Melco chairman and chief executive Lawrence Ho Yau Lung, said it would work with Yeung to build a “global lifestyle, entertainment and hospitality group.”

Melco has also said it will rebrand the former Countdown Hotel as REM at City of Dreams Macau after an ongoing transformation project is completed later this year.

The company said last year that it planned to convert the property’s 330 standard rooms into 150 high-end suites.

The dragon-i Macau logo trademark logo filed with the Economic and Technological Development Bureau