Dubai Attracts Over 350 Gaming Firms with New Programme
The Dubai Programme for Gaming 2033 aims to establish the emirate as a global gaming hub, fostering job growth and economic development.
The emirate of Dubai has seen a significant influx of gaming companies, with more than 350 establishments now operating within its jurisdiction.
Among these, 260 are identified as specialized game developers.
This surge is largely attributed to the launch of the Dubai Programme for Gaming 2033 (DPG33) in November 2023, which has encouraged the establishment of over 60 new companies, including 12 percent that are large global entities.
This represents a growth rate of 16.6 percent in the gaming sector since the programme's initiation.
The DPG33 aims to enhance Dubai's position within the global gaming industry by aspiring to rank among the top ten gaming hubs over the next decade, potentially generating 30,000 new jobs and contributing $1 billion to the emirate's GDP by 2033. The Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) is responsible for overseeing the implementation and progress of this initiative.
Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of DFF, remarks on the exceptional economic potential of the gaming sector, emphasizing Dubai's commitment to nurturing opportunities for innovators and creators.
He states that the supportive ecosystem for entrepreneurship in advanced technology sectors will specifically boost game development and enhance the overall global competitiveness of Dubai.
As part of its strategy, the DPG33 provides a unique gaming residency program for distinguished individuals within the gaming industry.
This initiative includes long-term residency options and gaming certifications for talented professionals.
In an expanded approach, the UAE's Golden Visa programme introduced last year now encompasses elite gamers, content creators, and other industry experts, reflecting the government's strategy to attract skilled talent.
The emirate has also hosted various events and competitions aimed at fostering community engagement and showcasing burgeoning talent.
Recently, in collaboration with the Dubai Esports and Games Festival, Dubai Police organized a competition offering participants the chance to develop a game for a share of a Dh10,000 prize pool.
Additionally, an extensive gaming convention took place in April, attracting over 800 C-Suite executives and enthusiasts from 32 countries, signifying Dubai's growing influence in the global gaming landscape.
Among these, 260 are identified as specialized game developers.
This surge is largely attributed to the launch of the Dubai Programme for Gaming 2033 (DPG33) in November 2023, which has encouraged the establishment of over 60 new companies, including 12 percent that are large global entities.
This represents a growth rate of 16.6 percent in the gaming sector since the programme's initiation.
The DPG33 aims to enhance Dubai's position within the global gaming industry by aspiring to rank among the top ten gaming hubs over the next decade, potentially generating 30,000 new jobs and contributing $1 billion to the emirate's GDP by 2033. The Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) is responsible for overseeing the implementation and progress of this initiative.
Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of DFF, remarks on the exceptional economic potential of the gaming sector, emphasizing Dubai's commitment to nurturing opportunities for innovators and creators.
He states that the supportive ecosystem for entrepreneurship in advanced technology sectors will specifically boost game development and enhance the overall global competitiveness of Dubai.
As part of its strategy, the DPG33 provides a unique gaming residency program for distinguished individuals within the gaming industry.
This initiative includes long-term residency options and gaming certifications for talented professionals.
In an expanded approach, the UAE's Golden Visa programme introduced last year now encompasses elite gamers, content creators, and other industry experts, reflecting the government's strategy to attract skilled talent.
The emirate has also hosted various events and competitions aimed at fostering community engagement and showcasing burgeoning talent.
Recently, in collaboration with the Dubai Esports and Games Festival, Dubai Police organized a competition offering participants the chance to develop a game for a share of a Dh10,000 prize pool.
Additionally, an extensive gaming convention took place in April, attracting over 800 C-Suite executives and enthusiasts from 32 countries, signifying Dubai's growing influence in the global gaming landscape.
