How Dubai Program for Gaming 2033 setting examples to embrace the world of video games with open arms

How Dubai Program for Gaming 2033 setting examples to embrace the world of video games with open arms

As a seasoned gaming enthusiast and investor, I find the Dubai Program for Gaming 2033 to be an incredibly exciting development in our industry. The potential growth rate of 21.1% over the next seven years is nothing short of remarkable, and it’s intriguing to contemplate the role regional companies like Geekay might play in this burgeoning landscape.


The “Dubai Program for Gaming 2033” is supported by the “Dubai Future Foundation.” This initiative encompasses three main areas: talent, content, and technology. It also extends to creating employment opportunities, collaborating with international businesses, universities, and educational institutions. Essentially, this program aims to transform Dubai into a comprehensive global center for gaming.

The video game industry’s worldwide market is enormous, currently estimated to produce around $281.77 billion and projected to reach approximately $665.77 billion by 2030. The Dubai Gaming Program 2033 aims to seize a significant portion of this market growth, with successful execution potentially meeting both the industry’s and program’s objectives.

The Dubai Program for Gaming 2033 in a brief

In an effort to rank Dubai among the top ten cities worldwide for the gaming industry by the year 2033, the Dubai Gaming Program was launched in March of 2023. This ambitious program aims to generate 30,000 new job opportunities and position Dubai as a global leader in the gaming sector. Additionally, the program is designed to substantially boost Dubai’s economy, with an aim to produce approximately USD 1 billion by 2033.

How Dubai Program for Gaming 2033 setting examples to embrace the world of video games with open arms

In simpler terms, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who is the Crown Prince of Dubai, the Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council, and the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Dubai Future Foundation, stated that our goal is to create a nurturing space for developers. We aim to attract top technology companies worldwide by providing them with support. This assistance will be extended to developers, designers, programmers, business owners, and startups in the creative sectors.

The impact will be across several fields, embracing the gaming world to build a stronghold

The global economy significantly relies on the gaming industry, which is poised to expand further as technology and digital goods increasingly shape our daily lives. More and more individuals are turning to digital platforms for entertainment, leading to an uptick in this trend. Consequently, the growth trajectory will persist, driving market expansion and technological innovation. Additionally, areas such as job creation, economic impact, and related sectors will gain increased attention. Recognizing this potential, Dubai has taken strategic measures to position itself as a central hub for gaming.

Economic Impact and Industry Growth

The gaming industry currently boasts a massive size and is expected to grow even more significantly in the future. The Dubai Gaming Program 2033 represents a bold endeavor. In terms of its potential economic contribution, this program aims to create around 30,000 jobs and contribute approximately USD 1 billion to the city’s gross domestic product (GDP).

How Dubai Program for Gaming 2033 setting examples to embrace the world of video games with open arms

The expansion of the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) gaming market has recently flourished, particularly following the introduction of the Gamers8 program. The first esports event in this region occurred in 2022, with a second edition held in 2023. In 2023, Saudi Arabian esports and Savvy Games Group declared an investment of USD 37.9 billion. As we look towards the future, the Esports World Cup (EWC) 2024 is expected to continue this growth trend, as major esports titles are increasingly being introduced and expanded within the MENA market.

And so, the strategy for achieving such vast amounts is gradually proving effective. The potential economic influence and expansion of the industry are clearly noticeable. To put it simply, we’re on the right track so far, and the progress seems promising.

Partnerships, investment, and collaboration

Under the umbrella of the Dubai Metaverse Strategy, there are three key projects aimed at achieving the goal: the Metaverse Alliance, Metaverse Guidelines, and Metaverse Pioneers. Additional developments within this structure involve initiatives such as creating apps in Dubai, establishing Amazon’s store in the UAE, and launching the Metaverse Accelerator Program.

How Dubai Program for Gaming 2033 setting examples to embrace the world of video games with open arms

In 2022, the gaming market in the MENA region was worth approximately $5,670.9 million. Over the forecast period (2023-2030), it’s projected to grow at a rate of around 21.1% per year. Notable players expected to lead this market are companies such as Activision Blizzard, Electronic Arts (EA), FACEIT Ltd, Gameloft, Gfinity PLC, Netmarble, Nintendo, NVIDIA Corporation, Tencent, and others.

In a LinkedIn post, Kishan Deepak Palija, CEO at Geekay Group, expressed curiosity about a new development in Dubai’s gaming sector. He is eager to observe which direction Dubai will take and explore potential opportunities for regional companies like Geekay to capitalize on these developments.

The primary objective of this investment lies in establishing infrastructure, constructing cities, backing players, acquiring gaming companies, among other things. To clarify, Abu Dhabi’s gaming industry landscape is evolving by welcoming game studios, esports initiatives, and so on. Essentially, as billions flow into the city, Dubai is emerging as a central hub for gaming and esports encompassing various platforms.

Challenges in the road

A significant hurdle along this journey involves accommodating top-tier businesses. Additionally, it’s important to acknowledge that the city has successfully reaped benefits from its investments. This situation, however, impacts not just the city, but also the involved businesses and financial backers as well.

How Dubai Program for Gaming 2033 setting examples to embrace the world of video games with open arms

In the city, where multiple cultures coexist, particularly an Islamic one, it’s important to note that this diversity can significantly impact the local population’s attitudes and societal structure. Overcoming cultural obstacles is crucial in such a context. A significant challenge we face is the acceptance and support for LGBTQ+ individuals, which was evident during the recent Gamers8 event when Saudi Arabia’s strict policies on the matter sparked disagreements.

One potential challenge for the program could be navigating regulatory complexities. Regulations can sometimes shift due to changing political climates or differing interpretations, making it difficult to follow a consistent set of rules. Furthermore, overcoming any hurdles that the regulatory body encounters along the way is crucial in order to bypass potential obstacles and move forward.

Final Thoughts

To unite the globe’s video game world warmly, the Dubai Gaming Program 2033 aims to create an enduring influence. Mobile gaming, which has proven to be a significant force in Saudi Arabia and beyond, will play a vital role in this process.

In addition, this initiative unites organizations, investors, and game developers under one umbrella, fostering the expansion of the gaming industry as a whole. By addressing gaps in the market, it prioritizes and nurtures the growth of smaller-scale developers. Furthermore, the transformation this program brings will give gaming a fresh, revitalized appearance.

You can read our other editorials here:

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  • The Mobile Gaming Disappointments of 2023

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2024-08-19 07:11

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