The global gaming industry is experiencing unprecedented growth, with technological advancements pushing the boundaries of what's possible in virtual realms. In this dynamic landscape, Dubai and the broader MENA region are rising as key innovators. With initiatives like the Dubai Program for Gaming 2033, the region is poised to lead the way in gaming advancements. This strategic vision is set to drive innovation, nurture talent, and deliver extraordinary gaming experiences.
Dubai’s Vision for Gaming: The Dubai Program for Gaming 2033
Initiated by the Dubai Future Foundation, the Dubai Program for Gaming 2033 aims to position Dubai among the top 10 cities in the global gaming industry and to create 30,000 new jobs within the gaming sector. The initiative amplifies the sector's contribution to Dubai's digital economy, targeting an increase in GDP by approximately USD 1 billion by 2033. This initiative aims to establish a robust global platform in Dubai focused on talent, content, and technology while attracting digital content creators. As a longer-term goal, the program provides comprehensive training and employment opportunities and fosters entrepreneurship and innovation through specialised educational programs.
Source: The United Arab Emirates' Government portal
Today’s Gaming Industry in Dubai and the MENA Region
The gaming scene in Dubai and the MENA region is vibrant and rapidly growing. Mobile gaming leads the charge, with nearly 60% of gaming activity happening on smartphones. This reflects the widespread use of mobile devices and the region's shift toward accessible, on-the-go gaming.
The enthusiasm for gaming is striking, with around 60% of the population identifying as gaming fans. This passion is evident in app download trends, where games account for 50% of all downloads—surpassing the global average of 40%. In the UAE, an impressive 90% of adults engage in video gaming, showcasing the country's strong digital infrastructure and quick embrace of new technology. Remarkably, 90% of these gamers are dedicated players, spending over 11 hours a week immersed in their favorite games.
The Future of Gaming in Dubai and the MENA Region
The horizon for the gaming industry in Dubai and the broader MENA region is set against exponential growth and global engagement. DMCC’s Future of Trade Report: Gaming Edition projects that the global gaming market will leap to $340 billion by 2027. The projection speaks volumes about the sector's vitality and expansive potential. The esports segment is growing fast. By 2025, there will be 318 million esports enthusiasts worldwide, a significant increase from 2020's 215.2 million enthusiasts.
These figures underscore the economic prowess of gaming and esports and highlight a shifting cultural paradigm where the following for esports begins to outshine traditional sports leagues, including the NBA.
DMCC’s The Future of Trade Report: Gaming Edition
DMCC’s thought leadership report: The Future of Trade: Gaming Edition, discovers the global and local gaming and esports ecosystem. The report gathers contributions from key opinion leaders to share their views on where the gaming and esports industry is heading. An emphasis is placed on the drivers of gaming and esports from a technology, culture and business perspective while exploring the global trends in market revenue, audience development, and esports and gaming talent.
Opportunities and Challenges up to the Dubai Program for Gaming 2033
Opportunities From VR
The Dubai Programme for Gaming 2033 identifies several key opportunities to redefine the gaming sector. Market growth stands at the forefront, with Dubai aiming to capitalise on the global gaming boom by attracting gaming companies and investors.
On a global scale, the AR and VR gaming market could reach $26 billion by 2026, with worldwide spending on VR-related products projected to increase at a 24.1% CAGR between 2021 and 2026 to $7.6 billion.
VR has become a big push in the tourism industry. With 17.15 million international tourists having visited Dubai in 2023, this industry will continue to grow with the ways VR is transforming experienced for tourist.
Dubai is rapidly establishing itself as a leader in the virtual reality (VR) gaming space, exemplified by the Dubai Esports and Games Festival. This annual event attracts VR enthusiasts from around the globe, offering a range of immersive VR experiences, competitive tournaments, and interactive exhibitions. The festival showcases cutting-edge VR technology and highlights Dubai's commitment to becoming a key player in the global gaming industry.
Challenges Within the Gaming Industry
Gaming Content Localisation and Censorship
The next phase of growth for the gaming industry in Dubai and the MENA region lies in tapping into the vast potential of Arabic localised content. However, this encounters two significant challenges: localisation with content translation and censorship. The UAE's National Media Council (NMC) plays a pivotal role in monitoring the content of materials, including electronic games, to ensure they align with cultural and regulatory standards. This scrutiny has led to the banning of several video game titles due to objectionable content, underscoring the delicate balance between creative freedom and adherence to local norms.
It is important to recognise that the UAE is not isolated in its approach to game regulation. For example, Japan banned "Call of Duty: World at War" because it portrays violence against Japanese soldiers. This illustrates that censorship is a global phenomenon, with each country having its criteria based on cultural sensitivities and historical contexts.
DMCC Gaming Ecosystem
DMCC plays a crucial role in shaping Dubai's gaming industry's future. DMCC's Gaming Ecosystem offers members access to cutting-edge accelerator programmes, with essential partnerships with Brinc, Astrolabs, and Level Up. These partnerships are designed to catapult your blockchain and metaverse gaming projects to new heights, offering mentorship and investment specifically tailored for start-ups in these innovative fields.
DMCC Gaming Centre
Ecosystem members gain access to the DMCC Gaming Centre, a state-of-the-art gaming development facility located in the heart of JLT. More than 80 developers have joined the centre, creating a thriving gaming development ecosystem. DMCC’s Gaming Centre allows members to collaborate and innovate with other ecosystem members, fostering collective growth.
Dubai's Vision for Global Gaming Leadership
Dubai and the MENA region are rapidly positioning themselves as key players in the global gaming industry. The Dubai Program for Gaming 2033 and initiatives like the DMCC Gaming Ecosystem underscore the city’s commitment to innovation and growth. By focusing on VR technology, Dubai aims to set new standards in creating immersive and culturally relevant gaming experiences.
Dubai’s combination of cutting-edge attractions and a supportive environment for developers highlights its dedication to becoming a leading global gaming hub
