The Emirates News Agency reported that the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy outlined the emirate’s business advantages and support mechanisms aimed at drawing gaming companies as part of its mandate to expand Dubai’s digital economy. The presentations highlighted regulatory frameworks, infrastructure and access to regional markets that position the city as a hub for digital entertainment ventures. These efforts tie into wider government strategies that have already drawn international developers and publishers to establish operations in the emirate.
Dubai now hosts more than 350 gaming companies, of which 260 specialise in game development, according to the Dubai Future Foundation. The Dubai Programme for Gaming 2033, launched in November 2023, has contributed to the addition of more than 60 new companies since its inception, with 12 percent classified as large global entities that have driven a 16.6 percent sector growth rate. The DMCC Gaming Centre, established in December 2022, has expanded to include more than 150 companies across development, esports and related fields, a DMCC assessment found.
Newzoo forecasts place the global games market at $213.9 billion in 2026, reflecting 6.1 percent year-on-year growth, with the Middle East and Africa registering the fastest expansion in player numbers at 7.9 percent. In the UAE, spending on video games reached $421 million in 2024 and is projected to approach $2.39 billion by 2033 at a compound annual growth rate of 8.34 percent, Khaleej Times data shows. Video games accounted for 57.5 percent of the UAE’s digital media expenditure last year, outpacing spending on video-on-demand and digital music services.
Saeed Al Gergawi, Vice President of Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, said in statements connected to the chamber’s promotional activities that “Dubai continues to strengthen its position as a leading global hub for innovation and technology by fostering an advanced business ecosystem that supports the growth of tech companies and provides an attractive environment for investment and talent.” The chamber supported 1,690 digital startups throughout 2025, marking a 39.7 percent increase from 2024, with international companies comprising 75 percent of the total, according to chamber figures. Several operated in areas overlapping with gaming, including artificial intelligence and immersive technologies.
The chamber’s outreach at events such as GITEX AI Europe and Expand North Star has involved direct engagements with accelerators, investors and startups to demonstrate expansion opportunities in Dubai. Belal Jassoma, Director of Ecosystems at DMCC, said at GameExpo 2026 that “We are attracting both established international players and emerging studios that view Dubai as a strategic gateway.” Recent arrivals at the DMCC Gaming Centre include Artisan Studios, developer of the role-playing game Lost Hellden, along with CI Games and SideQuest VR.
A coordinated approach across entities including the Dubai Games and Films Commission has incorporated golden visas for gaming professionals and competitions to develop local talent, the commission reported. These measures complement the chamber’s role in facilitating partnerships that strengthen the digital business environment. The ecosystem now spans game development, publishing, esports organisations, tournament operators and Web3 gaming ventures.
