DPG33 set to host region's first-ever govt pavilion at Gamescom 2025 in Germany
Gamescom is the world's largest event for computer and video games, bringing together the international gaming community in-person and online. The 2025 edition, taking place at the Koelnmesse exhibition centre, is expected to attract record attendance following the success of last year's edition, welcoming 335,000 visitors from 122 countries.
Government of Dubai Media Office said today that the DPG33 pavilion will showcase the city's talent pool, as well as its exceptional facilities and infrastructure for game designers, developers, entrepreneurs, and production companies. Representing the Dubai government at the pavilion are the Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) and the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC).
Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, affirmed that Dubai's participation with an official government pavilion at Gamescom underscores the emirate's position as a leading hub for creative and digital industries.
Sheikha Latifa said: 'Dubai continues to strengthen its global competitiveness by focusing on innovation and exploring future opportunities. Our presence at Gamescom underscores the strength of an ecosystem that combines innovation, education, advanced technology, and talent development. It also reflects our growing leadership in digital creativity, while reinforcing Dubai's presence on the global stage and building new international partnerships, all of which support our ambition to position Dubai among the world's top 10 gaming hubs by 2033.'
Since DPG33 launched in November 2023, Dubai's gaming sector has grown significantly with more than 60 new gaming companies establishing themselves. Dubai is now home to over 350 gaming companies, with 260 (74%) specialising in game development. Sixty-seven percent of those companies are headquartered in Dubai, and 12% are major global technology companies. In 2025, DPG33 engaged with companies like Sony, Nvidia, Riot Games, and Xsolla, to foster partnerships and attract investment.
Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of DFF, said: 'Dubai is rapidly becoming a top global destination for people and businesses involved in the gaming industry following the launch of DPG33 by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of DFF. The programme has set out a clear 10-year roadmap to establish Dubai as a global leader in the gaming sector. By providing a supportive framework for innovation and investment, we are building a vibrant ecosystem that leverages Dubai's unique competitive advantages to support creators, entrepreneurs, and multinational corporations in this booming sector.'
Hala Badri, Director General of the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, said, 'The electronic gaming sector is a vital pillar of the creative economy. This sector stands out as one of the fastest growing and most innovative within the broader cultural and creative industries, owing to its unique ability to attract skilled individuals and create new economic opportunities.'
She added: 'Through a range of initiatives, Dubai Culture is committed to empowering young people and emerging talent to build their skills, expand their involvement in gaming, and discover new pathways in this dynamic field. Our efforts reflect the interests and ambitions of the new generation, advancing Dubai's vision to be a leading global centre for innovation.'
Today, over 140 gaming companies – representing 40% of Dubai's gaming industry – are based in DMCC, enabled by our dedicated Gaming Centre that is anchored within a broader tech and Web3 ecosystem of more than 3,200 members.
Ahmed bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and CEO, DMCC, said: 'As the largest global gathering for the computer and video games industry, Gamescom offers an unmatched platform to spotlight Dubai's rapidly expanding capabilities as we continue to drive our ambition to become one of the top 10 gaming hubs in the world by 2033. Supported by access to capital, licensing solutions, and industry-leading partners, DMCC offers the infrastructure and connectivity to help global gaming businesses scale up in the region and beyond.'
Matthew Pickering, CEO of Power League Gaming, said, 'Dubai's presence at Gamescom 2025, with heavyweight participation from entities such as Dubai Future Foundation, sends a decisive message to the global industry that the UAE is not simply participating in gaming's future but shaping it. Dubai offers world-class infrastructure, progressive regulation, government-backed initiatives, and a creative economy accelerating at pace. This is not symbolic; it's a strategic declaration that we are ready to engage, invest, and lead. In my experience, these high-level engagements catalyse partnerships that redefine ecosystems and enable MENA to evolve from a high-growth consumer base into a creator, exporter, and innovator on the global stage. '
At Power League Gaming, Pickering built a reputation for delivering world-class esports broadcasts and immersive brand activations from purpose-built studio in Dubai. 'With FUZE, our proprietary cloud-based platform, we are now able to connect brands and creators instantly, delivering campaigns with precision, scale, and cultural authenticity,' said Pickering.
'Gamescom is the perfect arena to demonstrate these capabilities in front of the industry's most influential decision-makers. Our goal is to show why the UAE is the optimal launchpad for ambitious global projects and to convert those conversations into long-term, high-value partnerships that bring world-class talent, IP, and investment into the region.'
Ipsos study from December 2024 confirms 69% of UAE gamers are aware of esports with a strong appetite for live events, proving that the demand is already here. Gamescom turns that demand into investment, jobs, and measurable industry growth.
'Global events like Gamescom are critical accelerators for our industry. They allow us to benchmark against leading markets, absorb best practices, and refine our approach, while giving us the stage to showcase Dubai's unique strengths. We bring an innovation-forward government strategy, exemplified by the Dubai Program for Gaming 2033, cutting-edge production infrastructure such as our own Power League Gaming studios, and a culturally diverse audience with one of the highest engagement rates in the world,' said Pickering.
For regions like the UAE, participating in global events such as Gamescom is vital to building their presence in the gaming and immersive tech industries.
George Arbid, Founder, Ardor Ideas, said: 'Gamescom offers unparalleled exposure to international markets, bringing together the world's top developers, publishers, and investors in one space. It provides the UAE with a platform to showcase its vision, infrastructure, and ambitious projects, while directly engaging with industry leaders to forge partnerships and attract investment. By being part of this global conversation, the UAE positions itself as an active, forward-thinking player, creating opportunities to draw world-class talent and accelerate its growth as a leading gaming hub.'
Dubai's participation at Gamescom highlights the UAE's fast-emerging gaming and immersive tech industry. While still new, the sector is expanding rapidly, powered by visionary leadership and cutting-edge innovation. The upcoming Digital Twin of Dubai is a landmark project, demonstrating the nation's advanced capabilities in creating next-generation virtual experiences. Gamescom provides the perfect global platform to showcase these achievements, connect with top developers, and attract international studios and investors. With its strategic location, world-class infrastructure, and commitment to future technologies, the UAE is poised to become a key player on the global stage, bridging markets and shaping the future of interactive entertainment, explained Arbid.
Dubai, in particular, is creating an ecosystem designed to attract and nurture creative talent, offering services that make establishing operations seamless and rewarding. With its strategic location, vibrant market, and forward-looking vision, the UAE is becoming the land of opportunities—where innovation meets ambition, and the future of gaming is being shaped today.
'Although the gaming and immersive tech industry in the UAE is relatively new, it is evolving at remarkable speed, with bold initiatives positioning it among the most promising global hubs. International developers and publishers will discover a wealth of opportunities, from cutting-edge infrastructure to government-backed support and world-class facilities,' said Arbid.
Dubai-based, Ahmed Al Helwany, Content Creator affirmed similar views and said, 'Dubai's presence at Gamescom 2025 provides the UAE with a powerful platform to showcase its growing gaming and immersive tech sector to a global audience. It highlights initiatives like the Dubai Program for Gaming 2033, which aims to position the city among the world's top ten gaming hubs and contribute over US$1 billion to the economy. With more than 350 gaming companies already established, supported by long-term residency options for industry professionals, Dubai is well placed to attract co-development deals, IP collaborations, and technology partnerships that can connect its talent and innovation with international markets.'
Worldwide known events like Gamescom allow the UAE to directly connect with leading developers, publishers, and investors on one of the largest stages in the gaming industry. Showcasing the country's commitment to building a sustainable ecosystem, initiatives such as CodersHQ, specialised free zones, and long-term residency options for gaming professionals play a pivotal role.
'By engaging face-to-face with global stakeholders, the UAE can highlight its strong talent base, advanced infrastructure, and innovation-driven policies. This combination makes it an attractive destination for studios looking to expand, investors seeking emerging markets, and partners interested in bridging Eastern and Western gaming industries,' concluded Al Helwany.
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