Dubai gaming ecosystem expands rapidly with 350+ companies
More than 60 new gaming companies have set up shop in Dubai since the emirate launched its Dubai Program for Gaming 2033 'DPG33' in November 2023, marking a growth rate of 16.6 per cent since the launch of the programme, data showed
Overseen by the Dubai Future Foundation, the Dubai Program for Gaming 2033 'DPG33', has announced that Dubai is home to more than 350 companies, with 260 of them categorised as specialised game developers, contributing overall to a global industry valued at $200 billion globally.
The gaming industry has emerged as one of Dubai's most promising economic sectors in recent years.
Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of the Dubai Future Foundation, said: 'The recent achievements in the Dubai's gaming industry reflects the success of the city's vision for its future economy — one built on economic diversification and the proactive investment in current and future development opportunities. The gaming sector holds unprecedented economic potential, and Dubai was — and will remain — a land of opportunity and a destination for innovators and creators. The industry offers a wealth of unprecedented opportunities thanks to the supportive ecosystem for entrepreneurs and innovative ideas in advanced technology sectors, particularly game development, which is a key driver in enhancing Dubai's global competitiveness and in achieving the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33).'
DPG33 aims to position Dubai among the world's top 10 global gaming hubs over the next decade, with 30,000 new jobs and a $1 billion boost to GDP by 2033. It focuses on nurturing talent and entrepreneurship, embracing technological advancements, and fostering digital content development, while creating training and employment opportunities with leading global firms and academic institutions, and leads a variety of local and international events, exhibitions, and partnerships that strengthen collaboration between individuals, businesses, and regulatory bodies in Dubai and beyond.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Gulf Today
23 minutes ago
- Gulf Today
Space sector key to future and sustainable growth in UAE, says Sheikh Hamdan
Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of the Supreme Space Council, met with representatives of leading space sector startups operating in the UAE. The meeting is part of Sheikh Hamdan's keenness to advance the national space ecosystem and further promote its role as a global leader in the space industry. Sheikh Hamdan underscored the importance of strong partnerships and strategic collaboration between the public and private sectors as a foundation for developing an advanced and innovative space ecosystem. He highlighted that continuous innovation and long-term investment in future technologies are essential to this progress. Sheikh Hamdan also expressed confidence in the capabilities of UAE-based companies and entrepreneurs, noting their crucial role in driving the growth of the local space industry and strengthening the country's position as a leading global hub in this strategic field. Sheikh Hamdan also highlighted the space sector as a vital driver of the future and sustainable economic growth. He stressed the UAE's ongoing efforts to build a supportive environment that fosters the growth of national companies and unlock new opportunities for investment and innovation, boosting the country's global competitiveness and leadership in space. The private sector is leading the space scene in the UAE, reaffirming the maturity of national investments that have been established over the past three decades. A number of the UAE-based companies took part in the meeting, representing a wide range of specialisations, including locally developed Internet of Things (IoT) solutions, artificial intelligence and remote sensing, commercial space ecosystem development, edge computing for robotics applications, high-resolution Earth observation via microsatellites, as well as AI systems, robotics, interactive simulation technologies, and reusable space launch systems. Participants shared insights into their current projects, long-term strategies, and future investment plans in support of the national economy. Discussions focused on strengthening public-private collaboration, expanding operations both locally and internationally, and exploring promising opportunities within the UAE's growing space sector—highlighting the private sector's central role in shaping a globally competitive and integrated space industry. Company representatives reaffirmed their commitment to the UAE's space ambitions and outlined plans to expand their operations within the country. They praised the UAE's flexible regulatory framework and advanced infrastructure as key enablers of sustained investment. Attendees also welcomed initiatives such as the Space Economic Zones Programme, which they said play a vital role in enabling collaboration and fostering long-term, sustainable growth across the space ecosystem. The meeting was attended by Dr Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports, Secretary-General of the Supreme Space Council, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the UAE Space Agency; Khalid Al Awadi, founder of Rimal; Ibrahim Al Obaidly, founder of Ardhiyat Al Ibdaa Information Solutions; David Critchley, CEO of 4EI; Dr Hamdullah Mohib, CEO of Marlan Space; Alex Lapir, CEO of Aliensense; Abdulhalim Jallad, co-founder of Oryx Space; and Stan Rudenko, CEO of Aspire Space Technology. WAM
Gulf Today
23 minutes ago
- Gulf Today
Expo City Dubai, an innovationr driven, people-centric community
Inayat-ur-Rahman, Business Editor Dubai: Expo City Dubai, the legacy city of Expo 2020 Dubai, is an innovation-driven, people-centric community rooted in the belief that collaboration can propel sustainable progress. Its prime location and world-class connectivity place it at the centre of Dubai's future – the lynchpin between Dubai Exhibition Centre, Al Maktoum International Airport and Jebel Ali Port and a key driver of Dubai's Economic Agenda (D33). A world-class free zone, it is home to a thriving business community that supports cross-sector collaboration and provides a springboard for businesses of all sizes to scale and grow, enhancing Dubai's position as a global centre of trade and reinforcing the UAE's development and diversification ambitions. Its residential communities redefine urban living, exemplifying best practice in innovative, environment-friendly design with a focus on wellbeing and happiness An incubator for innovation, it is a testbed for solutions and a platform for groundbreaking ideas that benefit both people and the planet. Packed with educational, cultural and entertainment offerings, with more than 30 indoor and outdoor venues attracting. FUJIFILM Middle East and Africa on Wednesday inaugurated its new offices at Expo City Dubai – an innovation-driven, people-centric community designed as a blueprint for sustainable urban living and the new centre of Dubai's future. The launch of its new offices is part of the company's future-facing mindset, as well as efforts to increase proximity to end-consumers and key partners. The site will also be home to FUJIFILM Technology centre (FTC), which will showcase the company's innovative offerings. The Japanese company brings world-renowned expertise and innovations to some of the region's vital sectors. As a global leader in healthcare, imaging and printing technologies, the firm supplies cutting-edge solutions in the UAE such as innovative diagnostic imaging systems helping raise the standard of care in the country and contributing to its development goals. The company is also preparing to launch AI-driven screening centers (NURA) in the UAE, reflecting its commitment to early detection and better health outcomes. FUJIFILM Technology centre (FTC), meanwhile, will offer professional training for employees, business partners and end-users in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Asia. The centre is equipped with a comprehensive range of FUJIFILM solutions for live demonstrations, allowing visitors to try and test multiple products and services. Ken Okaniwa, Ambassador of Japan to the UAE, said: 'We welcome the inauguration of FUJIFILM's new offices and Technology centre in Expo City Dubai. This new investment by Japan's top company in healthcare, imaging and printing reflects the excellent relations between Japan and the UAE as well as the strategic position of the UAE as a global hub for business. I look forward to FUJIFILM's technologies contributing to better healthcare, promotion of industries and human capacity development.' Manal AlBayat, Chief Engagement Officer, Expo City Dubai, said: 'With its technologies used in vital sectors and its commitment to knowledge-sharing, FUJIFILM's choice of Expo City Dubai for its new offices and Technology centre reinforces the city's position as a hub for global businesses driving innovative solutions in the UAE and beyond. We are proud to welcome FUJIFILM to our innovation- and sustainability-focused community – an ecosystem where like-minded entities collaborate to drive meaningful progress.' FUJIFILM's renewed commitment to the region follows last year's impressive annual performance, and the firm is looking to repeat the feat in 2025 with a double-digit growth. FUJIFILM Middle East and Africa will also extend its commitment to Emiratization, with plans to introduce new hires to support FTC operations and cement the company's leading role in knowledge sharing. Underscoring the global importance of the FTC for the company, Masataka Akiyama, President and CEO of FUJIFILM Europe, added: 'Our investment in the FUJIFILM Technology centre is a powerful tool to enable product showcases, including a full-fledged medical centre with hands-on training and lectures delivered by healthcare professionals in the UAE, Egypt, and Morocco. We are now also inviting imaging and printing experts to our new Dubai office space to facilitate the exchange of ideas and support the delivery of unrivaled solutions to our customers.' Michio Kondo, Managing Director of FUJIFILM Middle East and Africa, also said: 'With the opening of our new offices at Expo City Dubai, FUJIFILM is starting the next exciting chapter of our success story in the Middle East. As we look to deepen our contribution to the region's prosperity and the wellbeing of its people by providing value through innovation and purpose-driven growth, our new space will be a centre for co-creation, training, new partnerships, and the development of high-tech solutions to help enhance lives and economies.' Over the past five years, Fujifilm has more than doubled its number of staff across its offices in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, Morocco, and South Africa. FUJIFILM Middle East and Africa FUJIFILM Middle East and Africa, part of the globally renowned FUJIFILM Corporation, provides innovative solutions across multiple sectors, including healthcare, photography, graphics, printing, and digital imaging. With over 90 years of expertise, FUJIFILM is at the forefront of healthcare transformation, pioneering diagnostic equipment, AI solutions, and tele-radiology services.
Sharjah 24
38 minutes ago
- Sharjah 24
Hamdan bin Zayed receives Ambassador of Russian Federation to UAE
Discussed bilateral relations and explored avenues to strengthen and expand cooperation During the meeting, they discussed bilateral relations and explored avenues to strengthen and expand cooperation across political, economic, and cultural fields. The discussions focused on fostering mutual interests and reinforcing ties between the two nations. Praised the robust relations between the UAE and Russia His Highness Sheikh Hamdan praised the robust relations between the UAE and Russia, emphasising the commitment of the UAE's leadership, under President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to bolstering cooperation. He noted that such partnerships contribute to the UAE's global standing and its efforts to build international relations based on mutual respect and constructive collaboration. Appreciation For his part, Ambassador Zabirov expressed his appreciation for the steady progress in UAE-Russia relations, commending the UAE's regional and international role in promoting peace, security, and stability. The meeting was attended by several Sheikhs and officials.
