Latest news with #Rubika


CairoScene
23-05-2025
- Business
- CairoScene
Region's First Video Game Design Degree Launches in Abu Dhabi
The new degree is designed to equip students with the creative and technical skills needed to thrive in the global gaming industry. May 23, 2025 Abu Dhabi is introducing the UAE's first university-level degree in video game design, set to launch in the upcoming academic year. The programme is the result of a new partnership between the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), Abu Dhabi University (ADU), and French digital arts institution Rubika. The new Bachelor of Arts in Game Design will be dual-certified and designed to equip students with the creative and technical skills needed to thrive in the global gaming industry. In total, up to 140 scholarships will be funded by DCT Abu Dhabi over six years to support students joining the programme. Rubika will oversee academic quality, train faculty, and enable international exchange opportunities. ADU will host the programme on campus, ensuring it meets national accreditation standards. Meanwhile, DCT Abu Dhabi will support students through mentorships, internships, and partnerships with local gaming studios as part of its Abu Dhabi Gaming initiative.


Gulf Insider
21-05-2025
- Business
- Gulf Insider
From Console To Classroom: Abu Dhabi Unveils Region's First Dual-Certified Video Game Design Degree
In a major move to boost Abu Dhabi's rising stature in the global gaming industry, the region's first dual-certified bachelor of arts degree programme in video game design will be introduced in the upcoming academic year at Abu Dhabi University (ADU). The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT – Abu Dhabi), ADU, and Rubika signed a memorandum of understanding to establish the programme. Saeed Ali Al Fazari, Director of Strategic Affairs at DCT Abu Dhabi; Prof Ghassan Aouad, Chancellor of Abu Dhabi University; and Dr Stephane Andre, CEO of Rubika, were the signatories. 'This agreement to launch the region's first bachelor of arts degree in game design aligns with DCT – Abu Dhabi's strategic priorities to elevate culture and creative industries in the emirate, as well as to inspire and empower youth,' Al Fazari said. 'By ensuring that aspiring game designers have access to world-class education and practical experience, we are enabling the growth of the gaming sector, regionally and globally, developing a highly qualified talent pool and positioning them to excel in this dynamic industry, right here in Abu Dhabi.' Internships, scholarships Through Abu Dhabi Gaming, DCT – Abu Dhabi will facilitate deep industry integration by offering structured internships, mentorship programmes, and connections with local game studios. The department will fund up to 140 scholarships over a six-year period to support access and participation in the programme. Rubika, a globally recognised French institution specialising in video game design, animation, and digital arts, will provide academic leadership, curriculum oversight, and faculty training. The school will also enable international exchange opportunities with its global campuses, bringing international best practices to Abu Dhabi. 'Our strategy is to establish ourselves in regions with a strong cultural heritage. By leveraging their creativity, the students in our programmes are encouraged to draw from their own cultural roots to contribute to the enrichment of global culture through video games and animated films,' Dr Andre noted. From August ADU will host the programme on campus and enrolment is set to begin in August. 'This partnership reflects our commitment to aligning education with emerging industry needs. By launching the region's first dual-certified game design degree, we're giving students access to specialised training that opens up career opportunities, both in the UAE and internationally,' Prof Aouad underlined.


Arabian Business
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Arabian Business
Abu Dhabi announces UAE's first video game design university degree course
Abu Dhabi students will be offered the UAE's first university degree in video game design. The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi University (ADU) and Rubika have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a dual-certified Bachelor of Arts degree programme in Video Game Design, launching in the upcoming academic year and marking a significant milestone in the growth of Abu Dhabi's creative industries. The agreement, signed by Saeed Ali Al Fazari, Director of Strategic Affairs at DCT Abu Dhabi, Prof. Ghassan Aouad, Chancellor of Abu Dhabi University, and Dr. Stephane Andre, CEO of Rubika, formalises a three-way partnership that combines world-class academic delivery, industry integration, and international expertise to build a future-ready talent pipeline for the region's burgeoning gaming and interactive media sectors. Abu Dhabi video game design university degree Saeed Ali Al Fazari said: 'This agreement to launch the region's first Bachelor of Arts degree in Game Design aligns with DCT Abu Dhabi's strategic priorities to elevate culture and creative industries in the emirate, as well as to inspire and empower youth. 'By ensuring that aspiring game designers have access to world-class education and practical experience, we are enabling the growth of the gaming sector, regionally and globally, developing a highly qualified talent pool and positioning them to excel in this dynamic industry, right here in Abu Dhabi.' Through Abu Dhabi Gaming, DCT Abu Dhabi will facilitate deep industry integration by offering structured internships, mentorship programmes, and connections with local game studios. Additionally, DCT Abu Dhabi will fund up to 140 scholarships over a six-year period to support access and participation in the programme. Rubika, a globally recognised French institution specialising in video game design, animation, and digital arts, will provide academic leadership, curriculum oversight, and faculty training. Dr. Stephane Andre, CEO of Rubika, said: 'Establishing a partnership with ADU and DCT Abu Dhabi is a tremendous opportunity for Rubika. We have long been seeking a trusted partner in the Emirates. Indeed, our strategy is to establish ourselves in regions with a strong cultural heritage. 'By leveraging their creativity, the students in our programs are encouraged to draw from their own cultural roots to contribute to the enrichment of global culture through video games and animated films.' Abu Dhabi University will host the programme on campus, ensuring its alignment with national accreditation standards while delivering a comprehensive academic experience grounded in innovation and practical application. Prof. Ghassan Aouad, Chancellor of Abu Dhabi University, said: 'At Abu Dhabi University, we are committed to delivering future-focused academic programmes that directly support the UAE's innovation agenda. 'This partnership reflects our commitment to aligning education with emerging industry needs. By launching the region's first dual-certified game design degree, we're giving students access to specialised training that opens up career opportunities, both in the UAE and internationally.' Together, the partners aim to position Abu Dhabi as a centre of excellence for game design education, equipping students with globally competitive skills while supporting the emirate's wider ambitions to diversify its economy through culture, creativity, and innovation.


Filipino Times
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Filipino Times
Abu Dhabi to launch region's first college degree in video game design
A new Bachelor of Arts degree in Video Game Design will be launched in Abu Dhabi, marking the first program of its kind in the region. The course will begin in the upcoming academic year and will be offered at Abu Dhabi University's main campus in the UAE capital. The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) announced that the dual-certified degree will be offered through a program called Abu Dhabi Gaming, supporting the growth of the local gaming and interactive media industry. This initiative is a collaboration between DCT Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi University (ADU), and Rubika, a French school known for creative arts and game design. Saeed Ali Al Fazari, Director of Strategic Affairs at DCT Abu Dhabi, said the program aims to 'inspire and empower youth' while developing talent for the region's fast-growing creative industries. 'By ensuring that aspiring game designers have access to world-class education and practical experience, we are enabling the growth of the gaming sector, regionally and globally, developing a highly qualified talent pool and positioning them to excel in this dynamic industry, right here in Abu Dhabi,' Al Fazari said. DCT Abu Dhabi will also provide up to 140 scholarships over six years to help students access the program, while Rubika will bring in international expertise and offer student exchange opportunities.


The National
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
Abu Dhabi University to offer degree in video game design
Abu Dhabi University will begin offering a Bachelor of Arts in Game Design, billed as the first degree of its kind in the region. The programme was announced after a 'landmark' memorandum of understanding was signed between the university, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and the video game-focused school Rubika, which has campuses in France and Canada. The memorandum was also signed with the support of Abu Dhabi Gaming. The degree will be offered starting August, the beginning of the academic year. 'The programme combines academic excellence, international best practices and deep industry integration – including structured internships, mentorships and up to 140 funded scholarships over six years,' the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi said in a post on X on Tuesday. The degree is already listed on the website of Abu Dhabi University. "This cutting-edge programme equips students with the creative, technical and industry-driven expertise needed to design, develop and produce engaging video game experiences,' the description reads. A breadth of courses are being offered as part of the programme, ranging from Fundamentals of Emotional Intelligence to History of Video Games, as well as courses focusing on different genres and platforms, including first-person shooters and mobile games. 'Combining theory with hands-on practice, the programme covers essential aspects of game design, from level design and game mechanics to narrative development and interactive media production,' the programme description reads. 'Students will master industry-standard tools, including Unity, Unreal Engine and Adobe Suite, while learning to craft immersive digital experiences for entertainment, education and simulation.' Abu Dhabi has been steadily working to develop the local gaming and esports ecosystem. Abu Dhabi Gaming – an initiative founded in 2021 that supports game developers, players, consumers and businesses – was integrated into DCT – Abu Dhabi in November 2023 as part of a move to 'position the emirate as a global gaming hub,' Abu Dhabi Media Office said at the time.