Dubai’s games industry surges with 260 game developers and 16.6% growth rate

The Dubai Program for Gaming 2033 has revealed that the UAE city is home to over 350 gaming companies, with 260 specialising in game development. 

Dubai Media City shared the data in a post, which showed that more than 60 new game companies have been established, with 12% being “large global companies" that have a growth rate of 16.6%. 

The Dubai Future Foundation said that since the launch of the DPG33 initiative in 2023, 67% of gaming companies have their headquarters in Dubai. 

New opportunities 

The Gaming 2033 Program was launched to make Dubai a top global games hub, creating 30,000 jobs and a $1 billion GDP boost by 2033.

“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," said Dubai Future Foundation CEO Khalfan Belhoul. 

“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.”