Dubai, under the visionary leadership of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, is setting its sights on becoming one of the world’s top 10 cities in the global gaming industry. The “Dubai Program for Gaming 2033,” recently approved by Sheikh Hamdan, seeks to transform Dubai into a thriving hub for the gaming sector, generating 30,000 new jobs and contributing approximately US$1 billion to the GDP by 2033.
This ambitious initiative will create an incubating environment for developers, attracting leading technology companies, particularly those specializing in digital content and experiences. It aims to provide support to developers, designers, programmers, entrepreneurs, and startups in the creative industries. Dubai, strategically positioned in the estimated US$200 billion global gaming sector, is set to advance emerging trends like Virtual Reality (VR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) for more immersive experiences.
Managed by the Dubai Future Foundation, the program will focus on three core areas: talent, content, and tech. It will bring together digital content creators, offer training and job opportunities through partnerships with international companies and educational institutions, and launch specialized educational and training programs.
In addition to the gaming program, three initiatives were launched as part of the “Dubai Metaverse Strategy.” These include the “Metaverse Alliance,” a global network fostering collaborations and partnerships in virtual worlds, the “Metaverse Guidelines” to regulate and define the metaverse’s optimal uses in government work, and the “Metaverse Pioneers” program equipping Dubai government employees with metaverse technology skills.
Dubai’s commitment to embracing advanced technology and preparing for future disruptions aligns with its vision to be a future-ready global city, as envisioned by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
The meeting also covered various other technology initiatives, such as the “Create Apps in Dubai” program and Amazon’s initiative to feature products from 100,000 SMEs on its UAE store by 2026. Additionally, the “Metaverse Accelerator Program,” launched by Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC), is attracting global startups focusing on gaming, virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and Web 3. This multifaceted approach demonstrates Dubai’s commitment to staying at the forefront of technological innovation.
