The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region has emerged as one of the fastest-growing markets in the global gaming industry, with Dubai playing a central role in this expansion. A combination of strategic location, economic initiatives, and strong digital infrastructure has positioned the UAE’s largest city as a key hub for gaming and emerging technologies.
MENA’s Rapid Growth in the Gaming Sector
The MENA region, which includes countries such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, has seen significant growth in gaming revenue and player engagement. According to Newzoo’s Games Market Report, while the global gaming market grew by 0.6% in 2023, MENA’s gaming industry expanded by 4.7%. Data from Niko Partners further highlights the growth of the MENA-3 market (Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Egypt), which saw a 7.8% year-over-year increase, surpassing global averages.
This rapid expansion has attracted global gaming companies to the region. Sony’s MENA Hero Project, launched in 2023, is one such example, aiming to identify and support local game developers. Tencent Games has also established its MENA headquarters in Dubai, citing the UAE’s high mobile and internet penetration as a key factor in its decision. 
Dubai’s Position as a Business and Gaming Hub
Dubai’s status as an international business center makes it a gateway for companies looking to expand into MENA and other emerging markets. The city’s authorities emphasize its role as an innovation hub that bridges the East and the West, offering access to some of the world’s fastest-growing economies.
The UAE government has made gaming a strategic focus, with ambitions to establish a $1 billion domestic gaming industry within a decade. The Dubai Program for Gaming 2033 aims to position Dubai among the top 10 global cities in the gaming industry by fostering talent, content creation, and technological innovation. The program also seeks to create 30,000 jobs within the sector.
Initiatives Supporting the Gaming Industry
Several initiatives are driving Dubai’s gaming industry growth:
- Gaming Visa Initiative: Launched to attract international talent.
- Pixel Machina: A program offering game development and design courses, aiming to build a community of 100,000 digital creators.
- Dubai GameExpo Summit: An industry event focused on networking and knowledge sharing, supported by Dubai’s Economic Development Corporation.
Speaking at the 2023 Dubai GameExpo Summit, Dubai Economic Development Corporation CEO Hadi Badri emphasized the city’s commitment to investing in gaming infrastructure, aiming to make Dubai a global hub for gaming and digital innovation.
Dubai’s Role in Emerging Technologies
Beyond gaming, Dubai has also positioned itself as a leader in emerging technologies such as blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI), and the metaverse. The Dubai Metaverse Strategy, spearheaded by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, aims to support over 40,000 virtual jobs by 2030 and contribute $4 billion to the city’s economy within five years.
Dubai is currently home to more than 1,000 companies operating in the metaverse and blockchain space. The city has been recognized as the most crypto-ready city in the Middle East and the second globally, reflecting its strong digital infrastructure and regulatory framework.
The Future of Dubai’s Gaming and Tech Industries
As Dubai continues to develop its gaming ecosystem and integrate advanced technologies, it remains a focal point for international gaming companies and investors. With government backing, strategic initiatives, and a strong digital economy, the city is set to play a major role in the global gaming industry’s future growth.
