The Dubai Program for Gaming 2033 (DPG33), overseen by the Dubai Future Foundation, has reported that Dubai is home to over 350 gaming companies. Of these, 260 are categorized as specialized game developers. The global gaming industry is currently valued at USD 200 billion.
Since the program’s launch in November 2023, Dubai has seen the establishment of over 60 new gaming companies, with 12% of these being large global firms. This represents a 16.6% growth rate in the sector since the program’s inception. The gaming industry has become a significant economic sector for Dubai.
His Excellency Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of the Dubai Future Foundation, stated, “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.”
Belhoul further added, “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).”
The Dubai Program for Gaming 2033 (DPG33) was initiated by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of DFF, in November 2023. The program’s objectives include positioning Dubai among the top 10 global gaming hubs within the next decade. This initiative aims to create 30,000 new jobs and contribute $1 billion to GDP by 2033.
DPG33’s focus areas include talent development, entrepreneurship support, technological advancement, and digital content creation. It also works to establish training and employment opportunities through partnerships with international companies and academic institutions. The program organizes and participates in various local and international events, exhibitions, and collaborations to strengthen connections within the gaming industry in Dubai and globally.
