All About the Dubai Program for Gaming
With the passage of time, newer industries are rapidly replacing old ones. The Dubai government has undertaken multiple steps to ensure that the city embraces this change and creates opportunities for its residents. One such initiative was launched recently by the His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai. Announced in November 2023, this programme aims to make Dubai one of the top 10 cities in the global gaming industry by 2033. Here is all you need to know about Dubai Program for Gaming.
ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT DUBAI PROGRAM FOR GAMING 2023
I chaired a meeting of the Higher Committee for Future Technology and Digital Economy to review the progress of upcoming projects and initiatives. We launched the Dubai Program for Gaming 2023, with great ambitions of positioning Dubai among the top 10 cities in the global gaming… pic.twitter.com/ch2hIEZBGJ
— Hamdan bin Mohammed (@HamdanMohammed) November 2, 2023
The global gaming industry has grown substantially in the last decade or so and the pace is likely to pick up further. According to some estimates, the global gaming industry would be worth USD 212.4 billion by 2026. Hence, governments around the world are coming up with policies to establish gaming industries and attracting top talents to their countries.
Dubai Program for Gaming is a step in this direction. The government aims to create around 30,000 new jobs and increase the sector’s contribution to the GDP up to USD 1 billion in the next decade.
To achieve this goal, as part of the programme, the government will provide support to developers, designers and programmers. Entrepreneurs will be encouraged to base their starts-ups in Dubai. The programme will be overseen by the Dubai Future Foundation and will be focused on three areas, talent, content and technology.
The plan is to bring together digital creators and provide training as well as employment opportunities with top global companies, academic institutes and universities. Educational training will also be launched to help innovators and entrepreneurs.
Along with the Dubai Program for Gaming 2033, as part of the Dubai Metaverse Strategy, three other initiatives were launched by the Crown Prince of Dubai, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan. These include the Metaverse Alliance, Metaverse Pioneers and Metaverse Guidelines. This will be part of Web3 which entails decentralisation, blockchain, openness and greater user utility among its core components.
Dubai Metaverse Strategy, which was announced last year, had an aim to create 40,000 virtual jobs and raise the GDP contribution of the industry up to USD 4 billion by 2027.
WHAT ARE THEY SAYING?
Here is what H.H. Sheikh Hamdan said about the programme.
“The new initiative aims to establish an incubating environment for developers and to draw leading technology companies from across the globe, particularly those specialising in digital content and experiences.”
“Dubai is well positioned to tap into the vast opportunities within the gaming sector, which is estimated at approximately $200 billion globally,” he added.
“We are strategically positioned to contribute to the advancement of emerging trends like VR and AI [virtual reality and artificial intelligence], elevating them to provide even more immersive and realistic experiences.”
FAQS ABOUT DUBAI GAMING PROGRAM
WHICH ARE THE BEST GAMING CAFES IN DUBAI?
Want to enjoy a gaming session with your friends? Here is a list of the top gaming cafes in Dubai.
WHICH ARE THE BEST GAME STORES IN DUBAI TO BUY GAMES AND CONSOLES?
Want to buy a new console? Places like VR Park and Arena Games are some of the most popular game stores in Dubai that you can consider.
Dubai Program for Gaming is an initiative that is likely to pay dividends in the long run. Physical sports are a multi-million dollar industry but gaming is catching up too. With such a programme, Dubai will be ready to benefit from the industry’s growth in the future. The Dubai Program for Gaming plan would open up opportunities for many skilled professionals.
