The Dubai Program for Gaming 2033 (DPG33) will host the Middle East’s first-ever government pavilion at Gamescom 2025, the world’s largest gaming event, scheduled in Cologne, Germany, from 20-24 August. The pavilion marks a significant milestone in Dubai’s drive to become one of the world’s top 10 global gaming hubs by 2033.
The DPG33 pavilion will spotlight Dubai’s thriving talent pool, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and opportunities for game designers, developers, entrepreneurs, and production companies. Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), and Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) will represent the emirate at the pavilion.
Launched in November 2023 under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, DPG33 aims to boost the emirate’s GDP by $1 billion and create 30,000 jobs in the gaming sector. The programme focuses on governance, talent development, global partnerships, industry support, and community engagement, fostering a dynamic ecosystem for gaming companies.
Dubai Strengthens Global Competitiveness
Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture, said:
“Dubai continues to strengthen its global competitiveness by focusing on innovation and exploring future opportunities. Our presence at Gamescom underscores the strength of an ecosystem that combines innovation, education, advanced technology, and talent development. It also reflects our growing leadership in digital creativity while reinforcing Dubai’s presence on the global stage and building new international partnerships.”
She added that the gaming sector offers significant opportunities for creative entrepreneurship. “By supporting this sector, we are empowering a new generation of creatives and entrepreneurs, offering them platforms to transform their passion for gaming into innovative, globally impactful ventures. This not only strengthens our creative economy but also opens new horizons for sustainable growth.”
DPG33: A Decade-Long Vision
His Excellency Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of DFF, said: “Dubai is rapidly becoming a top global destination for people and businesses involved in the gaming industry. The programme has set out a clear 10-year roadmap to establish Dubai as a global leader in the gaming sector. By providing a supportive framework for innovation and investment, we are building a vibrant ecosystem that leverages Dubai’s unique competitive advantages to support creators, entrepreneurs, and multinational corporations.”
Her Excellency Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, added: “The electronic gaming sector is a vital pillar of the creative economy. Through a range of initiatives, Dubai Culture is committed to empowering young people and emerging talent to build their skills, expand their involvement in gaming, and discover new pathways in this dynamic field. Our efforts advance Dubai’s vision to be a leading global centre for innovation.”
Ahmed bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and CEO, DMCC, highlighted Dubai’s growing industry base: “Gamescom offers an unmatched platform to spotlight Dubai’s capabilities as we continue to drive our ambition to become one of the top 10 gaming hubs in the world by 2033. Over 140 gaming companies, representing 40% of Dubai’s gaming industry, are based in DMCC, supported by our dedicated Gaming Centre within a tech and Web3 ecosystem of more than 3,200 members. With access to capital, licensing solutions, and industry partners, DMCC enables global gaming businesses to scale in the region and beyond.”
Dubai’s Gaming Sector Growth
Since DPG33’s launch, Dubai’s gaming sector has expanded with more than 60 new gaming companies, bringing the total to over 350, of which 74% specialise in game development. Sixty-seven percent of these companies are headquartered in Dubai, while 12% are major global technology firms. In 2025, DPG33 engaged with international giants such as Sony, Nvidia, Riot Games, and Xsolla to foster partnerships and attract investment.
Gamescom 2025: The World’s Largest Gaming Event
Gamescom, held at the Koelnmesse exhibition centre, unites the global gaming community both in-person and online. The 2025 edition is expected to surpass previous attendance records, following last year’s turnout of 335,000 visitors from 122 countries.
For more information on Dubai’s participation and DPG33, visit dubaigaming.gov.ae.
–Input GDMO
