Dubai’s Crown Prince, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has unveiled an ambitious plan to propel the city into the forefront of the global gaming industry. The “Dubai Program for Gaming 2033” aims to not only establish Dubai as a hub for gaming but also generate 30,000 job opportunities within the sector. The program will play a pivotal role in advancing the emirate’s digital economy and was announced during a meeting chaired by Sheikh Hamdan.
Positioning Dubai in the Global Gaming Industry:
Under the visionary leadership of Sheikh Hamdan, the “Dubai Program for Gaming 2033” has been initiated to position Dubai as a prominent player in the global gaming industry. The ultimate goal is to harness the vast potential within the gaming sector, estimated at approximately US$200 billion worldwide. By doing so, Dubai intends to contribute to emerging trends such as virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence (AI), aiming to create more immersive and realistic experiences for gamers.
Focusing on Three Key Areas:
The program, overseen by the Dubai Future Foundation, will concentrate its efforts on three main areas: talent, content, and technology. This strategic approach aligns with the broader national strategies designed to strengthen the UAE and Dubai’s digital economy. Dubai’s forward-thinking approach seeks to bring together digital content creators, offering them training and job opportunities through partnerships with international companies, universities, and academic institutions. The initiative also extends its support to entrepreneurs and innovators, fostering creativity within the sector.
Supporting Developers, Designers, and Startups:
The “Dubai Program for Gaming 2033” is set to provide crucial support to developers, designers, programmers, and creative entrepreneurs. By creating an incubating environment for these stakeholders, Dubai aims to attract leading technology companies, particularly those specialising in digital content and experiences. This collaborative effort will further establish Dubai as a thriving hub for innovation and entrepreneurship in the gaming industry.
Metaverse Initiatives and the Metaverse Alliance:
During the announcement, Sheikh Hamdan also greenlit the launch of three metaverse initiatives, with a primary focus on the Metaverse Alliance. This global network aims to bring together government entities, international tech companies, entrepreneurs, and startups specialising in the metaverse world. The alliance’s purpose is to foster collaboration and partnerships for global and national projects centred around virtual worlds and interactions, identifying suitable partners among global tech firms, startups, and talented individuals.
Dubai’s ambitious “Dubai Program for Gaming 2033” is a testament to the city’s commitment to embracing the future of technology and gaming. With a focus on talent, content, and technology, the program aspires to not only transform Dubai into a gaming powerhouse but also contribute significantly to the emirate’s digital economy. Additionally, the introduction of metaverse initiatives, including the Metaverse Alliance, emphasises Dubai’s dedication to staying at the forefront of emerging technological trends. This visionary initiative reinforces Dubai’s status as a global innovation hub.
