Dubai’s vision for the future of gaming took centre stage at Gamescom 2025, the world’s largest gaming event in Cologne, Germany. The Dubai Pavilion drew thousands of visitors, international delegations, and leading global companies eager to explore the vast opportunities offered by the emirate and the UAE in this rapidly growing sector.
The pavilion marked the first official government-led participation from the Middle East at Gamescom, bringing together three key entities: Dubai Future Foundation, Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), and Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC). Together, they highlighted Dubai’s commitment to becoming a leading global hub for gaming, creativity, and digital industries.
Pavilion visitors were also introduced to the ambitious Dubai Program for Gaming 2033 (DPG33), an integrated initiative aimed at placing Dubai in the world’s top 10 gaming destinations by 2033.
Unveiled 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 Dubai Future Foundation, the program will generate 30,000 new employment opportunities related to the gaming sector, while adding close to USD 1 billion to the emirate’s digital economy and GDP.
Commenting on the participation, Abdulaziz AlJaziri, Deputy CEO of Dubai Future Foundation, said: “Gamescom provided a unique platform to showcase Dubai’s vision and leadership in gaming, while highlighting the city’s attractiveness as a global destination for investment, talent, and partnerships. Dubai’s innovation-driven ecosystem offers unmatched support for creative, digital, educational, and entertainment industries, positioning the emirate as one of the world’s most competitive hubs for gaming companies and entrepreneurs.”
Faisal Kazim, head of the Dubai Program for Gaming 2033, said: “The international appeal of the Dubai Pavilion indicates the significant momentum behind our initiative to make Dubai a global destination for game development and creative innovation. Dubai has already achieved success in attracting hundreds of specialized gaming firms and companies from related sectors since the launch of DPG33, demonstrating the city’s capacity to create opportunities at scale.
Gamescom 2025 itself set new records, with 72 countries attending (from 64 in 2024), over 1,500 exhibitors, and an increased exhibition area of 233,000 square metres. The event solidified its position as the world’s home for the future of gaming, uniting international developers, publishers, investors, and fans.
