Sheikh Hamdan launches ‘Dubai Program for Gaming 2033’

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai has launched “Dubai Program for Gaming 2033”, an initiative that seeks to position the city among the top 10 cities in the global gaming industry.

The initiative is aimed at significantly increasing the sector’s contribution to the growth of the city’s digital economy and increasing the GDP by approximately $1bn by 2033.

It is expected to generate 30,000 new jobs in the gaming sector.

Sheikh Hamdan said, “Dubai will persist in aligning with global trends as it shapes and builds its digital economy, harnessing advanced technology and evaluating both current and forthcoming disruptions.”

The gaming programme was unveiled during a meeting of the Higher Committee for Future Technology and Digital Economy chaired by Sheikh Hamdan.

The meeting also saw the launch of three new initiatives under the “Dubai Metaverse Strategy”.

“The launch of these new initiatives demonstrates Dubai’s dedication to establishing a nurturing ecosystem for cutting-edge technological tools, solutions, and digital transformation,” said Sheikh Hamdan.

Dubai Program for Gaming 2033

The gaming programme seeks 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.

It will offer support to developers, designers, programmers, as well as entrepreneurs and startups in the creative industries.

“Dubai is well-positioned to tap into the vast opportunities within the gaming sector, which is estimated at approximately $200bn globally. We are strategically positioned to contribute to the advancement of emerging trends such as VR and AI, elevating them to provide even more immersive and realistic experiences,” Sheikh Hamdan added.

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 “Dubai Program for Gaming 2033”, which will be overseen by the Dubai Future Foundation, will focus on three main areas including talent, content, and tech. This is in line with various national strategies that aim to strengthen the UAE and Dubai’s digital economy.

The initiative aims to support entrepreneurs and innovators, as well as launch specialised educational and training programmes.

It will also provide opportunities for partnership and cooperation with individuals, companies and regulatory bodies locally, regionally and globally.

Three metaverse initiatives

Sheikh Hamdan also approved the launch of the “Metaverse Alliance”, “Metaverse Guidelines” and “Metaverse Pioneers” as part of the “Dubai Metaverse Strategy”, which aims to consolidate Dubai’s position as a world leader in metaverse development and a global hub for the metaverse community.

Commenting on the launch of the programme, Mario Pérez – CEO of MENATech Entertainment, said: “In 2023, the gaming industry not only faced unprecedented challenges but also harnessed innovative technologies to thrive. It’s on track to grow from $281bn this year to a staggering $665bn by 2030, dominating the entertainment world. The UAE stands out with the world’s highest percentage of adult video game players, with nine out of ten residents actively participating. GGTech Entertainment’s competition annual Amazon UNIVERSITY Esports saw participation from more than 8,000 university students from the region this year, indicating there is a strong presence of gamers in the young population.

“The Dubai Program for Gaming 2033 plays a pivotal role in forging new partnerships and promoting global collaboration, creating diverse job opportunities, attracting international talent, diversifying the UAE economy and marking the city as a global gaming hub.”

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