Dubai’s strategy to become a global gaming powerhouse took a significant step forward as the Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Dubai SME) wrapped up the first edition of its GameForward accelerator. The program culminated with three Emirati studios winning grants and two securing publishing partnerships with PlayStation.
Quick Facts
- Three winning studios received production grants.
- Two studios secured PlayStation publishing partnerships.
- 16 Emirati-led studios participated in the program.
From Passion Projects to Commercial Ventures
Launched by Dubai SME, a part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, the GameForward accelerator was designed to help local gaming startups commercialize their products. The program supported 16 studios, representing 25 founders, and concluded with a Demo Day where participants pitched market-ready games to investors, publishers, and industry experts.
The initiative successfully shifted several participants from passion projects to operational studios with clear production plans. Participants received training in game design, monetization, go-to-market strategy, and investor pitching, alongside mentorship from global gaming specialists. According to Dubai SME, three teams have already reached the soft-launch stage, with more games expected to launch within the next year.
The program’s success was highlighted by tangible results: grants from the Mohammed Bin Rashid Fund for SMEs (MBRF) were awarded to three studios to fast-track production and market entry. Additionally, the game Cosmic Galaxy secured a PlayStation publishing deal through the program, joining two other Emirati studios from the cohort who also became official PlayStation partners.
A Strategic Push for a Global Gaming Hub
This initiative is a core component of the Dubai Program for Gaming 2033 (DPG33) and the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, which aims to double the city’s economy by 2033. The accelerator’s partnerships and outcomes signal Dubai’s commitment to building a robust digital and creative economy.
“Dubai is building more than a gaming sector – it is building an ecosystem where creative talent, entrepreneurship and market opportunity can translate into globally competitive businesses,” said His Excellency Khalfan Belhoul, Chairman of the Dubai Gaming Committee and CEO of Dubai Future Foundation.
“The success of GameForward demonstrates the strength of Dubai’s approach: connecting Emirati founders with world-class mentorship, publishing pathways and commercial opportunities that accelerate growth beyond the local market.”
Ahmad Al Room Almheiri, Acting CEO of Dubai SME, emphasized that the program reflects a long-term strategy to turn local creativity into viable businesses.
“The outcomes of this first cohort demonstrate that with the right infrastructure, partnerships and market access, Dubai-based studios can compete internationally and secure meaningful industry opportunities,” Almheiri stated.
About GameForward
GameForward is an accelerator program launched by Dubai SME in partnership with the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority. It aims to equip Emirati game developers with the technical and business skills needed to build commercially successful studios and intellectual property. The program connects local founders with global publishers, investors, and industry experts to support their growth and integration into the international gaming market.
Source: Fast Company ME
