Dubai’s strategy to become a global gaming powerhouse is gaining significant traction, with the DMCC Gaming Center announcing its roster has expanded to more than 150 companies. The growth signals the emirate’s mounting influence in attracting international game developers, esports organizations, and Web3 ventures.
Quick Facts
- Now home to more than 150 gaming companies.
- Launched in 2022 to centralize the industry.
- Attracting global players like CI Games.
Building a Full-Stack Gaming Ecosystem
Speaking at GameExpo 2026, Belal Jassoma, Director of Ecosystems at DMCC, outlined how the center provides a crucial platform for the industry’s rapid growth. Launched in 2022, the initiative was designed to create one of the region’s largest gaming ecosystems by bringing together developers, publishers, and tournament operators.
Jassoma explained that the center’s core function is to help gaming companies establish, scale, and expand their operations from Dubai. This is achieved by providing direct access to a network of investors, strategic partners, and key industry contacts, streamlining the path to market for both startups and established studios.
Global Studios Set Up Shop in Dubai
The center’s membership has seen considerable growth over the past year, drawing in established global players looking for a gateway into markets across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
Recent notable additions include Artisan Studios, the developer behind the upcoming RPG Lost Hellden, and CI Games, the studio known for titles like Lords of the Fallen. The virtual reality platform SideQuest VR has also joined the growing list of companies operating from the DMCC.
This influx of international talent highlights the growing sophistication and appeal of Dubai’s gaming sector.
Gaming’s Reach Extends Beyond Entertainment
The industry’s expansion is occurring as gaming technology converges with other high-growth sectors like artificial intelligence and immersive experiences. Jassoma noted that gaming’s influence now has applications across automotive, energy, education, tourism, and real estate.
This trend prompted a recent partnership between DMCC and Unity to accelerate the adoption of real-time 3D technologies across multiple industries, reinforcing gaming’s role as a key driver of the digital economy.
Jassoma also pointed to the rising influence of content creators in driving audience engagement and game discovery, identifying them as an increasingly vital part of the industry’s economic value chain.
About DMCC Gaming Center
The DMCC Gaming Center is a specialized ecosystem within Dubai’s DMCC free zone dedicated to the gaming and esports industries. It provides a comprehensive environment for game developers, publishers, esports teams, and Web3 gaming companies to set up and scale their operations. The center offers access to industry-specific infrastructure, networking opportunities, and strategic partnerships to support the growth of the gaming sector in Dubai and the wider region.
Source: Fast Company Middle East
