DUBAI: As a hub for the gaming sector, Dubai is attracting the industry’s elite players. The city has risen to prominence due to its dynamic business landscape, openness to investment, and high digital participation levels. The DMCC Gaming Centre has created an inviting space where gaming firms from across the globe can thrive.
Given the plethora of global industry players setting their sights on Dubai, gaming and esports enthusiasts can look forward to many exciting events. The city’s successful track record in hosting industry events is fueling this buzz.
Supported by its forward-looking policies and ability to exploit new sectors and technologies, Dubai is positioning itself as a major global gaming industry hub, particularly for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). This vibrant spirit has contributed to the city’s growing reputation, with regional gaming industry revenue predicted to exceed $5 billion by next year.
The last year’s Dubai Esports and Games Festival was a testament to the city’s ambition to rule the gaming scene. The international event, which spanned five action-packed days, drew over 1,800 industry mavens from around the world. The GameExpo Summit in Dubai featured new game launches, impressive exhibits, and a range of zones for all skill levels, captivating more than 26,000 visitors.
Approximately 75,000 of the world’s best gamers, both local and international, competed in a slew of esports tournaments and games, capturing the attention of the global gaming community. The inaugural influencer tournament, Play Beyond, featuring prominent gamers such as AboFlah, Miniminter, Granthinds, Demisux, Basharkk, Saeed Wolf, Bashayer, and Jukeyz was a highlight.
The DMCC Gaming Centre’s 2022 launch is a prime example of Dubai’s commitment to the gaming industry. Operated by Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), this hub offers a unique platform where industry professionals can network, collaborate, and uncover fresh opportunities. The facility fosters companies’ growth by providing seamless access to global capital, industry talent, a robust ecosystem, and a user-friendly digital setup process.
With around 100 gaming firms based in the free zone, including developers, publishers, esports teams, and event organizers, the DMCC Gaming Centre has become a regional hub. By hosting the DMCC Crypto Centre and offering connectivity and high-quality infrastructure, it fosters community among companies, creatives, developers, and gamers.
With around 3.2 billion gamers worldwide, the gaming industry has grown phenomenally since its inception in the 1970s, claims Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and CEO of DMCC. The DMCC Gaming Centre, together with the DMCC Crypto Centre, will help consolidate Dubai’s position as a global gaming and esports hub.
The MENA region is set to see its gamer population rise to 88 million by 2026 from 67.4 million in 2022. In comparison, MENA’s annual gaming market growth rate stands at an exceptional 25 percent, outpacing China’s 8 percent growth rate.
In the MENA region, mobile gaming accounts for roughly 65 percent of all gaming activity. According to DMCC’s studies, seven hours per week are dedicated to gaming by gamers aged between 25 and 40. As per DMCC’s recent ‘Gaming in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA): Geared for growth’ report, regional gaming revenues are expected to double by 2027, hitting $6 billion.
The growth of gaming and esports can be attributed to technological advancements and the expansion of the audience base. The sector’s popularity also benefits from high income levels, extensive digital engagement, and strategic public investment initiatives.
Bin Sulayem shed light on the massive market potential and said, “The influence of gaming has gained significant traction in the modern world, particularly in the MENA region, which now owns 15% of the global player base. As the gaming sector continues to grow, it will also have a profound influence on global markets and future trade.”
International gaming developers like Tencent, Riot Games, and Ubisoft have chosen Dubai as their regional headquarters because of its extraordinary business environment and strategic location. Given this flourishing gaming ecosystem, Dubai looks poised to further elevate the excitement around the gaming and esports industry.