An IMGW.News Report:
In a strategic move seen by many as a game-changer for the global gaming industry, Dubai has unveiled the Dubai Gaming Visa as part of the comprehensive Dubai Programme for Gaming 2033 (DPG 2033). This initiative aims to attract top talent, foster local expertise, and create a vibrant gaming ecosystem in the city, heralding a new era for Dubai’s economic and cultural landscape.
“Gaming revenues in the Middle East region hit a staggering $1.92 billion in 2023, with projections soaring to $3.14 billion by 2025.”
The Dubai Gaming Visa offers long-term residency to gamers, content creators, and industry professionals from around the world, providing them with a stable and secure environment to advance their careers. Successful applicants will receive a Creative and Talented Accreditation Certificate, enhancing their professional profiles and opening up numerous career opportunities in Dubai’s burgeoning gaming industry.
Gaming revenues in the Middle East region hit a staggering $1.92 billion in 2023, with projections soaring to $3.14 billion by 2025. The UAE’s dynamic gaming landscape, anchored in Dubai, attracts developers from around the world, drawn by a combination of innovation, investment, and an environment ripe for creativity.
The Dubai Programme for Gaming 2033 has several core objectives, all of which revolve around cultivating a thriving and sustainable gaming industry within the city. By offering long-term residency and accreditation, Dubai aims to attract skilled gamers, developers, content creators, and other industry professionals, enhancing the quality and diversity of the local gaming industry. The program includes specialised educational programs, workshops, and events designed to develop local talent, ensuring a steady pipeline of skilled professionals who can contribute to the industry’s growth.
Additionally, the initiative offers funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities to support entrepreneurs and start-ups, fostering innovation and driving the development of new games and technologies. Dubai plans to host tournaments, leagues, and other events, positioning itself as a leading esports hub, which will not only attract international attention but also generate significant economic activity. By promoting research and development, the programme seeks to drive the creation of cutting-edge technologies and games, keeping Dubai at the forefront of the global gaming industry.
Supporting this growth, the DMCC Gaming Centre was created to cater to the demand and potential that gaming holds in the region. The centre is now a thriving hub where over 100 gaming companies collaborate and innovate. Leading Dubai’s technological advancement in gaming is His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince, with initiatives like the Dubai Program for Gaming 2033 and investments in metaverse technologies. This program aims to tap into the $200 billion global gaming market, projected to add over $4 billion to Dubai’s annual GDP and create 27,000 additional jobs by 2030.
For those in the gaming industry, the Dubai Gaming Visa offers a multitude of benefits. Long-term residency provides stability and security, allowing professionals to focus on their careers without the worry of frequent visa renewals. Accreditation certificates recognise expertise and significantly enhance professional profiles. Dubai’s gaming industry offers abundant job opportunities with the potential for high salaries in a tax-free environment, maximising earnings. The visa facilitates access to a vibrant community of industry professionals, fostering collaboration and innovation. Residents will have access to cutting-edge gaming facilities and technology, providing them with the tools needed to excel in their fields.
To be eligible for the Dubai Gaming Visa, applicants must meet specific criteria. They must be at least 25 years old and have a proven track record and expertise in the gaming industry, whether as a professional player, content creator, developer, or in other relevant roles. Applicants must submit a comprehensive gaming-related CV, a copy of their passport, and optionally, educational qualifications and proof of community contributions.
The launch of the Dubai Gaming Visa marks a significant milestone in Dubai’s ambitious plan to become a major player in the global gaming industry. By attracting top talent, fostering local expertise, and creating a dynamic gaming ecosystem, Dubai is set to drive economic growth and enhance its international reputation. This initiative promises to transform the city into a thriving hub for gaming talent and innovation, potentially redefining the future of the gaming industry on a global scale. As the world watches, Dubai’s bold move could indeed reshape the landscape of gaming, making it a cornerstone of the city’s economic and cultural development.