Dubai to Showcase Gaming Plans at Gamescom 2025 in Germany

Dubai has announced that it will take part in Gamescom 2025, the world’s biggest gaming event, which will be held in Cologne, Germany, from 20 to 24 August 2025. This participation will be very special because Dubai will host the Middle East’s first-ever government pavilion at the event. This is seen as an important and historic step for the region’s gaming industry.

The move is part of Dubai’s larger plan to become one of the world’s top 10 gaming hubs by 2033. The pavilion at Gamescom will serve as a showcase for Dubai’s capabilities in the gaming sector, from its talented workforce to its advanced infrastructure.

A Showcase of Talent and Infrastructure

The pavilion will be run by the Dubai Programme for Gaming 2033 (DPG33). It will highlight Dubai’s skilled talent pool and its high-quality facilities for people working in the gaming industry. This includes spaces and support for game designers, developers, entrepreneurs, and production companies.

Several major government organisations will represent Dubai at this pavilion, including:

• Dubai Future Foundation (DFF)
• Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture)
• Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC)

These organisations will work together to promote Dubai’s gaming industry to global audiences.

Launch and Goals of DPG33

The Dubai Programme for Gaming 2033 was launched in November 2023 under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of DFF.

The programme has two big targets:

1. Boost Dubai’s GDP by $1 billion.
2. Create 30,000 new jobs in the gaming industry.

To achieve these goals, DPG33 is focusing on several areas:

• Good governance and regulation for the gaming industry.
• Training and talent development for young people and professionals.
• Building global partnerships with leading gaming companies.
• Supporting gaming businesses with resources and infrastructure.
• Engaging with the community to encourage gaming as a career and industry.

Words from H.H. Sheikha Latifa

H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture, said that Dubai’s presence at Gamescom 2025 shows the city’s growing role as a leader in creative and digital industries.

She explained that Dubai is strengthening its global competitiveness by focusing on innovation and future opportunities. According to her, the gaming sector is a space full of potential for creative entrepreneurship and economic growth.

She added that by supporting gaming, Dubai is empowering young creatives and entrepreneurs to turn their passion into successful projects with global impact. This will make Dubai’s creative economy stronger and create sustainable growth for the future.

Innovation and Partnerships for a Stronger Economy

Sheikha Latifa also said that Dubai’s participation at Gamescom will help build new international partnerships. These partnerships will help the emirate open up more opportunities for creative businesses and the gaming industry. She believes that by combining innovation, education, advanced technology, and talent development, Dubai is building an ecosystem where creative industries can flourish.

DFF CEO on Dubai’s Gaming Ambitions

Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of the Dubai Future Foundation, also shared his thoughts. He said Dubai is quickly becoming a top global destination for people and companies in the gaming industry.

According to him, DPG33 has created a clear 10-year roadmap to make Dubai a world leader in gaming. The city provides a strong support system for innovation and investment, which will help creators, entrepreneurs, and big companies succeed in this booming market.

Dubai Culture’s Commitment to Youth and Talent

Hala Badri, Director-General of Dubai Culture, described the electronic gaming sector as a key part of the creative economy. She said gaming is one of the fastest-growing and most innovative industries in the cultural field.

She explained that Dubai Culture has many initiatives to empower young people by helping them build their skills and explore opportunities in gaming. These efforts match the interests and ambitions of the new generation and move Dubai closer to its goal of being a global centre for innovation.

DMCC’s Role in Growing Dubai’s Gaming Sector

Ahmed bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and CEO of DMCC, emphasised that Gamescom is the largest global gathering for the gaming industry. It provides an unmatched opportunity to show the world Dubai’s fast-growing gaming capabilities.

He revealed that over 140 gaming companies are based in DMCC, making up 40% of Dubai’s gaming industry. The DMCC Gaming Centre is part of a larger tech and Web3 ecosystem that includes over 3,200 members. This ecosystem provides access to capital, business licensing, and connections with top industry partners, making it easier for gaming companies to grow in the region and internationally.

Rapid Growth Since DPG33’s Launch

Since DPG33 started in November 2023, Dubai’s gaming sector has grown very quickly. More than 60 new gaming companies have opened in the city. Today, Dubai is home to over 350 gaming companies, and about 74% of them specialise in game development.

Two-thirds of these companies have their headquarters in Dubai, and around 12% are major global technology companies. In 2025, DPG33 also worked with big industry names like Sony, Nvidia, Riot Games, and Xsolla to build partnerships and attract more investment to Dubai.

About Gamescom 2025

Gamescom is the world’s largest event for computer and video games. It brings together the global gaming community, both in-person and online. The 2025 edition will take place at the Koelnmesse exhibition centre in Cologne, Germany.

Organisers expect record attendance this year. The previous edition welcomed 335,000 visitors from 122 countries, and the numbers are expected to be even higher in 2025. Dubai’s participation in Gamescom will help it connect with leading global gaming companies, show its ambitions to the world, and form valuable industry relationships.

A Step Towards Dubai’s 2033 Gaming Vision

Dubai’s role at Gamescom 2025 is more than just a display — it is a strategic step towards its long-term vision of becoming a top 10 global gaming hub by 2033.

By highlighting its talent, infrastructure, and strong government support, Dubai is positioning itself as a centre for creativity, technology, and business opportunities in gaming. This presence will also help attract international companies and investors to set up and expand in Dubai, ensuring the emirate’s place on the global gaming map for years to come.