DPG33’s presence at Gamescom 2025 marks a historic milestone for the Middle East’s gaming industry. For the first time, a regional government pavilion will feature prominently at this global event, representing Dubai’s rapid ascent as a key player in digital creativity and gaming innovation. The pavilion brings together major Dubai government entities and spotlights the city’s vibrant talent, advanced facilities, and business-friendly environment designed to attract developers, entrepreneurs, and global corporations.The vision and strategic goals of DPG33Launched 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 Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), DPG33 aims to transform Dubai’s gaming sector with concrete targets and initiatives:
Government collaboration and industry support
The DPG33 pavilion at Gamescom will be jointly represented by the Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), and the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC). These entities form the backbone of Dubai’s strategy to integrate innovation, culture, and business infrastructure to support gaming.
- H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture, emphasized the pavilion’s role in showcasing Dubai as a global leader in digital creativity and innovation. She highlighted gaming as a powerful avenue for creative entrepreneurship and economic diversification. Supporting young creatives and entrepreneurs is central to Dubai’s vision of sustainable growth in the digital economy.
- Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of Dubai Future Foundation, underlined the importance of DPG33’s clear roadmap. He noted the program’s aim to leverage Dubai’s unique competitive advantages and create a supportive environment for innovation and investment.
- Hala Badri, Director-General of Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, stressed that electronic gaming is one of the fastest-growing segments of the creative economy. Through multiple initiatives, Dubai Culture is committed to empowering youth and emerging talents to grow their skills and engagement in gaming.
- Ahmed bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and CEO of DMCC, detailed DMCC’s role in hosting over 140 gaming companies, which represent 40% of Dubai’s gaming industry. DMCC’s Gaming Centre, part of a broader tech and Web3 ecosystem with over 3,200 members, provides essential infrastructure, capital access, licensing solutions, and industry partnerships to help businesses scale regionally and globally.
Dubai’s expanding gaming ecosystem and industry growth
Since its launch in late 2023, DPG33 has catalyzed significant growth in Dubai’s gaming sector:
- Over 350 gaming companies are now established in Dubai.
- Approximately 260 companies (74%) specialize in game development.
- 67% of gaming companies are headquartered in Dubai.
- 12% of these companies are major global technology firms.
- The program has facilitated partnerships with global industry leaders like Sony, Nvidia,
Riot Games , andXsolla . - More than 60 new gaming companies have launched in Dubai since DPG33’s inception.
This growth reflects Dubai’s strategic focus on creating a world-class ecosystem that combines advanced infrastructure, talent, and investment opportunities.
Gamescom 2025 – A global stage for Dubai’s gaming vision
Gamescom is the world’s largest event for computer and video games, attracting a diverse international community. The 2025 event at the Koelnmesse exhibition center is projected to surpass last year’s attendance, which drew 335,000 visitors from 122 countries.DPG33’s pavilion at Gamescom offers Dubai an unparalleled platform to present its expanding gaming capabilities and ambitions. It symbolizes the emirate’s commitment to fostering innovation, supporting creators, and building international partnerships that will help position Dubai as a leading gaming hub by 2033.
