All about the Dubai Program for Gaming (DPG33)
With the passage of time, newer industries are rapidly replacing old ones. The Dubai government has undertaken multiple steps to ensure that the city embraces this change and creates opportunities for its residents. One such initiative was launched recently by the His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE. Announced in November 2023, this programme aims to make Dubai one of the top 10 cities in the global gaming industry by 2033 (DPG33). Here is all you need to know about Dubai Program for Gaming.
ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT DUBAI PROGRAM FOR GAMING 2023
The global gaming industry has grown substantially in the last decade or so and the pace is likely to pick up further. According to some estimates, the global gaming industry would be worth USD 212.4 billion by 2026. Hence, governments around the world are coming up with policies to establish gaming industries and attracting top talents to their countries.
The Dubai Program for Gaming is a step in this direction. The government aims to create around 30,000 new jobs and increase the sector’s contribution to the GDP up to USD 1 billion in the next decade.
To achieve this goal, as part of the programme, the government will provide support to developers, designers and programmers. Entrepreneurs will be encouraged to base their starts-ups in Dubai. The programme will be overseen by the Dubai Future Foundation and will be focused on three areas — namely talent, content and technology.
The plan is to bring together digital creators and provide training as well as employment opportunities with top global companies, academic institutes and universities. Educational training will also be launched to help innovators and entrepreneurs.
Along with the Dubai Program for Gaming 2033, as part of the Dubai Metaverse Strategy, three other initiatives were launched by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE. These include the Metaverse Alliance, Metaverse Pioneers and Metaverse Guidelines. This will be part of Web3 which entails decentralisation, blockchain, openness and greater user utility among its core components.
Dubai Metaverse Strategy, which was announced last year, had an aim to create 40,000 virtual jobs and raise the GDP contribution of the industry up to USD 4 billion by 2027.
In all, 25 initiatives have been launched and there have been different events such as PlayStation Develop MENA, DPG33 Presents: NVIDIA RTX AI Gamecraft and Introduction: World Building Using Unreal Editor for Fortnite to get the ball rolling towards the final goal.
SETTING UP IN DUBAI
To set up a gaming company in the emirate, you need to take the following steps:
- Identify your business activity
- Understand the regulations
- Choose a business structure
- Apply for a trade licence
- Submit Metaverse Services Provider licence application
- Seek additional approvals
- Submit Visa applications
- Open a bank account
There are multiple free zones, which are incentivising gaming companies to set up shop with discounts on fees, access to incubators, investment support, visa packages and more.
The list includes:
- Starting at AED 30.9k/year, Dubai Multi Commodities Centre
- Starting at AED 40k/year, Dubai Internet City
- Starting at AED 12.5k/year, Meydan Free Zone
- Starting at AED 15k/year, Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Centre
TRAINING
Pixel Machina offers tailored courses for game development and design. Some of the courses conducted are:
- Game Design & Development workshop with Unreal Engine 5
- Unreal Engine Workshop on Immersive Worldbuilding for Virtual Reality
- Introduction: World Building Using Unreal Editor for Fortnite (UEFN)
WHAT ARE THEY SAYING?
Here is what H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, Chairman of Dubai Executive Council and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Dubai Future Foundation said about the programme.
“Through the launch of ‘Dubai Program for Gaming 2033,’ our objective is to establish an incubating environment for developers and to draw leading technology companies from across the globe, particularly those specialising in digital content and experiences. The programme will offer support to developers, designers, programmers, as well as entrepreneurs and startups in the creative industries.
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
FAQS ABOUT DUBAI GAMING PROGRAM
WHICH ARE THE BEST GAMING CAFES IN DUBAI?
Want to enjoy a gaming session with your friends? Here is a list of the top gaming cafes in Dubai.
WHICH ARE THE BEST GAME STORES IN DUBAI FOR GAMES AND CONSOLES?
Want to buy a new console? Places like VR Park and Arena Games are some of the most popular game stores in Dubai that you can consider. Dubai Program for Gaming is an initiative that is likely to pay dividends in the long run. Physical sports are a multi-million dollar industry but gaming is catching up too. With such a programme, Dubai will be ready to benefit from the industry’s growth in the future. The Dubai Program for Gaming plan would open up opportunities for many skilled professionals.
