Cologne, Germany— Dubai made history at Gamescom 2025, the world’s largest gaming expo, by unveiling its first official government-led pavilion, underscoring the emirate’s bold ambitions to become a global hub for gaming and digital innovation.
The Dubai Pavilion, organized jointly by the Dubai Future Foundation, Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), and the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), drew thousands of visitors, foreign delegations, and multinational corporations. It marked the Middle East’s first coordinated participation at Gamescom, signaling the UAE’s growing role in the fast-expanding gaming industry.
At the pavilion, Dubai presented its ambitious Dubai Program for Gaming 2033 (DPG33) — a comprehensive strategy launched by Crown Prince Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The initiative aims to position Dubai among the world’s top 10 gaming destinations by 2033, while adding nearly USD 1 billion to the economy and creating 30,000 new jobs in the gaming sector.
“Gamescom offered a unique platform to showcase Dubai’s vision and leadership in gaming, while highlighting the city’s attractiveness as a global destination for investment, talent, and partnerships,” said Abdulaziz AlJaziri, Deputy CEO of the Dubai Future Foundation.
Faisal Kazim, Director of the Dubai Program for Gaming 2033, added: “The international interest in the Dubai Pavilion reflects the strong momentum behind our efforts to establish Dubai as an international hub for game development and creative innovation.” Since the launch of DPG33, Dubai has already attracted hundreds of specialized gaming firms and related businesses, he noted.
Gamescom 2025 itself broke records with 72 participating countries (up from 64 in 2024), more than 1,500 exhibitors, and an expanded 233,000-square-meter exhibition space. The event once again confirmed its status as the premier global platform for the gaming industry, bringing together developers, publishers, investors, and fans from around the world.
