Dubai will make history at Gamescom 2025, the world’s largest gaming event, by hosting the Middle East’s first-ever government gaming pavilion. The event takes place from 20 to 24 August in Cologne, Germany, and will spotlight Dubai’s goal of becoming one of the world’s top 10 global gaming hubs by 2033 through the Dubai Program for Gaming 2033 (DPG33).

The DPG33 pavilion will present Dubai’s growing gaming ecosystem, including its talented workforce, state-of-the-art facilities, and opportunities for developers, designers, and entrepreneurs. Three key government entities will represent Dubai at the pavilion – Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, and Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC).

Launched in November 2023 under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, DPG33 aims to boost the city’s GDP by $1 billion and create 30,000 jobs in the gaming sector. The program focuses on industry governance, talent development, global partnerships, and community engagement to build a thriving gaming hub.

Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture, said Dubai’s presence at Gamescom shows its strength in innovation and digital creativity. She highlighted that gaming offers opportunities for creative entrepreneurship and economic growth while empowering young talent to turn their passion into impactful ventures.

DFF CEO Khalfan Belhoul added that DPG33 provides a clear 10-year roadmap to make Dubai a leader in the gaming industry by offering strong support for innovation, investment, and global collaboration.

Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture, emphasized gaming’s role as a fast-growing creative industry, while Ahmed bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and CEO of DMCC, noted that more than 140 gaming companies – 40% of Dubai’s gaming industry – are already based in DMCC’s dedicated Gaming Centre.

Since the launch of DPG33, Dubai has seen rapid sector growth, with over 60 new gaming companies established. Today, the city hosts more than 350 gaming firms, including major players like Sony, Nvidia, Riot Games, and Xsolla, many of which have partnered with DPG33 to invest in the region.

Gamescom 2025 is expected to attract record attendance, following last year’s 335,000 visitors from 122 countries. For more details on Dubai’s gaming initiatives, visit dubaigaming.gov.ae.