Dubai: The Dubai Programme for Gaming 2033 (DPG33) is set to host the Middle East's first-ever government pavilion at Gamescom 2025, the world's largest gaming event, taking place in Cologne, Germany, from 20-24 August. Marking a historic milestone for the region's gaming sector, the pavilion highlights Dubai's commitment to becoming one of the world's top 10 global gaming hubs by 2033.
According to Emirates News Agency, the DPG33 pavilion will showcase the city's talent pool, as well as its exceptional facilities and infrastructure for game designers, developers, entrepreneurs, and production companies. Representing the Dubai government at the pavilion are the Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), and the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC).
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, DPG33 aims to boost the emirate's GDP by $1 billion and create 30,000 jobs in the gaming sector. The programme focuses on advancing governance, talent development, global partnerships, industry support, and community engagement, aiming to create a vibrant ecosystem for gaming companies.
H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, affirmed that Dubai's participation with an official government pavilion at Gamescom underscores the emirate's position as a leading hub for creative and digital industries. She stated that Dubai continues to strengthen its global competitiveness by focusing on innovation and exploring future opportunities. The presence at Gamescom reflects the emirate's growing leadership in digital creativity and its ambition to position Dubai among the world's top 10 gaming hubs by 2033.
Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of DFF, emphasized that Dubai is rapidly becoming a top global destination for people and businesses involved in the gaming industry following the launch of DPG33. The programme has set out a clear 10-year roadmap to establish Dubai as a global leader in the gaming sector. By providing a supportive framework for innovation and investment, Dubai is building a vibrant ecosystem to support creators, entrepreneurs, and multinational corporations in the gaming industry.
Hala Badri, Director-General of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, remarked on the significance of the electronic gaming sector as a vital pillar of the creative economy. She highlighted Dubai Culture's commitment to empowering young people and emerging talent to build their skills and discover new pathways in this dynamic field, advancing Dubai's vision to be a leading global center for innovation.
Ahmed bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and CEO of DMCC, noted that Gamescom offers an unmatched platform to spotlight Dubai's rapidly expanding capabilities. He emphasized that DMCC provides the infrastructure and connectivity to help global gaming businesses scale up in the region and beyond.
Since the launch of DPG33, Dubai's gaming sector has grown significantly, with over 60 new gaming companies establishing themselves. Dubai is now home to more than 350 gaming companies, with a majority specializing in game development. In 2025, DPG33 engaged with companies like Sony, Nvidia, Riot Games, and Xsolla to foster partnerships and attract investment. Gamescom 2025 is expected to attract record attendance, welcoming visitors from around the world.