Dubai Targets 30,000 Gaming Jobs by 2033 as Industry Expands
Dubai is accelerating its push into the gaming industry, with plans to create around 30,000 gaming-related jobs by 2033.
Meanwhile, the wider Middle East continues to increase investment in gaming, esports and digital entertainment. Saudi Arabia expects the gaming sector to contribute more than $13 billion (SAR50 billion) to its economy by 2030.
Middle East Expands Gaming Ambitions
Governments across the Gulf have invested heavily in gaming events and infrastructure. Moreover, major esports competitions have helped the region attract large global audiences.
Saudi Arabia’s 2025 Esports World Cup attracted more than three million visits and generated over 750 million online views. However, major events alone may not create a sustainable gaming ecosystem.
Therefore, regional studios will need to develop original intellectual property and strong gaming communities. These efforts could help maintain audience interest between major competitions and events.
At the same time, the gaming industry is paying greater attention to female audiences. Games focused on aesthetics, customisation, collecting, self-expression and social interaction have gained greater prominence.
Moreover, women account for more than 37% of gamers across Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Egypt. Consequently, developers have an opportunity to reach audiences that gaming companies have historically underserved.
Advertising alone, however, may not be enough to expand the market. Developers will also need to create welcoming communities and design products that appeal to a broader range of players.
Mobile Gaming Creates Regional Opportunity
Meanwhile, the Middle East’s strong mobile gaming market could provide a significant competitive advantage. Smartphones serve as gaming devices for 87.2% of players across Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Egypt.
As a result, regional marketers have developed extensive experience in mobile user acquisition and long-term monetisation. However, console gaming could also expand as major releases attract more consumers.
For example, Grand Theft Auto VI could encourage more Gulf consumers to add consoles while continuing to play mobile games. Consequently, the region could see a growing population of multi-platform players.
This shift could also make player behaviour and long-term value more difficult to measure. Therefore, publishers may need better tools to understand consumers who move between gaming platforms.
Gaming Investment Set to Continue
Despite years of substantial spending, gaming investment across the Middle East could increase further. Moreover, the industry continues to become more community-focused, multi-platform and reliant on sophisticated measurement.
Dubai has recorded notable growth in its gaming business ecosystem. The number of gaming companies operating in the city increased from more than 368 in 2024 to 495 in 2026.
However, a rising number of companies does not automatically guarantee a sustainable creative industry. Therefore, developing successful studios and valuable intellectual property will remain essential.
Over the coming years, the Middle East could become increasingly important to global game publishers. Likewise, the region could strengthen its position as an international centre for esports and gaming events.
However, producing successful homegrown gaming businesses may prove more challenging than attracting major competitions and international titles. Ultimately, long-term success will depend on whether regional investment can create sustainable businesses, original games and globally competitive intellectual property.
