The Race to Become the Next Gaming Hub
As gaming continues to evolve from a niche hobby to a mainstream form of entertainment, countries around the world are competing to establish themselves as the next gaming hub. Among these contenders, the UAE and Saudi Arabia are in the race to becoming the next gaming hub in the region attracting attention from developers, investors, and gamers alike.
Where will the next gaming hub be in the region?
Will it be Saudi Arabia, with its ambitious 2030 vision plan, setting its sights on becoming a regional powerhouse in the gaming industry? Or could it be the UAE through the support of the “Dubai Program for Gaming 2033,” overseen by the Dubai Future Foundation and led by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai?
The “Dubai Program for Gaming 2033” aims to promote the gaming industry by offering support to developers, designers, programmers, and entrepreneurs in the creative industries. It's projected to generate over 30,000 new jobs in the sector! This is exciting news for both recruiters and job seekers in this field.
As a business, we've already seen a significant increase in demand for various gaming/esports-focused roles across the KSA and UAE, including but not limited to; designers, producers, testers, and developers. With the recent gaming initiatives announced, we anticipate this demand will continue to grow each year, as we get closer to 2030! There's even talks about introducing a ‘Gaming Visa’ for gamers aged over 25 who wish to relocate to the UAE. Stay tuned for more updates...
The Middle East may not be the first region that comes to mind when you think about gaming, however, in recent years, the gaming scene in this region has undergone a dramatic transformation. With a young and tech-savvy population and tax-free earnings, the Middle East has become an attractive market for gaming companies looking to expand their reach. Countries such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia have been at the forefront of this gaming revolution, investing heavily in state-of-the-art infrastructure, fostering a vibrant gaming community, and attracting top talent from around the world.
The UAE has recently hosted major gaming events such as the Middle East Games Con, Dubai Gaming Festival, GameExpo, and the GameExpo Summit, further cementing its position as a premier gaming destination.
Looking Ahead… As the competition intensifies, the race to become the next gaming hub in the Middle East is far from over.
Nevertheless, with the right strategies and investments, the Middle East has the potential to emerge as global leaders in the gaming industry. In conclusion, the race to become the next gaming hub in the Middle East represents an exciting opportunity for countries in the region to showcase their potential on the global stage. As they compete for supremacy, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and other potential Middle East nations are poised to play a significant role in shaping the future of the gaming industry.
If you're a job seeker interested in exploring opportunities within the gaming and esports sector, or if you'd like to discuss market trends and how Charterhouse can assist you, please don't hesitate to reach out to our expert, Tommy Shepherd at tshepherd@charterhouse.ae
