Middle East’s inaugural presence at the world’s largest gaming event marks a bold step in Dubai’s quest to rank among the top 10 global gaming hubs by 2033.
Dubai is set to make history at Gamescom 2025 by hosting the Middle East’s first-ever government gaming pavilion, a landmark move that signals the emirate’s serious intent to cement its place in the global gaming arena. Running from August 20–24 in Cologne, Germany, the pavilion will serve as a high-profile showcase for the Dubai Programme for Gaming 2033 (DPG33) — the emirate’s $1 billion strategy to transform itself into a top 10 global gaming hub within the next decade.
The initiative will highlight Dubai’s rapidly growing gaming ecosystem, from local studios and startups to e-sports events, investment opportunities, and talent development programs. By placing the city on the global stage at the world’s largest gaming event, Dubai aims to attract international publishers, developers, and investors eager to tap into the MENA region’s fast-expanding gaming market.
“Gamescom offers a platform unlike any other — it’s where the future of gaming is imagined,” said representatives from the Dubai Government Media Office. “Our presence will show the world that Dubai is not just participating in the gaming revolution; we are helping shape it.”
With an industry projected to reach $5 billion in the MENA region by 2025, Dubai’s $1bn investment is designed to foster innovation, create thousands of jobs, and build infrastructure that supports every stage of the gaming value chain. DPG33 includes plans for gaming-specific zones, e-sports arenas, incubators, and training programs to develop world-class talent.
As the countdown to Gamescom 2025 begins, Dubai’s bold play is clear — it is not only inviting the world’s gaming leaders to see what it can offer, but also challenging them to reimagine the industry’s future with the emirate at its core.
