POWER GROWTH OF DUBAI GAMING ECOSYSTEM
The Dubai GameExpo Summit, powered by PG Connects, and in partnership with the Dubai Economy & Tourism department (DET) is an annual business-to-business event for the international games industry that took place in Dubai. The conference gathered professionals from various sectors of the gaming industry, including developers, publishers, distributors, tool providers, and investors, to share knowledge, network, and discuss current trends, challenges, and opportunities in the global gaming market.
The summit featured over 100 renowned speakers from the games industry worldwide, delivering insightful talks, panels, and seminars, and was held alongside the larger GameExpo event at the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC), part of the Expo City Dubai on 1st and 2nd May 24 at DWTC, Dubai. The conference is designed to foster collaboration and innovation, providing a platform for industry professionals to exchange ideas, form partnerships, and explore new business opportunities.
The Dubai GameExpo Summit featured an impressive lineup of distinguished speakers, including influential figures from various sectors of the gaming industry and government entities. Some of the notable speakers were: H.E. Aisha Abdulla Miran, Director General, Knowledge & Human Development Authority (KHDA); Hadi Badri, CEO, Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET); Dr. Marwan Alzarouni, Strategic Advisor, Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET); and Abdullah Al Gaoud, Director – Digital Economy, Dubai Chambers; amongst others.These industry leaders, along with many others, shared their insights, experiences, and visions for the future of the gaming industry in Dubai and beyond, contributing to the success of the summit and reinforcing Dubai’s commitment to becoming a global gaming hub.
As the gaming industry continues to evolve and grow, events like the Dubai GameExpo Summit play a crucial role in shaping its future. By bringing together key players in the industry and promoting dialogue and collaboration, the summit contributes to the ongoing development and success of the global gaming market.
The Dubai GameExpo Summit 2023 was a two-day event that offered a variety of activities, including keynote speeches, panel discussions, fringe events, and networking sessions. The summit attracted over 1,800 industry professionals from around the globe, including publishers, developers, service providers, and investors.
The Dubai GameExpo Summit 2023 featured a packed schedule of informative talks and interactive sessions, providing attendees with valuable insights into the latest developments in the gaming industry. Each day was filled with opportunities for participants to engage with industry leaders, shared their experiences and expertise, and gained a deeper understanding of the current trends and developments shaping the gaming market.
The Dubai GameExpo Summit served as an ideal platform for companies to showcase their latest products and services. Exhibitors had the opportunity to display their offerings in the exhibition hall, giving attendees a hands-on experience with the newest games and technologies.
This interactive environment allowed companies to gather valuable feedback from potential customers, helping them refine their products and identify new market opportunities. Exhibitors engaged with industry professionals and consumers alike, fostering connections and potential partnerships that can drive innovation and growth in the gaming industry.
As part of the larger Dubai Esports and Games Festival 2023 (DEF), the summit provided an unparalleled setting for companies to showcase their latest innovations and contributions to the gaming world. By bringing together key players from various sectors of the industry, the event promoted collaboration and the exchange of ideas, ultimately contributing to the continued success and evolution of the global gaming market.
Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals & Retail Establishment (DFRE), added: “The GameExpo Summit 2024 marked an important milestone in our journey to elevate esports and gaming in the UAE. Nurturing this growing community and driving long-term investment into this sector remains a key focus for us, guiding our efforts to bolster Dubai’s position as a global gaming hub. We are thrilled to have facilitated crucial discussions amongst industry leaders, government entities, and renowned gaming brands, while providing a robust knowledge-building and networking platform for businesses from across the region. Amidst a fast-developing industry and a growing gaming consumer base, the Summit marked inspiring progress in driving investment in an evolving ecosystem, while cultivating the next generation of games businesses in the region.”
Hadi Badri’s statement reflects the ambitious vision that Dubai has set for itself in the gaming industry. The city has made significant investments in infrastructure and is determined to become a global crossroads for knowledge sharing and networking within the games industry.
Dubai has emerged as a key player in the global gaming industry, driven by its commitment to fostering innovation and growth in the sector. The city’s strategic vision, outlined in the Dubai Program for Gaming 2033, aims to position Dubai among the top 10 global gaming hubs, creating 30,000 new jobs and contributing approximately USD 1 billion to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2033.
The Dubai Gaming and Esports Group serves as a catalyst for the city’s gaming ambitions, with a mission to establish Dubai as a premier destination and hub for the gaming and esports industry. The group fosters talent, facilitates collaboration, and promotes cutting-edge technologies to support the sector’s growth.Dubai’s thriving gaming ecosystem is supported by various stakeholders, including government entities, educational institutions, and private companies.
This collaborative effort has led to the establishment of world-class gaming centers, esports facilities, and events, attracting both local and international players.As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, Dubai remains at the forefront of innovation, actively shaping global trends and contributing to the growth of the industry. With its commitment to fostering talent, promoting collaboration, and embracing emerging technologies, Dubai is poised to play a crucial role in the future of gaming and esports.
Hadi Badri, CEO of Dubai Economic Development Corporation (DEDC), said: “Dubai has rapidly become a major gaming and esports hub, and from start-ups to multinationals, businesses are choosing the city to accelerate their growth. By investing in the right infrastructure, the city is creating an environment conducive to innovation, creativity, and technological development. The successful hosting of GameExpo Summit 2024 has added further momentum, allowing us to reach a highly-engaged audience and showcase Dubai’s commitment to growing the sector. In line with the goals of the Dubai Program for Gaming 2033, to position Dubai among the top 10 cities in the global gaming industry, we are committed to offering a secure and dynamic environment for entrepreneurs and businesses from around the world, and fostering a climate where innovative ideas and ventures can flourish.”
Hadi Badri, CEO of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, welcomed attendees to the Dubai Game Expo Summit 2024. He highlighted Dubai’s commitment to becoming a global gaming hub and outlined the ambitious goals of the Dubai program for gaming in 2033.
Abdulla AlGaoud – Dubai Chambers said, Dubai’s Vision is to position itself as one of the top 10 cities in the global gaming industry, create 30,000 new jobs, and contribute $1 billion annually to the economy by 2033.
Supportive Environment: Dubai offers a pro-business environment, investment-friendly policies, and dedicated platforms for gaming businesses.
Infrastructure and Connectivity: Dubai’s world-class infrastructure and strategic location make it a global crossroads for knowledge sharing and networking.
Focus on Innovation and Creativity: Dubai encourages innovation, collaboration, and creativity in the gaming industry.
A Thriving Ecosystem: Dubai provides a vibrant ecosystem for gamers, developers, and enthusiasts, with state-of-the-art infrastructure and unwavering government support.
Abdulla emphasized Dubai’s commitment to fostering the growth of the gaming industry and its potential to become a global gaming hub.
According to Analysys Mason gaming report, the digital gaming market in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region has witnessed significant growth in recent years and is expected to continue its upward trajectory. According to industry reports, the market is projected to reach approximately USD4.0 billion in 2023, with an estimated 380 million players, accounting for roughly 65% of the region’s population. This impressive growth is expected to continue at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 12%, reaching an estimated USD6.9 billion by 2028.
Mobile gaming dominates the MENA gaming market, representing about 80% of the market share. The availability of games across digital and physical platforms, evolving business models to cater to gamer preferences, and diverse payment options have contributed to the sector’s expansion. As the market continues to modernize and update, it remains a popular form of entertainment, with constant innovation driving growth.With a projected revenue of USD15.25 billion in 2024 and an expected CAGR of 7.88% from 2024 to 2029, the MENA gaming market is poised for significant expansion. This growth is further supported by the increasing popularity of esports in the region, accounting for over 56% of the global esports market share in combination with the Asia region. As the gaming industry continues to evolve and cater to the needs of gamers, the MENA region is expected to play an increasingly important role in the global gaming landscape.
At the Dubai GameExpo Summit 2024, the panel discussion titled “How to Supercharge Esports’ Growth in 2024 and Beyond” featured several industry experts who provided insights into the future of esports. Here are some key takeaways based on the panelists involved:
Panelists – Vikas Goel – EsportsXO
Rashed Alawar – Dubai Police
Jaime Cruz – MOONTON Games
Baz Nijjar – Education Technology
Saad Khan – Gamers Hub Media Events & Game Centric
Helmi Abdalhadi – Serviceplan Middle East
Fernando Pereira – XTEND3D
Some key takeaways from the panel discussion include:
1. Growth Strategies for Esports – The panel emphasized the importance of developing robust infrastructures to support esports events and fostering a supportive environment for esports athletes and organizations, including better venues and technology integration. This is crucial for accommodating larger audiences and enhancing the overall experience.
2. Community Engagement – Building a strong community around esports was highlighted as a key factor in driving growth. Engaging local gamers through tournaments, workshops, and educational initiatives can foster a loyal fan base.
3. Collaboration with Authorities – Rashed Alawar from Dubai Police discussed the role of local authorities in ensuring safe and secure environments for esports events, which is essential for attracting both participants and spectators.
4. Technological Innovation – The integration of cutting-edge technologies such as AI and VR was noted as a way to enhance gameplay and viewer engagement. Fernando Pereira from XTEND3D pointed out how immersive technologies could revolutionize the spectator experience.Leveraging emerging technologies like AI and Web3 to create innovative experiences and engage with fans in new ways.
5. Monetization Models – The panelists explored various monetization strategies, including sponsorships, merchandise, and digital content sales, to ensure sustainable growth for esports organizations.
6. Education and Talent Development – Baz Nijjar emphasized the need for educational programs that focus on game design, programming, and event management to nurture the next generation of talent in the esports industry.Recognizing the value of education and knowledge-sharing platforms in nurturing future talents and industry professionals.
7. Regional Focus – The MENA region’s potential for esports growth was a recurring theme, with discussions on how local culture and interests could be leveraged to create unique gaming experiences that resonate with audiences.
8. Ecosystem growth- Encouraging partnerships between local and international stakeholders to strengthen the esports scene and create opportunities for regional talents.
In conclusion, the panel discussion at the Dubai GameExpo Summit 2024 provided valuable insights into how stakeholders can collaborate to supercharge the growth of esports in 2024 and beyond, focusing on community engagement, technological advancements, and sustainable business models.