The Dubai Programme for Gaming will debut the region’s first government pavilion at Gamescom 2025, showcasing the city’s gaming ambitions.
DUBAI: The Dubai Programme for Gaming 2033 (DPG33) is set to make history by hosting 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. The pavilion will highlight Dubai’s ambition to become one of the world’s top 10 gaming hubs by 2033.
Launched in November 2023 under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, DPG33 aims to contribute $1 billion to Dubai’s GDP and create 30,000 jobs in the gaming sector. The Gamescom pavilion will showcase Dubai’s talent pool, infrastructure, and opportunities for game designers, developers, and entrepreneurs, with participation from the Dubai Future Foundation, Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, and Dubai Multi Commodities Centre.
H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture, said the presence at Gamescom reflects Dubai’s leadership in creative and digital industries and its commitment to innovation and international partnerships. Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of the Dubai Future Foundation, emphasised DPG33’s 10-year roadmap to build a world-class gaming ecosystem. Hala Badri, Director-General of Dubai Culture, noted the sector’s potential for creative entrepreneurship, while Ahmed bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman of DMCC, highlighted that 40% of Dubai’s gaming industry operates within DMCC’s Gaming Centre.
Since its launch, DPG33 has driven rapid growth, with over 60 new gaming companies joining Dubai’s 350-strong gaming sector. Partnerships with Sony, Nvidia, Riot Games, and Xsolla have further strengthened the ecosystem.
Gamescom 2025 is expected to draw record attendance following last year’s success, which welcomed 335,000 visitors from 122 countries. Dubai’s pavilion will place the emirate on the global stage, attracting investment, fostering innovation, and offering a launchpad for the region’s gaming talent.
