Dubai: His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, attended the Dubai Gaming Retreat, organised by the Dubai Media Council, where he met representatives from 80 leading local and international gaming companies.
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum was accompanied by H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council.
The retreat brought together government and industry stakeholders to strengthen collaboration, identify shared priorities and explore initiatives that will support the next phase of growth for Dubai’s gaming sector.
Building the industries of tomorrow
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said: "Dubai’s success has always been driven by our ability to anticipate the future and turn ambition into reality. Building on the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, we are creating the environment for the industries of tomorrow to thrive, for talent to excel, and for Dubai-based ventures to drive the next era of economic growth."
His Highness added that the future of the gaming sector will be built through strong partnerships between the public and private sectors.
"Our ambition is not only to attract the world’s leading companies, but to create an environment where the next generation of global gaming companies can emerge from Dubai."
Expanding Dubai’s digital economy
H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, said: "Dubai continues to strengthen its media ecosystem by investing in industries shaping the future. Gaming is among the sector’s greatest opportunities, creating new avenues for talent, investment and innovation."
He added that the Dubai Gaming Retreat reflects Dubai’s commitment to accelerating growth, deepening collaboration and building one of the world’s most dynamic gaming ecosystems.
"By expanding gaming’s contribution to Dubai’s economy, we also advance the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and reinforce Dubai’s position as a global hub for digital technologies and the creative economy."
Industry and government collaboration
The retreat was attended by Her Excellency Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council; Her Excellency Nehal Badri, Secretary General of the Dubai Media Council; His Excellency Khalfan Belhoul, Chairman of the Dubai Gaming Committee; senior government officials; Hesham Al Olama, CEO of the Dubai Films and Games Commission; and representatives of leading gaming companies, developers, publishers, esports organisations and investors.
Focus on future growth
Her Excellency Mona Ghanem Al Marri said: "The strength of Dubai’s media sector has always been built on collaboration and a commitment to innovation. Gaming gives us the opportunity to write the next chapter of that story."
She added that Dubai’s ambition is to become a place where the future of gaming is imagined, built and shared with the world, transforming ideas into global success stories.
Discussions during the Dubai Gaming Retreat focused on five strategic priorities: talent, governance and regulation, funding, marketing, and infrastructure, with the aim of shaping future policies, partnerships and initiatives that support the continued growth of Dubai’s gaming ecosystem.