Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism, through the Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Dubai SME), has launched GameForward, a new Dubai gaming accelerator in partnership with Dubai Culture and Arts Authority.

The initiative aims to empower Emirati game developers and strengthen Dubai’s growing game development ecosystem. It also reflects the emirate’s broader strategy to position itself as a global hub for digital innovation.

According to market intelligence firm Newzoo, the global gaming industry was forecast to reach revenues of US$188.8 billion (AED693.4 billion) in 2025. As a result, the programme targets a major market opportunity in the fast-expanding sector.

Moreover, GameForward will help developers turn ideas into commercially viable ventures. It supports Dubai’s efforts to build a resilient and diversified economy through technology and creative industries.

At the same time, the programme aligns with the objectives of the Dubai Films and Games Commission, operating under the Dubai Media Council. The commission is responsible for advancing the emirate’s film and gaming sectors.

In addition, the accelerator will conclude with a Demo Day during the Dubai Esports and Games Festival in May 2026. During the event, finalist teams will present their projects to industry experts, investors, and potential partners.

Furthermore, participating teams will compete for grants and post-programme support. The winning Dubai-based team will also receive global scaling assistance to expand beyond the UAE market.

The initiative is closely linked to the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. It enables national talent to participate in high-growth sectors and strengthens the city’s innovation-led entrepreneurship ecosystem.

It also supports Dubai SME’s long-term roadmap to help launch 27,000 new Emirati businesses by 2033. In parallel, it aligns with the Dubai Programme for Gaming 2033, which aims to place Dubai among the world’s top 10 gaming cities and create 30,000 new industry jobs.

Speaking on the launch, Ahmad Al Room Almheiri, Acting CEO of Dubai SME, said the programme focuses on building Dubai’s gaming economy from the ground up. He added that world-class training and mentorship will help ensure homegrown innovation remains central to the emirate’s digital future.

Meanwhile, Shaima Rashed Al Suwaidi, CEO of the Arts, Design and Literature Sector at Dubai Culture, said the initiative supports Emirati talent. She noted that it provides opportunities to foster innovation, develop ideas, and generate measurable value for the creative economy.

The programme is open to individual Emirati developers and teams with at least one Emirati founder. It targets aspiring creators and established developers seeking to scale existing projects.

The accelerator will begin in March 2026. It will deliver structured support across four pillars, including technical upskilling in game design, monetisation, and publishing, business readiness workshops, strategic mentorship, and ecosystem integration through Dubai Founders HQ.

Overall, the launch of GameForward highlights Dubai’s continued investment in innovation and entrepreneurship. Through this Dubai gaming accelerator, the emirate aims to develop national talent, attract investment, and strengthen its position in the global gaming industry.

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