The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has established a reputation as a major gaming industry hotspot over the past few years.
More than three-quarters of the population are active gamers, making the country an attractive proposition for investors in the lucrative sector.
The UAE government supports the industry through funding, infrastructure and other long-term initiatives, contributing to a billion-dollar ecosystem that rivals other nations.
The country’s gaming market more than doubled in value in just one year, going from $484.1 million in 2023 to an astonishing $1.16 billion by the end of the following year.
It is expected to keep growing steadily for the next decade, with experts predicting an 8.34 percent compound annual growth rate (CAGR) through 2033.
Mobile Gaming & Regulatory Changes
Mobile gaming has become the backbone of the UAE’s fast-growing gaming economy. Most people in the country play games on their smartphones or tablets rather than consoles or computers.
Games on mobile are easy to access, can be played in short bursts and fit well into busy city lives where people are commuting or working flexible hours.
Players spend a significant amount of time on mobile games every day, and a large percentage of them pay real money to make in-app purchases.
Sports titles, battle royale games, racing games and casual experiences dominate the gaming charts, with global hits consistently ranking high among UAE players.
The quality of the infrastructure makes mobile gaming especially powerful. The country has high-speed internet and reliable cloud services that pave the way for mobile games to shine.
One of the most important recent developments in the UAE gaming landscape was the creation of the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA)
The GCGRA was set up by the government to oversee gaming activities, including online platforms, sports wagering, lottery systems and land-based facilities.
The regulatory authority also has a strong focus on protecting players through age checks, spending limits, cooling-off periods and anti-money laundering measures.
These clear rules make the UAE more attractive to well-funded companies looking to establish a footprint in the Middle East, and more of them are expected to jump on the bandwagon.
The Emergence of iGaming and eSports
Real-money online gaming traditionally existed in a grey area across the region due to strict local laws banning such practices.
However, things have started to change in the past couple of years, with the UAE leading the charge for a new era that includes a well-regulated gambling landscape.
The UAE has quietly legalised online betting platforms, allowing residents and visitors to gamble legally for the first time. They have put strict rules in place to control how iGaming operates.
Discussions around real money casinos in Dubai have drawn global attention. The GCGRA provides oversight of every gaming activity across the country, thus ensuring the sector operates responsibly.
The goal is not to make gambling widely available, but to offer limited, high-end gaming experiences that support local tourism and economic growth.
This appeals to international gambling companies as it ensures they know what to expect before venturing into the UAE’s heavily regulated online gaming market.
Phygital Gaming, Blockchain & AI
Another of the most eye-catching trends that has caught the UAE by storm is phygital gaming, where real-life physical sports and digital competition merge into a single experience.
The events appeal to fans who enjoy both athletic performance and interactive gameplay. They attract broader audiences and new sponsors, while giving people something exciting to enjoy.
Phygital gaming is not limited to tournaments. It is also applicable to theme parks, shopping malls and public spaces, where visitors can watch and interact with the event.
The UAE has also welcomed blockchain gaming, allowing players to own digital items they earn in-game, such as characters or rewards. They can earn tokens through gameplay.
Unlike speculative markets elsewhere, the UAE’s approach is built on structure and accountability. That makes it appealing to international companies and investors.
Blockchain tech works hand in hand with artificial intelligence (AI), which is also playing a major role in improving how games work behind the scenes.
AI helps personalise games to each player and keeps things fair by spotting cheating. It also makes game development faster and cheaper.
