Recently, the United Arab Emirates' Dubai announced the launch of the Dubai Program for Gaming 2033 (DPG33), a comprehensive initiative to support the development of the gaming industry. The program aims to elevate Dubai to one of the top ten cities in the global gaming industry, using the gaming sector to drive the growth of Dubai's digital economy. The Dubai government aims for the gaming industry to contribute approximately $1 billion to Dubai's GDP by 2033.
One of the key measures includes issuing "gaming visas" to global gaming professionals, aiming to enhance Dubai's international competitiveness and attract game developers, artists, and content creators to live in Dubai. It is understood that gamers, gaming professionals, and content creators over the age of 25 can apply for this long-term visa. Applicants need to obtain a Certificate of Creativity and Talent and must first submit their applications through the official website. Although the Dubai government has not listed other strict qualification requirements, applicants are still required to submit their resumes, educational backgrounds, and other information for review.
The Dubai Future Foundation oversees the implementation of this gaming program, focusing on three main areas: talent, content, and technology. The foundation aims to "create a global platform in Dubai, bringing together digital content creators and collaborating with international companies, universities, and academic institutions to provide training and employment opportunities. It will also support entrepreneurs and innovators and launch dedicated education and training programs." Dubai hopes to establish a global cultural and artistic platform, aiming to become the global creative economy center by 2026, breaking the current over-reliance on oil for economic development and striving to develop a diversified economy. Dubai's long-term goal is to create 30,000 gaming-related jobs, bring a $1 billion boost to GDP, and become a leading city in the global gaming industry.
However, it is worth noting that Dubai's population is only around 3 million, and the UAE's population is only around 9 million. With a small population base, the gaming market is relatively narrow, and the density of gaming talent is not high. The planning of related projects is still in its early stages, and supporting policies are yet to be further refined. The attractiveness of this project to relevant professionals may not meet expectations.