As the global gaming industry surpasses $200 billion in annual revenue and continues to grow rapidly, cities worldwide are competing to establish themselves as hubs for game development, publishing, and digital entertainment. Dubai is making strategic moves to position itself at the forefront of this transformation through the Dubai Program for Gaming 2033 (DPG33).

In a significant step forward, the Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with XSOLLA, a leading global video game commerce company, to help accelerate Dubai’s ambitions in the sector. The partnership supports the goals of DPG33, which include creating 30,000 new jobs and adding an additional $1 billion to Dubai’s GDP by 2033 by fostering innovation, investment, and ecosystem growth.

DPG33, launched in November 2023 under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the DFF Board of Trustees, aims to position Dubai among the top 10 global gaming hubs within a decade. The MoU was signed during Dubai’s participation at Gamescom 2025 in Germany, where DFF led a pavilion showcasing local developers and gaming initiatives.

Under the agreement, DFF and XSOLLA will collaborate on thought leadership, content development, monetisation strategies, infrastructure, and talent development.

“There’s a real appetite to explore and partner with one of the industry’s most promising markets,” said Abdulaziz AlJaziri, Deputy CEO of DFF, noting Dubai’s strengths in infrastructure and investment under DPG33.

With growing visibility for Dubai-based studios such as iBLOXX and Artisan Studios, the partnership is expected to help local developers scale and monetise their games globally, leveraging XSOLLA’s platform and supporting Dubai’s broader digital economy objectives.