The Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Dubai SME), part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), in partnership with the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), has launched GameForward, a new accelerator program designed to support Emirati game developers and strengthen Dubai’s game development ecosystem.

The initiative targets growth opportunities in the global gaming industry, which is projected to generate $188.8 billion in revenue in 2025, according to market intelligence firm Newzoo.

GameForward aims to help Emirati developers turn ideas into commercially viable ventures, contributing to Dubai’s broader economic diversification efforts. The program aligns with the objectives of the Dubai Films and Games Commission (DFGC), the government entity under the Dubai Media Council responsible for developing the emirate’s film and gaming sectors.

The accelerator will conclude with a Demo Day at the Dubai Esports and Games Festival in May 2026, where finalist teams will pitch their projects to industry leaders and investors. The winning Dubai-based team will receive post-program support and international scaling assistance.

GameForward also supports the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) by enabling national talent to participate in high-growth sectors and strengthening Dubai’s innovation-driven entrepreneurship ecosystem. The initiative forms part of Dubai SME’s broader mandate to expand Emirati entrepreneurship, in line with its target to support the creation of 27,000 new Emirati businesses by 2033.

In addition, the program aligns with the Dubai Program for Gaming 2033, which aims to position Dubai among the world’s top 10 gaming hubs and create 30,000 jobs in the sector.

Ahmad Al Room Almheiri, Acting CEO of Dubai SME, said the initiative aims to equip Emirati developers with the training and mentorship needed to build a sustainable gaming economy. Shaima Rashed Al Suwaidi, CEO of the Arts, Design and Literature Sector at Dubai Culture, said the program reflects the Authority’s focus on investing in Emirati talent and strengthening Dubai’s position as a global creative hub.

Open to individual Emirati developers and teams with at least one Emirati founder, GameForward will launch in March 2026. The program will offer technical training, business development support, industry mentorship, and ecosystem integration through Dubai Founders HQ.