Dubai Launches GameForward to Boost Emirati Game Developers

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Dubai SME), under the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), has launched GameForward, a new accelerator programme to support Emirati game developers. The initiative is launched in partnership with the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture).

GameForward aims to strengthen Dubai’s growing gaming ecosystem and help local developers turn creative ideas into successful commercial projects. The global gaming industry is rapidly expanding and was expected to reach $188.8 billion in revenue by 2025, creating major opportunities for new developers and startups.

The programme will start in March 2026 and will provide structured support in four key areas. These include technical training in game design, monetisation, and publishing; business workshops on marketing, user acquisition, and investor pitching; mentorship from gaming industry experts; and integration into Dubai’s startup ecosystem through Dubai Founders HQ.

The programme will conclude with a Demo Day during the Dubai Esports and Games Festival in May 2026. Finalist teams will present their projects to investors and industry leaders for a chance to secure grants. The winning Dubai-based team will receive additional post-programme support and global expansion assistance.

GameForward supports Dubai’s long-term economic strategies, including the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and the Dubai Program for Gaming 2033. These strategies aim to position Dubai among the world’s top gaming cities and create 30,000 new gaming industry jobs while supporting 27,000 new Emirati businesses by 2033.

Ahmad Al Room Almheiri, Acting CEO of Dubai SME, said the programme reflects Dubai’s commitment to empowering Emirati talent and building a strong digital economy. He added that GameForward will help local developers compete globally and strengthen Dubai’s role as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.

Shaima Rashed Al Suwaidi, CEO of the Arts, Design and Literature Sector at Dubai Culture, said the programme will support local creative talent and strengthen Dubai’s cultural and creative industries. She highlighted that GameForward will provide mentorship, hands-on experience, and access to investors and experts, helping developers compete regionally and globally.

GameForward is open to individual Emirati developers and teams with at least one Emirati founder. It is designed for aspiring creators as well as developers looking to scale existing projects. The initiative is expected to play a key role in developing a new generation of Emirati gaming entrepreneurs and strengthening Dubai’s position in the global gaming industry.