The Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises Development, also known as Dubai SME, has recently launched GameForward. This innovative accelerator program aims to uplift Emirati game developers and significantly enhance Dubai’s burgeoning gaming industry.

The Gaming Industry Landscape in Dubai

GameForward targets a remarkable growth opportunity within the global gaming market, expected to generate revenues of $188.8 billion (AED 693.4 billion) by 2025, as pinpointed by Newzoo. This initiative is set to empower Emirati developers, providing them with an essential framework to transform creative ideas into commercial platforms, thereby contributing to Dubai’s goal of fostering a resilient and diversified economy. The program aligns seamlessly with the objectives outlined by the Dubai Film and Games Commission, which is tasked with advancing the emirate’s film and gaming sectors.

Program Highlights and Future Prospects

One of the standout features of GameForward is its culminating event, the Demo Day, scheduled during the Dubai Esports and Games Festival in May 2026. This event will offer finalist teams a unique chance to connect with industry experts, exhibit their projects, and pitch ideas to a panel composed of gaming leaders and potential investors. Successful teams will gain exclusive support to scale their ventures globally, enhancing opportunities beyond the UAE marketplace.

The program aligns with Dubai’s Economic Agenda, D33, which emphasizes the importance of nurturing domestic talent in high-growth sectors. It aims to facilitate the launch of 27,000 new Emirati businesses by 2033 while contributing to the Dubai Program for Gaming 2033, which endeavors to position the emirate amongst the top 10 cities in global gaming and generate 30,000 new jobs in this vibrant sector.

Commitment to Empowerment and Collaboration

Ahmad Al Room Almheiri, the Acting CEO of Dubai SME, emphasized the initiative’s role in creating an environment conducive to entrepreneurship. He mentioned that GameForward aims to cultivate the gaming economy from a local standpoint while ensuring that Emirati innovation plays a pivotal role in Dubai’s future as a hub for a global digital economy. The program embodies a collaborative spirit between the government and private sectors focused on economic transformation.

Shaima Rashed Al Suwaidi, CEO of the Arts, Design, and Literature Sector at Dubai Culture, highlighted the importance of this strategic partnership. She noted that GameForward not only refines the skills of local talent but strengthens Dubai’s stature as a top player in e-gaming. Through specialized mentorship and industry networks, the program prepares developers to compete on both regional and global stages, enhancing the creativity and innovation that lie at the heart of Dubai’s economy.

Support for Aspiring Developers

GameForward is designed for individual Emirati developers as well as teams with at least one Emirati founder. The accelerator is set to commence in March 2026 and will focus on delivering structured support across four key areas: technical training in game design, monetization, and publishing; business preparedness workshops; strategic mentorship from seasoned industry professionals; and ecosystem integration to boost the startup community.

In conclusion, GameForward stands as a vital aspect of Dubai SME’s overall mission to integrate Emirati talent into the growth narrative of Dubai. The initiative capitalizes on the city’s vibrant ecosystem and robust digital infrastructure, fostering a competitive landscape for SMEs within the gaming industry, and promoting a new generation of resilient Emirati entrepreneurs poised to revolutionize the regional gaming space.