Dubai gaming hub grows 30% as DMCC attracts nearly 40 companies in a year

28/08/2026 03:26 AST

Dubai's gaming ecosystem is expanding, with the DMCC Gaming Centre growing 30 per cent over the past year to 165 member companies, as more developers, publishers and gaming businesses establish operations in the emirate.

The centre added nearly 40 companies over the past 12 months, according to DMCC, and forms part of its wider technology community of more than 4,000 businesses spanning gaming, artificial intelligence, crypto, Web3 and cybersecurity.

The growth comes as DMCC signed a strategic partnership with the Serbian Games Association (SGA) aimed at strengthening commercial links between the gaming industries of Dubai and Serbia and providing companies with greater access to markets in Europe and the Middle East.

The agreement was signed in Cologne during Gamescom 2026, where DMCCparticipated as part of the Dubai Pavilion alongside the Dubai Films and Games Commission.

Helping gaming companies enter new markets
Under the agreement, DMCC and Sag will explore support for gaming companies looking to establish themselves in Dubai and Serbia.

The two organisations will connect companies across their respective ecosystems, share market intelligence and industry expertise, and develop joint events, webinars and other initiatives.

Companies will also receive reciprocal access to co-working facilities, while both sides will explore further opportunities to support international expansion.

Belal Jassoma, Director of Ecosystems at DMCC, said the 30 per cent growth of the Gaming Centre reflects demand from gaming businesses looking to build and expand internationally.

He said the partnership with Serbia would create a practical route for businesses in both markets to connect and access new commercial opportunities through Dubai.

Nearly 27,000 companies at DMCC
DMCC's business district is now home to nearly 27,000 companies, with technology its largest and fastest-growing sector.

The Gaming Centre provides a dedicated platform for developers, publishers, esports companies and other gaming businesses, connecting them with investors, talent, industry partners and international markets.

DMCC said having gaming companies alongside businesses operating in AI, Web3, crypto and cybersecurity also provides opportunities for collaboration as these areas of the digital economy increasingly overlap

Khaleej Times