Dubai’s gaming sector is entering a decisive phase marked by policy changes, regulatory clarity and interest from international developers, platforms and investors.
The United Arab Emirates is experiencing a gaming boom which will reshape the future of the industry.
Read on as we analyse the latest developments driving this growth.
Dubai Formalises its Gaming Ambitions
Dubai recently announced the establishment of a dedicated gaming committee as the UAE continues to formalise its approach to the industry.
Under the wider umbrella of Dubai’s media and digital economy strategy, the committee will support the industry through partnerships, training initiatives and expansion of start-ups.
Their mandate includes professional development and the establishment of talent pipelines as they look to build long-term capacity rather than simply hosting studios on paper.
The Dubai Media Council has embraced the efforts as part of a broader operational plan to deliver top notch services. They will leverage the emirate’s digital infrastructure, regulatory agility and geographic advantage to help gaming companies scale internationally.
Developers and publishers are excited by this development as it means they get to operate in a more coordinated environment that reflects Dubai’s love for financial technology and media production.
DMCC’s Gaming Ecosystem Gains Momentum
Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) is anchoring change in the gaming industry, with its gaming centre pitched as a regional base for developers, publishers, and other service providers.
More than 100 gaming companies operating in eSports, publishing and support services have joined forces with the DMCC at this point.
The DMCC is not just a license provider. It gives companies access to a world-class commercial space, renewable residency visas, accelerators and incubators to nurture business. Funding is made available through partners such as AstroLabs and other venture capital programmes.
For overseas studios looking to expand into the Middle East, the DMCC helps reduce friction at the point of entry, a key factor in the decision to set up shop in Dubai.
Zuuks Games is one of the handful of companies to announce that it wants to establish a presence in Dubai, a reflection of its pull as a business bridge that links Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
Even as the gaming committee comes into play, the expectation is that it will lead to more coordination between regulators, free zones and talent programmes.
The UAE’s First Licensed Online iGaming Platform Goes Live
The growth of Dubai’s gaming industry will be partially driven by the associated iGaming sector.
The UAE recently announced the launch of its first licensed internet gaming and sports wagering platform under the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA).
Many people believe this is only the beginning of a roll-out of iGaming offerings across the country. The UAE traditionally outlawed all forms of gambling, but that did not deter interest.
Citizens used platforms such as iedcdubai.ae/ to find the best online casinos in Dubai to play popular games such as blackjack and roulette. These sites have operated under licenses issued in other jurisdictions and welcome Arab players.
The UAE plans to fully capitalise on this interest in iGaming by instituting the GCGRA to create a framework that tightly governs digital gaming. Access is limited to players aged 21 and above who are located within the UAE.
With this issuance of its first license, the GCGRA is testing the waters for consumer protection, payments, identity verification and responsible gaming controls before allowing other companies in.
Industry observers have forecast that the GCGRA will issue more licenses once they feel satisfied that compliance standards are being met.
Gaming Brought into the UAE’s Toughest AML Regime
The UAE government recently extended its anti-money laundering (AML) laws to include the commercial gaming sector.
Under Cabinet Decision 134 of 2025, gaming operators have been classified as designated non-financial businesses and professions. This development means they have to fulfil the same compliance obligations as virtual asset service providers.
Subsequently, this has triggered mandatory AML and counter-terrorist financing requirements for transactions above AED 11,000 (as a single payment or across linked transactions). Operators will be forced to improve their record-keeping, transaction monitoring, and other due diligent procedures.
Penalties for failing to comply are quite severe. They can be fined up to AED 100 million and individuals also face similarly heavy-handed punishments.
The UAE is raising the compliance bar for the global gaming ecosystem, refusing to treat it as a peripheral market as it has in the past, but integrating it into compliance and audit structures.
