The ‘Games of the Future 2025’ could potentially help the UAE to emerge on top of global gaming hubs in Korea and Los Angeles, besides emerging markets like Asia and Africa for gaming and esports, boosting its status as the ‘go-to’ market for global tech companies, venture capitalists, and gaming studios, industry leaders told Arabian Business.
By bringing blockchain technology into everyday life, the forthcoming global event will also be a pivot for the creation and exchange of digital assets through non-fungible tokens (NFTs), extending its impact beyond gaming to sectors such as finance, real estate, and supply chain management in the UAE by enhancing trust, transparency, and efficiency in transactions, they said.
The Games of the Future 2025 will also lead to shaping the careers of young developers and esports professionals in the UAE and the region by equipping them with the tools, connections, and inspiration needed to succeed in the rapidly evolving global digital landscape.
“The event will highlight the UAE’s robust infrastructure, progressive regulatory environment, and strategic vision, making it an attractive destination for global tech companies, venture capitalists, and gaming studios looking to expand their presence in the MENA region,” Mohsin Waqar, a visionary entrepreneur and innovator in the sector, and CEO of Senet, a game development platform, told Arabian Business.
“We can expect increased interest from foreign investors who will recognise the potential of the UAE’s burgeoning gaming ecosystem and want to be part of its growth story,” he said.
Waqar said that, with the market expected to double to $1 billion by 2029, the event will highlight Dubai’s potential and attract large numbers of global investors.
Games of the Future 2025 to accelerate the trend of entry of new players into UAE
Kim Abbasi, Co-founder and CMO of Lidoma Play, another leading gaming platform and an international gaming tournament organiser, said the gaming sector in the UAE is already witnessing the entry of new international and regional players, and this trend will accelerate as the country approaches the Games of the Future 2025.
“Following major investment into the industry from Saudi Arabia, I expect this event to set a certain precedent for future global events – and will undoubtedly accelerate its position in relation to the global gaming hubs in Korea and Los Angeles, whilst connecting emerging markets through one platform,” he said.
Abbasi said the UAE’s strategic location, coupled with its supportive regulatory environment and commitment to innovation, makes it an attractive destination for gaming companies looking to tap into the MENA region’s growing market.
He said the event will also see regional players scaling up their operations, leveraging the UAE’s infrastructure and strategic partnerships to expand their footprint globally.
The Games of the Future 2025 is also expected to solidify Dubai’s position as a global gaming and esports hub, especially in relation to emerging markets like Asia and Africa.
“Dubai will become a focal point where these markets converge, driving collaboration and innovation.
“The event will attract significant attention from these regions, reinforcing Dubai’s role as a key player in the global gaming landscape,” Waqar and Abbasi said.
Event to have a spillover effect on realty, finance, logistics sectors in UAE
Industry insiders said the ‘Games of the Future 2025’ will also align seamlessly with the UAE’s broader goals of becoming a leader in the global digital economy.
They said the event will showcase the UAE’s digital capabilities, highlighting its commitment to innovation and its readiness to lead in the digital space.
The global event will help the country in making further significant strides in creating a digital-first economy, investing in technologies such as AI, blockchain, and 5G to support its vision, they said.
“By bringing together global tech giants, startups, and innovators, the Games of the Future will position the UAE as a central hub for technological advancement, attracting companies that want to be part of a dynamic and forward-thinking ecosystem.
“This will enhance the UAE’s digital infrastructure and create a ripple effect, encouraging more companies to establish operations in the region,” the chief executive of Senet said.
The Co-founder of Lidoma Play said the Games of the Future event will be a powerful driver of technological innovation in the UAE, particularly in the fields of artificial intelligence, blockchain, and immersive experiences, with the event expected to showcase several innovations for bringing blockchain technology into everyday life.
He said further innovations in blockchain will enable the creation and exchange of digital assets through non-fungible tokens (NFTs), fostering a robust digital economy where players can securely own, trade, and sell in-game items.
This shift towards decentralised gaming platforms will give players greater control over game rules and economies, while smart contracts will automate and secure transactions, such as payments in esports tournaments.
“These blockchain innovations could extend beyond gaming, impacting sectors such as finance, real estate, and supply chain management in the UAE by enhancing trust, transparency, and efficiency in transactions,” Abbasi said.
He said AI and immersive experiences like virtual reality, augmented reality, and extended reality are set to transform the gaming landscape and drive broader technological progress.
“AI-driven analytics and predictive models will be pivotal in optimising gameplay and enhancing fan engagement, which aligns with Dubai’s ambition to become a leader in AI innovation and gaming.
“Blockchain technology will also be a central focus, especially with Dubai’s ongoing investment in blockchain, highlighted by initiatives like the Dubai Blockchain Strategy, which will find new applications and test cases during the Games of the Future, potentially setting global benchmarks for the gaming industry,” Abbasi said.
He said the advancements in AI and blockchain can be applied to other industries in the UAE, such as finance, healthcare, and smart cities,
“The UAE’s commitment to becoming a hub for metaverse development will also be further strengthened by the innovations showcased at the Games of the Future, solidifying the nation’s leadership in immersive technology,” Abbasi said.
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