Dubai’s gaming industry is expanding rapidly, with the DMCC Gaming Centre recording 30 per cent annual growth after attracting nearly 40 new companies over the past 12 months.
The increase has taken the specialised hub to 165 member companies, adding to Dubai’s growing presence in the global gaming industry. The centre brings together game developers, publishers, esports businesses and other companies working across digital entertainment.
The growth comes as Dubai Multi Commodities Centre, or DMCC, strengthens its international gaming partnerships. Its latest move is a strategic agreement with the Serbian Games Association aimed at creating new business opportunities between Dubai and Serbia.
The agreement was signed at Gamescom 2026 in Cologne, where DMCC participated in the Dubai Pavilion alongside the Dubai Films and Games Commission.
DMCC Gaming Centre Reaches 165 Companies
Nearly 40 companies joined the DMCC Gaming Centre over the past year, bringing its total membership to 165 and delivering annual growth of 30 per cent.
The centre operates within DMCC’s wider technology ecosystem, which includes more than 4,000 companies across gaming, artificial intelligence, Web3, crypto and cybersecurity.
For gaming companies, the attraction goes beyond setting up a business in Dubai. The ecosystem provides access to other technology businesses, investors, potential partners and international markets.
These connections are becoming increasingly valuable as gaming evolves beyond traditional development and publishing. Esports, artificial intelligence and emerging digital technologies are creating new opportunities for studios and entrepreneurs.
Dubai Strengthens Gaming Ties With Serbia
The new partnership with the Serbian Games Association is designed to connect gaming companies in the two markets and support businesses looking to expand internationally.
The organisations will share market knowledge and industry expertise while helping companies explore opportunities in Dubai and Serbia.
Plans also include joint events, webinars and industry initiatives, as well as access to co-working facilities for eligible companies entering either market.
For Dubai-based businesses, the partnership creates another connection with Europe’s gaming industry. Serbian companies, meanwhile, can use Dubai’s business environment and location to explore opportunities across the Middle East and other international markets.
Serbia has developed a growing gaming community of studios, developers and technical professionals, making closer cooperation potentially valuable for companies on both sides.
Technology Drives DMCC’s Expansion
Gaming is part of a much broader technology ecosystem taking shape within DMCC.
The international business district is now home to nearly 27,000 companies, with technology emerging as its largest and fastest-growing sector.
The combination of gaming, AI, Web3, cybersecurity and other technology businesses in one ecosystem could create opportunities for collaboration as the boundaries between these industries continue to change.
Artificial intelligence, for example, is increasingly being used across game development, from production processes to player experiences. Other emerging technologies are opening new possibilities for digital ownership, online communities and interactive entertainment.
For gaming companies establishing operations in Dubai, access to businesses working across these areas can provide opportunities beyond the traditional gaming sector.
Dubai Expands Its Gaming Ambitions
The growth of the DMCC Gaming Centre comes as Dubai continues investing in its wider gaming economy.
The emirate has been working to attract international studios, developers and technology companies while building an environment that supports businesses already operating in the sector.
Dubai’s location is also an important part of that strategy. Companies based in the emirate can reach markets across the Middle East while maintaining connections with Europe and Asia.
International partnerships such as the agreement with the Serbian Games Association add another layer by connecting companies directly with overseas gaming communities.
For developers and entrepreneurs entering a new market, those industry relationships can be just as important as office space or business licensing.
Dubai Gaming Sector Builds Momentum
Adding nearly 40 companies in a year represents a significant expansion for a specialised gaming cluster.
The DMCC Gaming Centre’s growth to 165 members also comes at a time when gaming is becoming an increasingly important part of the wider digital economy.
The next stage will be about turning that expanding company base into more investment, jobs, partnerships and locally developed gaming projects.
Competition between global gaming hubs is growing, with cities around the world looking to attract studios, skilled developers and investment. Dubai is building its position through a combination of business infrastructure, technology ecosystems and international partnerships.
The latest 30 per cent growth at the DMCC Gaming Centre suggests that strategy is gaining traction, as more gaming companies choose Dubai as a base for regional and international expansion.