Has Adnan Mayassi, a Palestinian marketing expert with a passion for gaming and residing in Dubai, become the first individual to receive a 10-year Gaming Residency? The answer is a definitive YES!
"Receiving the 10-year Gaming Residency is a tremendous honor and a testament to my commitment to the gaming industry. It is a personal milestone that fills me with pride and gratitude. Professionally, it marks a significant moment where my contributions are recognized, motivating me to further push the boundaries in our industry," stated 32-year-old Adnan in an exclusive interview with City Times. Born in Abu Dhabi, Mayassi moved to Dubai, attracted by the city's vibrant gaming scene and opportunities.
"My journey here has been characterized by a dedication to innovation and collaboration, actively contributing to the dynamic gaming community in the Middle East," Adnan explained. His immediate plans involve refining his skills in gaming marketing, aiming to develop campaigns that resonate with audiences in the UAE and across the Middle East. "In the long term, I aim to inspire others through my work, promoting a deeper appreciation for gaming culture and its societal impact. My objective is to become a respected voice in the industry while exploring new avenues for personal growth and innovation in gaming," he added.
The gaming industry in Dubai is rapidly advancing, with innovations in eSports, virtual reality, and mobile gaming. Key trends include the growth of localized content and immersive experiences tailored to regional tastes. The Dubai Program for Gaming 2033 plays a crucial role in shaping these trends by nurturing a supportive environment that encourages experimentation and technological progress.
Social media was flooded with congratulations for Adnan's achievement. Faisal Kazim, Director of Future Foresight at the Dubai Future Foundation, commented on LinkedIn: "We promised. We delivered. And we're just getting started. Congratulations, Adnan Mayassi. Dubai will undoubtedly benefit greatly from your presence here, and we hope to see Electronic Arts (EA) expand its footprint even further in Dubai and the region." Kazim is leading efforts to unlock the potential of the gaming sector in the UAE. Recently, the Dubai Program for Gaming launched its first game development course in Dubai, aimed at teaching individuals with no prior experience to develop a game from scratch in just one week.
The 'Dubai Program for Gaming 2033', overseen by the Dubai Future Foundation, focuses on talent, content, and tech. It aims to establish a global platform in Dubai that unites digital content creators and offers training and job opportunities in collaboration with international companies, universities, and academic institutions. It also supports entrepreneurs and innovators and launches specialized educational and training programs.
Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture, has affirmed that the Dubai Gaming Visa enhances the emirate's appeal as a top destination for entrepreneurs, investors, game developers, designers, and programmers. It attracts individuals with innovative ideas and both established and emerging companies specializing in content, gaming applications, and artificial intelligence, contributing to Dubai's vision of being a global center for culture, an incubator for creativity, and a hub for talent. The Dubai Gaming Visa is one of the multi-year cultural visa categories granted by Dubai Culture and GDRFA-Dubai to writers, thinkers, authors, artists, intellectuals, and those with creative skills across various sectors. The initiative aims to enrich Dubai's cultural and creative landscape and support its strategic goals to be a leading destination for living, entertainment, and employment. The Dubai Gaming Visa can be applied for via the Dubai Culture website.
Industry peers are excited about the Dubai Program for Gaming 2033 (DPG 2033). Hussain Darwish, co-founder, producer, and managing director of Foxrito Studios, commented: "The Dubai Program for Gaming 2033 is a groundbreaking initiative that positions the UAE as a global leader in the gaming industry. By providing state-of-the-art infrastructure and comprehensive support for game developers, publishers, and consumers, Dubai is fostering an ecosystem where creativity and innovation can flourish." This program will attract top talent worldwide, promote collaboration, and drive the production of world-class games. The government's commitment to this sector highlights Dubai's serious approach to gaming, recognizing its potential as a significant economic and cultural driver. As a result, the local gaming sector will not only expand but also set new standards in quality and innovation, propelling Dubai onto the global stage.
As one of Dubai's pioneering game development companies, Foxrito Studios is ready to capitalize on the opportunities presented by the Dubai Program for Gaming 2033. "We are dedicated to contributing to Dubai's rise to the top of the global gaming industry. By expanding our team and recruiting top talent, we aim to develop and release games that resonate both locally and internationally. Our focus on incorporating Emirati culture and folklore into our games will provide players with unique and culturally rich experiences, promoting our heritage globally. We are confident that the supportive policies and infrastructure provided by the government will enable us to achieve these goals and drive the UAE's gaming sector forward," said Darwish.
The Middle East gaming sector is witnessing significant growth, fueled by a young, tech-savvy population and substantial government investments. As of 2023, the market was valued at approximately $6.5 billion, with projections indicating it will reach $9.2 billion by 2026, according to Mordor Intelligence. Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt are leading this surge. The region is also becoming a hub for eSports, with major tournaments such as the Dota 2 Riyadh Masters and the Gamers8 eSports Festival featuring multi-million-dollar prize pools and sponsorships from global brands like LG, Mastercard, and Spotify. This dynamic growth trajectory positions the Middle East as a future leader in the global gaming industry, offering abundant opportunities for developers, investors, and players alike.
Klaus Kajetski, CEO and Founder of YaLLa Esports, commented: "I have had the privilege to be part of a focus group of industry leaders advising the DPG from the start, and can confidently say the program benefits not only YaLLa Esports but the entire ecosystem." YaLLa Esports is focused on expanding its "YaLLa Compass" circuit, an S-tier tournament series that puts the region on the global esports map. The brand's first season already reached 50 million viewers in 15+ languages and 30+ broadcasts worldwide.
The Gaming Development community (GDEV), part of Coders HQ, was established in Dubai to position the city as a premier hub where great minds and talent converge to build extraordinary projects. The community currently has 11 partners. Ahmed Al Helwany, Content creator and Community leader at GDEV, said: "This initiative will create a vibrant environment for collaboration, learning, and innovation. Enhanced talent development and favorable frameworks will streamline processes, while networking opportunities will facilitate partnerships and knowledge sharing. The emphasis on adopting advanced technologies like VR, AR, and AI will drive cutting-edge advancements. Additionally, support for creating culturally resonant content will enable GDEV to assist developers, artists, and designers in producing unique games that capture the global audience's attention, fostering a thriving and competitive gaming ecosystem in the region."
