We are heading into a new era of gaming, where the market is maturing fast. AR/VR is no longer a technology of the future. It has become mainstream and is widely used in some regions, especially the UAE. Being a tech-savvy country, the UAE has adopted modern technologies in gaming, including AR/VR games.
If you are already ahead of the curve and have invested in the development of AR/VR games, you are sorted. However, if you are unaware of some of the essential things happening in 2025, like cross-world integration, immersive gameplay > graphics, hyperlocal experiences, and others, this blog might just be for you.
Avloire Webs Gaming has acquired all the insights about the AR/VR gaming market in the UAE. Hence, if you are a gaming studio or an independent developer, this blog will serve you with all the important things revolving around AR/VR game developments in the UAE. We will start by discussing the market and how it has become mature relatively faster than any other industry.
The AR/VR gaming market is outgrowing the predictions that were made for the future in the past. And it will most likely outperform what we are predicting now in the future. The market has matured fast and AR/VR gadgets are selling fast, especially in countries like the UAE. The developers have gone past the experiment phase and the genre is now considered as a mainstream gaming segment.
In 2025, developers are focusing more on immersive gameplay compared to aesthetics of the game. Although graphics is an essential component of the game, immersive gameplay trumps that in AR/VR games. You need to build a game that captures audience through its storyline rather than graphics, because that is what’s trending.
Quirky reward systems, gameplay instilled with leaderboards and strong narratives, clubbed with spatial audio and frame rate optimization provides immersive gameplay.
There are a number of tools and technologies that help developers build AR/VR games. Some tools are best suited for some genres, while others work best with other genres. One of the examples is of hypercasual games, which is best developed with HTML5.
Hence, depending upon your project, you must select the right tech stack or you might end up facing issues in development. Below mentioned are key tools and areas where they excel.
Most of the developers are unaware of the regulations and concepts of monetization in the UAE. Although the government of the United Arab Emirates is lenient and flexible when it comes to blockchain and AR/VR games, it is essential to be informed on the landscape and how regulatory services function in the state. Monetization models should also needs to be studied before diving into full-fledged development phase of the game.
You must be informed on the topics related to regulations and monetization, such as:
The audience in the UAE prefers games that embed cultural roots in the gameplay. You can add characters from the country’s ethnic groups speaking the same language, these factors will ensure a more immersive experience for the audience.
A more niche experience like introducing AR/VR to real estate, government projects, and retail sectors is also booming in the country.
2025 is the introductory year where we move to the interconnected digital worlds. The technology has taken us beyond gaming, where AR/VR is connected to the Metaverse. Gamers can now participate in virtual economies and create their unique online avatars.
There are multiple trends that are ongoing or are predicted to boom in the coming future. AR/Vr games have a tendency of giving users an unmatched experience through its immersive nature. This has made the technology break the parameters of gaming and enter other industries as well which is becoming a trend and a norm as we progress. Let’s check some of the prominent areas where AR/VR technology is either dominating or is expected to dominate sooner than later.
AR games are not only proving to be sources of entertainment, they are also integrating players’ routines seamlessly. Resulting in providing players with context-aware experiences.
One of the trends is developing location-based AR games. This stands out and provides a tailored experience to the audience, hence, you must follow this in order to succeed in the UAE market. Amalgamate local landmarks and cultural elements into your gameplay to boost retention.
VR games and technology also go well with fitness and education apps. They provide engaging experiences to individuals who are into fitness or trying to educate themselves.
AR/VR games clubbed with blockchain technology provides relevance to the audience. The UAE has a tech-savvy audience, that trade in cryptocurrencies, and integrating crypto wallets to the game provides an out of the world experience.
Following the trends listed above will guarantee the success of your business venture in the AR/VR landscape. Almost all the companies have boarded the trend where they club technical excellence with cultural insights.
No matter what genre of game you plan to develop in the AR/VR sector, keep in mind the trends in the UAE to stand out of the box. Leverage the pointers mentioned in the blog efficiently to increase your chances of generating better revenue stream in the UAE market.
If you want more information on the subject, or if you wish to develop an AR/VR game, you can get in touch with the business team of Avloire Webs Gaming to get a personalized assistance on your venture. The development team at Avloire is well versed with the tech stacks and trends of the country, and will provide you an unmatched service in the AR/VR game development landscape.
The future of AR and VR is extremely promising. By 2025 and beyond, AR/VR will expand far beyond gaming into areas like education, healthcare, retail, real estate, and industrial training. With devices like the Apple Vision Pro, Meta Quest 3, and the rise of mixed reality (MR), user adoption is expected to grow rapidly. The key trends shaping the future are:
-AI-powered immersive experiences
-Cross-device compatibility (smartphones, headsets, wearables)
-Social and enterprise collaboration tools in VR
-5G and cloud rendering for smoother, untethered AR/VR
By 2030, the global AR/VR market is expected to cross USD 299.24 Billion, at a CAGR of 25.1%. Source
Breakdown:
-AR (Augmented Reality) will lead in enterprise use (retail, healthcare, logistics)
-VR (Virtual Reality) will dominate in gaming, simulation, and education
-Middle East and North Africa (MENA), especially UAE and Saudi Arabia, are emerging as key innovation hubs with government support and smart city initiatives
The future of AR in gaming is set to be highly immersive, mobile-first, and socially integrated. Key trends include:
-Location-based AR games (like Pokémon GO) expanding with better GPS and 5G
-Multiplayer AR experiences using spatial awareness and real-world environments
-Wearable integration (smart glasses, AR headsets) offering hands-free gameplay
-Cross-platform play between AR, VR, and traditional devices
-AI-enhanced NPCs and game content tailored to your environment
As AR hardware becomes lighter and more affordable, more developers will adopt AR to create innovative and interactive gaming experiences.
The UAE gaming market is one of the fastest-growing in the Middle East. As of 2024, the estimated market size is $400 million USD, and is projected to cross $600 million by 2027.
Reasons include:
-High smartphone penetration
-Government investment in esports and game development (e.g., Dubai Gaming Initiative)
-Growing AR/VR adoption in entertainment and education
-A young, tech-savvy population with strong interest in online multiplayer and mobile games
The UAE is positioning itself as a regional hub for gaming and esports, offering major opportunities for developers and studios.
