The gaming sector in Dubai is booming, with plenty of opportunities to capitalize on. According to reports, the UAE market was valued at around $484.1 million in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.16%, reaching an estimated value of $754.2 million by 2030.
The monumental growth of the gaming industry in Dubai makes it a prime location for operators and business owners to setup their own game studio. Moreover, Dubai is also pushing new policies like Dubai Program for Gaming 2033 or DPG2033, which provides visa facilities to aspiring gamers, content creators, and industry professionals worldwide.
Starting a game development company in Dubai can be a strategic move and help you take advantage of this booming market. This guide will explore everything you should know to start a gaming business and why you should choose this thriving market.
Let’s get started.
Starting a gaming business in Dubai, UAE involves following a structured process. Here is a step-by-step guide to get you started.
Launching and operating a gaming business requires proper planning and understanding of the market. Without a proper approach and workflow, it can be tough to navigate the various challenges of the market like financial planning, competitor analysis, understanding audience preferences, and more.
Start by identifying your competitors. Understand their business, target audience, marketing strategies, and workflow to get a general idea. Besides that, it is also crucial to figure out your target audience and tailor your offerings accordingly.
Besides that, you will also have to handle critical aspects of your business including deciding a name, finalizing a budget, and competitive pricing strategy. By addressing these core elements, you can create a structured and comprehensive strategy that will serve as the foundation of your gaming studio.
Next, select a legal structure for your gaming business that aligns with your requirements. This will help you ensure a proper structure and also protect your gaming studio from liabilities. Your options include:
If you want to start a gaming business in Dubai, an LLC or corporation is your best bet as it offers protection, especially in legal disputes. However, it is best to consult a legal advisor who specializes in gaming businesses to understand the intricacies and make an informed choice.
In Dubai, you have two options. You can either set up your gaming studio on the Dubai Mainland or the Dubai Free Zone. While the Free Zones are hotspots for gaming studios due to tax exemptions, the Mainland might give you more flexibility.
Some top Dubai Free Zones include:
Once you have registered your gaming company, you need to acquire a gaming license to operate legally in the UAE. The specific requirements of the license will vary depending on the type of legal structure. Here is a list of documents that you will typically need:
For a gaming business, you can apply under “Software Development,” “Animation Studio,” or “Creative Media Production” licenses, depending on your services and offerings.
The next step is to open a financial bank account for your business. Make sure to establish a separate bank account for your gaming studio as it will help in keeping a proper record of cash flow and segregation between business and personal finances.
This clarity and structure will be essential when pitching to potential investors or expanding your business.
We live in the digital era and most of your target audience will be active online. This means that a strong online presence will be crucial for your gaming business. Create an attractive online website to list your services and connect with your audience.
If you do not possess the technical expertise of skills to design a website, you can hire a freelance designer or use AI-based website designing tools to build a website from scratch. After that, leverage robust SEO strategies and paid marketing to boost your online presence and attract relevant users to your website.
Marketing is a crucial tool that will expand your reach and attract a wider audience to your business. You can leverage various strategies like social media marketing, influencer marketing, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), and paid marketing, depending on your budget and preference.
If navigating the marketing landscape seems intimidating, you can also hire a marketing agency that specializes in gaming businesses and promises guaranteed results.
The cost of starting a game development company in Dubai is not fixed and is dependent on a variety of factors. Several factors influence the total cost, including licensing costs, overhead costs, initial setup costs, website design, complexity of your business, location, etc.
On average, it costs around AED 10,000 to AED 50,000 to start a gaming business. However, keep in mind that this is just an estimated cost and the actual cost may vary depending on the above-mentioned factors + your business requirements.
Despite that, Dubai’s Free Zones and thriving market simplifies the process and offers cost-effective ways to setup a game studio.
If you want an exact cost estimate, you can consult a specialist like Avloire Gaming to assist you throughout the while process.
Dubai’s growing economy, overall business-friendly environment, growth opportunities, and dedicated Free Zones present an exciting opportunity of establishing a game development business. Here are some key benefits Dubai, UAE offers:
Starting a game development company in Dubai is more than just a business move, it is a strategic step in to become part of a thriving, progressive digital economy. With government-backed initiatives like the DPG2033, tax-friendly Free Zones, and a booming gaming market, Dubai offers innovation and opportunities for business owners and gaming operators.
Whether you are an indie developer with a bold idea or a tech entrepreneur aiming to set up the next big gaming empire, Dubai offers the infrastructure, talent, and environment to help you succeed. With the right strategy, legal framework, and business plan, your dream of starting a game development business in Dubai can become a reality.
Ans. The cost of staring a game development business in Dubai is not fixed and is influencer by a variety of factors. On average, it costs around AED 10,000 to AED 25,000 to start a gaming company from scratch. However, this is just an estimated cost and the actual cost may vary depending on your business requirements.
Ans. To obtain a gaming license, you have to register your business with the Dubai Department of Economic Development or set up in a free zone like Dubai Internet City, which primarily caters to media and tech businesses. For a gaming business, you will typically need a commercial or tech license. In some cases, you may need content approval from UAE’s National Media Council, especially if your games are published locally.
Ans. Establishing a game studio in one of Dubai’s Free Zones offers numerous advantages, including, 100% ownership to foreign entrepreneurs, tax-incentives, a streamlined setup process, access to the best talent and resources.
Ans. Yes, Dubai’s gaming market is experiencing significant growth and will reach a market value of $754.2 million by 2030. Moreover, with 75% of its population engaged in gaming, the UAE is the primary driver of the gaming market in the Middle East region. The government support and investment in gaming events and new startups also aid in the growth of the gaming market, attracting more developers to the region.
