Dubai is often at the forefront of growing markets and innovative technologies. While online gaming has been growing steadily around the world, it is picking up even more pace out here.
The global gaming market recently achieved 0.6% year-on-year growth while the MENA region saw an increase of almost 5%. Within that, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and UAE went even further, enjoying 7.8% growth year-on-year.
Such is the UAE position at the centre of this thriving market that Dubai was recently dubbed “the hottest city in the world for the games industry”. Needless to say, such an environment is packed with opportunity for those with the skills and knowledge to succeed in the world of gaming – whether through development, publishing, streaming or any other popular subsector.
In this article, we’ll answer the question – how to start a gaming business in Dubai – covering everything from the types of businesses within the industry to the benefits of launching here in the UAE.
Gaming industry in Dubai: An overview
As of 2021, the global gaming market was valued at USD 190.4bn. By 2027, it is expected to grow to a value of USD 339.95. This significant increase is in large part due to the diversification of the gaming audience, with women now making up 60% of new gamers.
In the same year, 2021, the UAE gaming industry was estimated to be worth USD 400m. It is expected to reach USD 750m by 2030. Such is the popularity out here, that 73% of the country’s population are said to be gamers. It is little wonder that the UAE is the 5th ranked country in the world for gaming influencers.
Platforms like YouTube and Twitch have made watching games just as popular as playing them here in the UAE. Over two-thirds of the country’s online population watch game-related content.
Keen to improve on its strong standing in the global gaming industry, Dubai recently launched its Program for Gaming 2033 which aims to boost the sector’s contribution to the emirate’s GDP.
Dubai has also introduced a gaming visa aimed at attracting the most talented and pioneering gamers in the industry to the region.
How to start a gaming business in Dubai: Step-by-step
While the process of starting a gaming business in Dubai can seem daunting, with the right support, it’s anything but. When you work with the team at Creative Zone, we’ll help you launch your business in just four simple steps.
Step 1: Outline your activities
The first step when starting a business anywhere in the UAE is to outline your intended activities. Failure to do so can cause issues further down the line and carrying out unlicensed activities may lead to fines or even license revocation.
Your stated activities must be chosen from the official list published by Dubai’s Department of Economic Development (DED). The team at Creative Zone will help ensure that you have the correct approvals to run your business.
Step 2: Choose your company name
The second step is equally important: choosing a company name. There are a few key things to keep in mind at this stage – many that would not apply anywhere else in the world.
Be aware that you must abide by a strict set of naming conventions. In short, you should avoid any offensive or blasphemous language. Avoid names of well-known organisations and avoid abbreviations if naming your company after yourself – i.e. Dave Mann Consulting, rather than D Mann Consulting. You must also check that your chosen name is available to register.
Step 3: Making your license application
You will require a trade license to start a gaming company in Dubai. This is issued by the Dubai Department of Economic Development and you can make your application online. Once again, the Creative Zone team will guide you through this process. Get in touch to find out more.
Step 4: Making your visa applications
Finally, you’ll need to organise your visas. With the right guidance, the visa application process can be incredibly straightforward. As well as making your application, you’ll be required to submit biometric information and undergo a medical fitness test.
As the holder of a UAE business license, you can also sponsor others for their visas too. This could be a spouse, parent or child, or a domestic worker such as a housekeeper. The maximum number of visas you can apply for will depend on the size of your company, your chosen setup and, for dependant visas, your personal earnings.
Benefits of starting a gaming business in Dubai
High demand
The gaming industry in the UAE is large and growing – at a faster pace than most other places in the world. This coupled with government backing for the industry creates excellent conditions to start and grow a gaming company out here.
Tax advantages
The UAE continues to levy 0% on personal income and a flat rate of 9% of taxable profits exceeding AED 375,000. This ranks as one of the world’s most attractive tax regimes.
Strategic global location
In the heart of the Middle East, Dubai is perfectly placed to trade with the large and growing gaming markets in Asia, Europe and North Africa.
World-class infrastructure
Dubai is home to state-of-the-art wifi, cloud services and IT infrastructure offering the power and speed needed to operate and thrive in the digital space.
Types of gaming businesses in Dubai
Within the UAE’s large and growing gaming industry are numerous subsectors. When starting a business out here, there are many potential options.
Development
You could choose to start a studio that specialises in game development for platforms such as PC, console or, as is increasingly popular, mobile.
Streaming
Many UAE gamers are seeing success by streaming their gaming activities via Twitch and other similar platforms. As well as payment from the platform itself, this also opens up avenues for sponsorship and brand deals.
Publishing
This would see you marketing, distributing and in some cases funding the production and release of video games.
Gaming room
Another option is to open a location for people to play video games. This could be traditional arcade and console gaming or offering AR/VR experiences.
Start your gaming business with Creative Zone.
Starting a gaming business in Dubai can be a complicated process – particularly if you’re new to working in the UAE.
That’s why selecting the right partner is a critical step when looking to launch or grow a business out here. As the Middle East’s most trusted advisor on business setup in Dubai, Creative Zone has been empowering entrepreneurs and SMEs with comprehensive support since 2010. With a strong reputation for assisting businesses locally and globally, we offer a complete range of solutions for all your business setup needs.
When you work with us, you get fast, reliable and unbiased advice on your unique business setup requirements. We can help you choose the right kind of license for your business activity and take you through the entire process from start to finish.
We’re here to assist every step of the way. No matter your chosen activities, legal entity or visa requirements, we’re on hand with support, guidance and expertise. So, if you’re looking to lay the foundations for life in the UAE, Creative Zone is your ideal starting point.
Contact us today to kickstart your business in Dubai.
