Labor&Immigration
Dubai Introduces Long-Term ‘Dubai Gaming Visa’ to Propel Esports Sector Growth
Dubai has introduced the ‘Dubai Gaming Visa,’ a strategic long-term initiative aimed at supporting talented individuals, creators, and pioneers in the e-gaming sector. This groundbreaking move seeks to foster skill development and provide numerous investment opportunities, enabling innovators to transform their ideas into successful projects.
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This initiative is a key component of the Dubai Program for Gaming 2033, launched by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, last November. The program aims to position Dubai among the top 10 cities in the global gaming industry, significantly boosting the sector’s contribution to Dubai’s digital economy and increasing the GDP by approximately USD 1 billion by 2033.
Supporting Talent and Innovation in E-Gaming
Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), emphasized the potential impact of the Dubai Gaming Visa on the cultural and creative industries, stating,
“The Dubai Gaming Visa embodies the vision and aspirations of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and contributes to enhancing the emirate’s appeal as a premier destination for entrepreneurs, investors, game developers, designers, and programmers. It also attracts individuals with innovative ideas and both established and emerging companies specialising in the development and production of content, gaming applications, and artificial intelligence. This helps achieve Dubai’s cultural vision of being a global centre for culture, an incubator for creativity, and a thriving hub for talent.”
Enhancing Dubai’s Cultural and Creative Ecosystem
Badri further affirmed that the long-term visa highlights the uniqueness of Dubai’s ecosystem and the richness of its cultural and artistic scene, along with its cultural and social diversity. She added,
“Dubai continues its efforts to attract thinkers, intellectuals, and highly skilled individuals to provide opportunities and broaden their horizons by supporting and harnessing their efforts in comprehensive development and advancing the creative economy, which Dubai aspires to be a global hub of by 2026. At Dubai Culture, we are also keen on creating a sustainable creative climate that empowers talent, in line with our sectoral priorities.”
Job Creation and Industry Growth by 2033
With aspirations to create 30,000 new jobs in the esports sector by 2033, Dubai demonstrates substantial support for the industry. The emirate has leveraged its capabilities and framework to attract leading professionals and extends its support to hosting various initiatives, events, and exhibitions dedicated to the sector’s rapid growth and expansion.
Applying for the Dubai Gaming Visa
The Dubai Gaming Visa is part 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 six key sectors: cultural and natural heritage, performing arts and festivals, visual arts, books and press, audio-visual and interactive media, and design and creative services. This initiative is designed to encourage these talented individuals to enrich Dubai’s cultural and creative landscape and support Dubai’s strategic goals to establish itself as a leading destination for living, entertainment, and employment.
Applications for the Dubai Gaming Visa can be submitted via the Dubai Culture website or through https://dubaigaming.gov.ae/. Required documents include educational qualifications, proof of community contributions, job roles, copies of passports, residence permits, EIDs, cultural biographies and CVs, and contact details. Applicants must also provide information about their addresses, places of residence, occupations, and workplaces.
