In a vibrant celebration of creativity and innovation, «جيم إكسبو» is making waves in Dubai, prominently showcasing Emirati and resident game developers at the forefront of the rapidly growing gaming landscape. This year’s expo not only provides an opportunity for attendees to engage directly with local developers but also highlights unique game concepts. As part of the broader Dubai Festival for Digital Games and Sports 2026, «جيم إكسبو» is set to be a landmark event that underscores the importance of the gaming community in the region.
Celebrating Local Talent
Running until June 7 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, «جيم إكسبو» is organized by the Dubai Festival and Retail Establishment, a key entity under the Dubai Economy and Tourism Department. This year’s event is the centerpiece of the festival, offering high levels of excitement, immersive experiences, and a plethora of options for players, content creators, and industry professionals of all ages. Over three days, more than 17 studios and SMEs from Dubai are participating as part of the ‘Game Forward’ initiative launched by the Mohammed bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises Development. This program aims to empower Emirati game developers and bolster the gaming industry in Dubai.
A Platform for Emerging Developers
The initiative will be prominently featured in ‘The Narrows,’ an innovative market area supported by the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, dedicated to assisting local artists, creatives, and SMEs, further emphasizing Dubai’s burgeoning creative economy. The two areas of the expo will offer one of the most distinctive cultural experiences within the festival, enabling visitors to explore original works, support local talent, and connect directly with the creators driving the next generation of gaming and creative sectors in the region.
Spotlight on Innovative Games
Visitors will have a unique chance to experience games under development, interact with the creators behind them, and share feedback directly while delving into the narratives and ideas that shape the next wave of innovative games emerging from Dubai and the UAE. Notable among the participating studios is Foxrito, founded by Ismail Ahli and Hussein Darwish, which presents the psychological horror game “Darkness Road.” This title draws inspiration from the region and is set in a fictional city called “Dar Al Hay” on the Arabian Gulf in 1996.
Community Engagement and Opportunities
“The expo is a fantastic opportunity for us to engage directly with players and understand their insights and experiences,” says Ismail Ahli. He emphasizes the importance of such events for independent studios in gaining recognition and exposure. Hussein Darwish shares, “We established Foxrito because we didn’t see our culture authentically represented in gaming. Our mission is to share our rich heritage through exceptional gaming experiences, aiming for a significant presence in both regional and global gaming landscapes.”
Additionally, Cosmic Galaxy Entertainment, another Dubai-based studio, has partnered with PlayStation. Founded by Abdullah Al Shamsi and Youssef Al Bouainin, they are showcasing “Eldra Relic,” a role-playing adventure that merges fast-paced loot collection and anime-inspired combat with stunning 2D visuals in a 3D environment.
Expanding the Reach of Gaming in Dubai
As Abdullah Al Shamsi states, “«جيم إكسبو» is crucial for us as it connects us with players, developers, publishers, investors, and industry experts. It amplifies our opportunity for visibility and reinforces the UAE’s reputation as a leading hub for game development.” The presence of Emirati game developers and local companies at «جيم إكسبو» reflects the city’s ongoing commitment to investing in future industries, aligning with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33’s goals to establish the city as a global center for innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital talent.
Alongside the celebration of local talent, «جيم إكسبو 2026» boasts over 300 gaming experiences across more than 10 immersive zones, combining esports, anime, cosplay, retro gaming, creative gameplay, content creation culture, and interactive entertainment in one vibrant destination. Visitors can explore three brand new main zones: New Tokyo District, Amazon Battle Arena, and Jettor Velocity Garage, alongside live esports tournaments, community competitions, and a returning Dubai cosplay championship with a prize pool of AED 50,000.
A Comprehensive Experience
Attendees can expect a holistic experience encompassing electronic gaming, digital sports, anime, and cosplay, along with showcases from creators and content producers, classic video games, live performances, competitions, community activities, innovative food concepts, and creative markets—all in a lively setting. For the first time, attendees can also take advantage of free parking for up to six hours, ensuring added convenience and accessibility for visitors.