UAE Gaming Market Overview, 2030

The UAE's gaming sector has grown significantly in recent years as a result of both consumer behavior and policy measures. One notable trend is the early adoption of high-end gaming setups, particularly among wealthy gamers. In the UAE's cities, more and more people are using high-end PCs, bespoke consoles, and sophisticated streaming configurations. These setups are a status symbol for many players, not just about performance, since high-end accessories, gaming seats, and cutting-edge technology mirror the nation's larger culture of luxury consumption. The UAE government's proactive efforts in promoting esports are helping to foster this expansion. The nation is establishing itself as a competitive gaming center in the area through programs like the Dubai Esports Festival and collaborations with global gaming companies. The sector has been formalized by government-sponsored events, esports stadiums, and specific regulatory frameworks, which have drawn international attention and investment. The expansion of console gaming cafes is another growing trend. Console cafes are popular for mobile and PC gaming, but they also offer social settings where gamers, particularly young adults, congregate to play games like FIFA, Call of Duty, and Fortnite. Particularly in metropolitan hubs like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, these cafes serve as a link between casual gamers and more devoted console gamers. The gaming industry is also heavily impacted by regional culture. Many developers are now including Middle Eastern themes, personalities, and stories into their games, resulting in content that appeals to local gamers. Efforts to localize languages for Arabic speakers are being stepped up. In order to ensure that players can completely engage themselves in plotlines and gameplay, more international publishers are now releasing games with complete Arabic language support, including subtitles and voice acting. These trends highlight the UAE's commitment to establishing a gaming ecosystem that is culturally relevant, globally competitive, and sophisticated, solidifying the nation's position as a frontrunner in the future of gaming in the Middle East and North Africa MENA area.

According to the research report, ""UAE Gaming Market Overview, 2030,"" published by Bonafide Research, the UAE Gaming market is anticipated to grow at more than 12.65% CAGR from 2025 to 2030. The establishment of specialized esports hubs is one of the most significant advancements. The UAE is establishing itself as a regional leader in competitive gaming by investing in training facilities, esports competitions, and purpose-built venues in major cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The nation's aim to build a vibrant esports ecosystem, complete with infrastructure, professional teams, and sponsorship agreements, is demonstrated by events like the Dubai Esports Festival and collaborations with international esports groups. In the UAE, the growth of premium mobile gaming is altering consumer behavior in esports. Free-to-play games are still well-liked, but there is growing demand for premium mobile experiences with sophisticated visuals, compelling storylines, and membership options. Backed by high smartphone adoption and strong internet connectivity, games like Genshin Impact and Diablo Immortal have become very popular. Rich customers who want a better gaming experience on the go are particularly drawn to premium mobile gaming. The UAE's gaming industry is further bolstered by the aggressive investments made by sovereign wealth funds in both domestic and foreign game development businesses. The UAE is directing a large amount of funding into the creative economy, notably gaming, via organizations like ADQ and Mubadala. These investments are intended to make the UAE a digital content innovation hub, not just to provide financial rewards. It's worth noting that there's more and more emphasis on gender inclusivity in gaming environments. The growing number of esports events and local initiatives that encourage female participation, both as players and as industry leaders, point to a move toward a fairer and more inclusive gaming culture. UAE is using games for educational purposes and creating platforms that integrate learning and amusement.

With unique preferences shaping the market, the UAE's gaming business is growing quickly over several platforms. The most accessible and popular platform is mobile gaming, which is played on tablets and smartphones. Mobile gaming has become integrated into the everyday lives of many Emiratis and citizens due to the widespread usage of smartphones, sophisticated 5G infrastructure, and a tech-literate populace. Well-known games such as Call of Duty: Mobile, Free Fire, and PUBG Mobile are always among the most played. The expansion of premium mobile gaming, fueled by disposable income and sophisticated devices, has also contributed to the growing popularity of graphically stunning and complicated games like Genshin Impact and Diablo Immortal. Mobile platforms are appealing to a wide range of ages and genders, providing both casual and competitive gaming experiences. In the UAE, PC gaming still has a sizable market share, especially among serious gamers and esports aficionados. The UAE's desire for premium experiences is reflected in the popularity of high-performance gaming computers and premium PC setups, particularly among younger male players and broadcasters, as seen in titles like League of Legends, Dota 2, and Valorant, which draw devoted communities, with many players taking part in online competitions and regional esports events. PlayStation and Xbox continue to dominate the console gaming market. Console cafes in cities provide social areas for competitive play, particularly for games such as FIFA, Fortnite, and Call of Duty. Due to their simplicity of use and unique titles, consoles are frequently favored by families and casual players. The UAE's sophisticated internet infrastructure is driving the growing trends of cloud gaming and game streaming. Early adopters are using platforms like Xbox Cloud Gaming Game Pass and NVIDIA GeForce NOW to play high-end games without the need for pricey gear. Cloud gaming is predicted to have a greater impact on the future of gaming in the UAE as these services develop.

The UAE's gaming sector uses a variety of income models, each of which appeals to a specific type of player in terms of taste and spending behavior. Free-to-Play F2P with In-App Purchases IAP is the most prevalent model, notably in the mobile gaming industry. This model is followed by well-liked games like PUBG Mobile, Clash of Clans, and Call of Duty: Mobile, which allows users to play the core game for free while selling cosmetic enhancements, premium passes, and in-game money. Many UAE gamers are willing to pay for unique material, uncommon goods, or features that improve their status in their favorite games, and this approach appeals to them. In-app purchases are made seamless across the area thanks to the convenience of credit cards, digital wallets, and telecom billing. The Pay-to-Play P2P model is still relevant in the console and PC gaming industries, while the Free-to-Play F2P model dominates mobile platforms. In the UAE, players continue to buy hit games like FIFA, Elden Ring, and Call of Duty at full price, frequently via sites like the PlayStation Store or Steam. This approach is appealing to committed gamers who are looking for high-quality, story-driven, or multiplayer experiences. Premium game sales continue to do well, especially when combined with deluxe or collector's editions, given the UAE's comparatively high purchasing power. Although less common than IAP, advertising-supported gaming is also prevalent, especially in hyper-casual mobile games. In simple, time-killing games, many users interact with brief video adverts in order to earn prizes, lives, or bonuses. This revenue source is mainly directed toward younger, less serious gamers who would rather not make direct purchases. Subscription services and other models are becoming increasingly popular. For a monthly charge, platforms like PlayStation Plus and Xbox Game Pass provide users access to massive game libraries, providing excellent value and diversity. Budget-conscious gamers looking for a variety of experiences are increasingly drawn to these subscription options.

Mobile gaming is the primary platform for people under the age of 18. In the UAE, youngsters and teenagers are drawn to well-liked free-to-play games like Roblox, Fortnite, and Free Fire, and they frequently interact with these games as social experiences. Many younger players also subscribe to YouTube and TikTok gaming influencers, which increases their involvement even more. In line with the UAE's drive to promote digital literacy among young people, schools are using more and more instructional games and gamified learning applications. The majority of the UAE's gaming community is made up of people between the ages of 19 and 35, who are also the most engaged. This demographic, which is primarily made up of students and young professionals, is heavily invested in both casual and competitive gaming on mobile, console, and PC platforms. Competitive games like Valorant, League of Legends, and Call of Duty are popular options, and many people participate in esports tournaments or online leagues. Subscription models like Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus are particularly appealing to this group since they provide access to a large selection of games at reasonable costs. Furthermore, a large number of people in this sector are content creators, streamers, or esports fans, all of whom are actively contributing to the expansion of the region's gaming community. For those 36 and older, gaming is often more casual, focusing on classic console games, strategy games, or mobile puzzle games. Many members of this group play games, sometimes with kids or younger relatives, as a way to unwind or strengthen family relationships. Nevertheless, participation in PC and console gaming is gradually expanding as digital literacy among older adults in the UAE continues to improve.

In the past, the majority of players have been men, notably in hardcore and competitive gaming environments. Particularly popular in the UAE among men are genres such as first-person shooters, sports simulations, and strategy games. Among male players, popular games like FIFA, Call of Duty, Fortnite, and Valorant are very well-liked, and many of them also participate in esports, live streaming, and competitive online play. In the UAE, male gamers frequently spend money on high-end PCs, consoles, and premium gaming setups, which is indicative of a wider cultural emphasis on technology and status-driven consumption. The majority of attendees at community tournaments, gaming cafes, and esports events in the UAE are often men. Nonetheless, due to the availability of mobile gaming platforms and changing cultural attitudes, there has been a significant increase in female involvement in gaming in the UAE in recent years. Life simulation games like The Sims, Genshin Impact, and Candy Crush, mobile RPGs, and social games are popular among women and girls. The ease and diversity of genres offered by mobile games have been crucial in attracting more women into the ecosystem. Furthermore, more and more women in the UAE are taking on prominent roles as gaming influencers, streamers, and esports athletes, defying conventional gender roles in the field. Programs that encourage gender inclusion in local esports competitions and gaming groups are contributing to a more inclusive and secure environment for female gamers.

Considered in this report
• Historic Year: 2019
• Base year: 2024
• Estimated year: 2025
• Forecast year: 2030

Aspects covered in this report
• Gaming Market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Platform
• Mobile Gaming (Smartphones & Tablets)
• PC Gaming
• Console Gaming
• Cloud Gaming / Game Streaming

By Revenue Model
• Free-to-Play (F2P) with In-App Purchases (IAP)
• Pay-to-Play (Full Game Purchase)
• Ad-Supported Gaming
• Others

By Age Group
• Less than 18
• 19-35
• 36 and above

By Gender
• Male
• Female Show more