Dubai has launched the innovative ‘Dubai Gaming Visa’ as part of its long-term strategy to support and nurture talent within the e-gaming sector.
Spearheaded by Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, this initiative aims to provide opportunities for skilled individuals, creators, and pioneers in gaming, fostering skill development and offering investment prospects to bring innovative ideas to fruition.
This initiative is a key component of the Dubai Program for Gaming 2033, launched last November, with the goal of positioning Dubai as a leading global hub for gaming and significantly boosting the sector’s contribution to the city’s digital economy, aiming to increase GDP by approximately $1 billion by 2033.
Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), underscored the immense potential of the newly introduced Dubai Gaming Visa in bolstering the cultural and creative landscape.
She emphasised, “The Dubai Gaming Visa embodies the forward-looking vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
It enhances Dubai’s appeal as a premier destination for entrepreneurs, investors, game developers, designers, and programmers.
Furthermore, it serves as a magnet for individuals with innovative ideas and facilitates the growth of both established and emerging companies specializing in content development, gaming applications, and artificial intelligence.
This initiative is integral to Dubai’s cultural vision of becoming a global cultural epicenter, a dynamic talent hub, and a nurturing ground for creativity.”
Badri emphasised that the long-term visa reflects Dubai’s unique ecosystem and vibrant cultural scene, highlighting its cultural and social diversity.
She stated, “Dubai remains committed to attracting thinkers, intellectuals, and highly skilled individuals, offering opportunities for personal growth and development.
“By supporting and nurturing their efforts, we aim to advance the creative economy, positioning Dubai as a global hub by 2026. At Dubai Culture, we prioritize creating a sustainable creative environment that empowers talent.”
Dubai aims to create 30,000 new jobs in the e-gaming sector by 2033, underscoring the significant support for the industry within the emirate.
Dubai has deployed its resources and infrastructure to attract top professionals in the field, hosting various initiatives, events, and exhibitions to promote its rapid growth and expansion.
The Dubai Gaming Visa falls under the umbrella of multi-year cultural visas issued by Dubai Culture and GDRFA-Dubai, catering to writers, thinkers, artists, and individuals with creative skills across six key sectors.
These sectors encompass cultural and natural heritage, performing arts, visual arts, literature and media, audio-visual and interactive media, and design and creative services, along with their respective sub-sectors.
Applying for the Dubai Gaming Visa
The initiative aims to incentivize these talented individuals to contribute to Dubai’s cultural and creative scene, aligning with the city’s strategic objectives to position itself as a premier destination for living, entertainment, and employment.
Applying for the Dubai Gaming Visa can be done through the Dubai Culture website or the dedicated portal https://dubaigaming.gov.ae/.
Applicants are required to submit various documents, including educational credentials, evidence of community involvement, job roles, as well as copies of identification documents such as passports, residence permits, and Emirates IDs.
Additionally, applicants must provide cultural biographies, CVs, and contact information, along with details of their addresses, places of residence, occupations, and workplaces.
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