According to research by Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), the gaming industry in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is expected to reach $6 billion in revenue by 2027.
DMCC’s The Future of Trade 2023 research highlights the industry’s development prospects in the MENA region, which is fueled by a young, tech-savvy population, broad connectivity, and pro-gaming government regulations. As a result, the region is gaining traction as a hub for gamers and game developers.
Ahmed Bin Sulayem, the executive chairman and CEO of DMCC, acknowledges the global acceptance of gaming as a popular form of entertainment, particularly in the MENA region, which accounts for 15% of the global player population.
The UAE and Saudi Arabia are at the forefront of the regional gaming and esports market as a result of their high revenues, active digital engagement, and considerable state expenditures.
The largest gaming market right now is Asia-Pacific, where China, the US, and Japan are major participants. By 2027, the research projects that the worldwide gaming market would be worth about $340 billion. Additionally, it predicts a sharp rise in esports fans throughout the world. By 2025, it’s anticipated that 322.7 million people would occasionally watch.
The DMCC Gaming Centre was established in December as a result of a partnership between DMCC and YaLLa Esports, an esports organization with headquarters in Dubai, with the goal of maximizing the economic potential of the gaming sector. By giving companies access to international capital, industry expertise, and a supportive ecosystem for successful operations, this center seeks to foster the expansion of the gaming sector in Dubai.
Additionally, Saudi Arabia has spent over $1.7 billion in the gaming industry, which is now a part of the Neom program.
The research collects viewpoints from key individuals in the sector, including Jad El-Mir, a partner at Strategy&, and Klaus Kajetski, CEO and creator of YaLLa Esports. Their insights help to pinpoint the primary causes of the gaming industry’s explosive growth.
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