Dubai is heading to Gamescom 2026 in Cologne, Germany with its largest pavilion to date, as the emirate pushes forward with a plan to rank among the world's top 10 gaming hubs by 2033.
The Dubai Films and Games Commission will lead the emirate's presence at the event, running from 26 to 30 August at Koelnmesse. Gamescom is expected to draw more than 350,000 visitors and over 1,500 exhibitors from more than 125 countries, with the first day set aside for trade and media engagements.
A bigger footprint in Cologne
Dubai's pavilion this year features more than 10 showcases, a live stage hosting panel discussions and fireside chats, and dedicated networking spaces for industry connections. The delegation representing Dubai includes officials from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, Dubai Future Foundation, Dubai Chambers, Dubai International Financial Centre, Dubai Police, and Dubai Multi Commodities Centre, alongside private sector partners.
The Good Games Club podcast is also relocating to Dubai, adding to the emirate's growing footprint in gaming media and community engagement.
The numbers behind the ambition
Dubai's push into gaming is backed by the Dubai Program for Gaming 2033, which sets a target of placing the emirate among the global top 10 in the sector by the end of the decade. The plan projects around 30,000 jobs and close to USD 1 billion in annual revenue from gaming by 2033.
