Dubai isn’t just building towers and tax perks, it’s crafting entire industries. And now, the spotlight’s on gaming. The city has launched the Dubai Program for Gaming 2033, a big-ticket initiative aiming to raise AED 3.6 billion (roughly $1 billion) for the economy and generate 30,000 jobs by 2033. That’s not child’s play, it’s a real power-up for the UAE’s creative and tech scene. And now Dubai has launched a 10-Year Golden Visa for gamers.
Welcome To Dubai’s Gaming Revolution That Comes With A 10-Year Golden Visa For Gamers
But here’s the twist: this golden visa isn’t for high-score hoarders or Mario Kart masters. It’s for the people making the games, developers, illustrators, producers, and the brainy bunch behind the pixels. So if you’re knee-deep in game design, animation, or operations, this is your call to level up your career in Dubai.
Level One: How To Unlock The Golden Gaming Visa
Let’s break it down. To qualify, you need to be at least 25, have serious experience in the industry and it’s important to apply through Dubai Culture before starting the golden visa process.You’ll need to submit the following:
- Passport copy (with residence visa/Emirates ID, if available)
- Professional CV
- Portfolio showcasing your best work from the last five years
- Cover letter
- One social media profile
When you apply, you’ll also choose your role from one of these sub-categories:
1. Game Designer
2. Game Developer
3. Animator/Illustrator
4. Educator – Video Games
5. Game Producer
6. Game Publishing/Operations
Sorry, esports champs, this visa isn’t for competitive players. It’s strictly for game creators.
Next Comes Level Two: Career Breakdown
- Years of experience
- Number of published works
- Artistic and creative participation
- Academic qualifications
- Memberships (local/international)
- Creative contributions to the global scene
Level Three: Required Documents:
1. Passport copy
2. Portfolio
3. CV
4. Cover letter
5. Employment letter
6. Certificates
7. Memberships
Once submitted, you wait for that all-important email. If you’ve earned accreditation from Dubai Culture, you’re cleared to apply for the golden visa through the standard UAE channels.
Also Read: What Is Dubai’s New Gaming Visa? Requirements To Processing Time, All You Need To Know
Long-Term Living For Gaming Pros
It’s a 10-year ticket to live, work, and create in one of the world’s most forward-thinking cities. With Dubai throwing its weight behind gaming, it’s clear they’re not just playing catch-up; they’re aiming to be industry leaders.
So if you’re a gaming pro looking for your next big adventure, grab your documents, polish your portfolio, and press Start.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Stock Images
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