50 young Arab innovators are building the next generation of games in the UAE.

The Arab Youth Center has launched the intensive applied phase of its Arab Youth Hackathon – Gaming Edition. Fifty young innovators from ten Arab countries are now developing original games at AD Gaming's headquarters in Abu Dhabi. The programme will conclude with a showcase at the World Government Summit in Dubai.

From training to a global showcase

This three-month programme is designed to mimic a professional game development studio. Participants are split into four multidisciplinary teams, each functioning as an independent studio. They will handle the entire production cycle, from concept to a final, polished product.

The hackathon culminates at the World Government Summit in Dubai, scheduled for 3 to 5 February 2026. The four teams will present their games with cinematic trailers and live gameplay demonstrations to a global audience of investors and industry leaders. This platform provides participants with a significant opportunity to build partnerships and gain professional exposure.

A new path for Arab youth

H.E. Dr Sultan bin Saif Al Neyadi, Minister of State for Youth, said the hackathon is an "advanced Arab model for preparing game developers." He highlighted that Arab identity offers a rich foundation for storytelling. The goal is to transform this cultural heritage into competitive digital products for the global market.

He added that the initiative strengthens the UAE's role as a regional hub for youth empowerment. "Electronic games have become a promising creative and economic pathway for Arab youth, offering genuine opportunities to build professional skills," Al Neyadi said.

Building a regional gaming hub

The programme is supported by key players in the UAE's tech and business sectors. Strategic partners include AD Gaming and the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy. Saeed Al Gergawi, Vice President of the Chamber, stated that the partnership aligns with the Chamber's commitment to developing digital skills. He noted the initiative supports Dubai's digital economy and the UAE's position as a gaming hub.

This effort mirrors a wider push for Arabic games across the MENA region. H. E. Mohamed bin Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, said AD Gaming's involvement underscores Abu Dhabi's investment in young talent. He described the applied phase as a pivotal milestone that fosters innovation.

What happens next

Participants have already completed concept development and created initial alpha builds of their games. This final intensive phase focuses on creating the 'Golden Builds' — the final, ready-to-ship versions of the games. Teams will work on enhancing gameplay, improving performance, and preparing their presentations for the summit.

The hackathon is the first fully integrated regional programme of its kind. It aims to prepare Arab youth to enter the gaming industry by providing hands-on training that mirrors the operations of global studios. The collaboration also includes Games Ventures and Futuregames, with Tiger Group Holding as the Gold Sponsor.

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