10 unreleased UAE-made games will be playable this Saturday at Dubai Playtest Night, and their creators want to hear what you think.
The free event will run from 2pm to 6pm on 14 November, and players won’t just be testing finished products. Developers will monitor how people play and collect feedback on the spot, helping them see what’s engaging or frustrating before release. According to the Government of Dubai Media Office, the Dubai Films and Games Commission (DFGC) is hosting it.
The showcase covers 10 new 2D and 3D games, from university projects to titles built for festivals. Several have original concepts inspired by Arab culture and folklore, and some are set in the UAE. The DFGC hasn’t named the games yet.
Dubai Playtest Night gives local developers an opportunity to showcase their games and gain valuable feedback from players to refine their creations. Leveraging Dubai’s strong environment for industry networking, the initiative seeks to strengthen collaboration between developers and players and support the creation of original, high-quality games. As part of our strategy to build a globally competitive gaming ecosystem in Dubai, we plan to organise more events like these. We invite everyone in Dubai who creates or enjoys games to join us.
Faisal Kazim, Games Commissioner, Dubai Films and Games Commission
How to take part
Entry is free, but you’ll need to register in advance on Luma. Attendance is subject to host approval, and the exact venue will be shared with approved guests. A Dubai Media Office post put it at the Dubai Media Council’s office. Studios with a game to show must apply separately through a developer form. It’s unclear how many places are available.
For local developers, it’s another chance to show their games to players, after events like the Arab Youth Hackathon Gaming Edition in January.
The DFGC plans Playtest Night as the first in a series, though it hasn’t set a date for the next one. The commission sits under the Dubai Media Council, which wants to make Dubai a leading global gaming hub. According to Bijetic, the DFGC runs the Dubai Program for Gaming 2033, which aims to make Dubai a top 10 gaming destination by 2033. Bijetic also reports that 495 gaming companies now operate in the city, up 34.5% from 2024.
Is Dubai Playtest Night free?
Yes. It’s free, but you must register on Luma in advance and be approved by the host.
When and where is it?
On Saturday 14 November, from 2pm to 6pm. The venue will be shared with approved guests; a Dubai Media Office post named the Dubai Media Council’s office.
