Dubai’s Film and Gaming industries have grown dramatically in recent years, driven by streaming, digital production, esports, VR/AR, and increased global interest. However, this expansion has also exposed gaps in coordination between authorities and a lack of unified support for creators, developers and investors. To sustain momentum and compete globally, Dubai is moving toward a more organised and strategic development model.
Why Film and Gaming are now a Priority for Dubai
Film and gaming have become two of the fastest-growing creative industries globally, generating billions in revenue and creating high-skilled jobs. Dubai recognises the potential of these sectors to drive innovation, attract international companies, and strengthen the emirate’s competitive edge. The government’s goal is to:
- Attract global studios, developers, and creative-tech investors
- Build a strong local workforce and future-ready talent pipeline
- Streamline approvals across multiple authorities
- Support emerging high-growth fields such as esports, VR/AR, and immersive media
- Advance the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which aims to double the emirate’s economy by 2033.
What the New Resolutions Introduce
Under Law No. 29 of 2024, the Dubai Media Council (DMC) has established two specialised committees:
- Dubai Film Development Committee – Dubai Media Council Resolution No. 8 of 2025.
- Dubai Gaming Committee – Dubai Media Council Resolution No. 9 of 2025.
These committees have been tasked with:
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- Developing comprehensive, long-term strategies for each sector
- Enhancing coordination across government entities and free zones
- Improving access to studios, filming locations and gaming infrastructure
- Creating structured training and talent-development programmes
- Strengthening international partnerships and facilitating sector expansion
The resolutions take immediate effect, with full support required from all relevant authorities.
Impact on the Creative Sector
For Film Producers & Content Creators
- Faster and more predictable approval processes
- Improved access to filming locations and production facilities
- Clearer, streamlined procedures for permits and logistics
(Supported by resources from the Dubai Film & TV Commission)
For Gaming Companies
- Expanded support for start-ups, indie developers and emerging studios
- Robust talent-development pathways and innovation-driven programmes
- Greater alignment with tourism, technology and cultural sectors
(Aligned with initiatives led by the Dubai Future Foundation)
For Investors
- Increased regulatory clarity and transparency
- Consistent, predictable decision-making across authorities
- A more stable and attractive environment for long-term investment.
Comparative Analysis: How Dubai’s Approach Stands Against Global Models
Many countries have established specialised agencies to support and regulate film and gaming:
- Australia: Bodies such as Screen NSW provide structured funding, industry development, and regulatory support for both film and digital games.
- European Union: National film agencies across countries like Belgium, France and Ireland now extend financing, grants and oversight to video game development in addition to traditional film.
- Canada & the United Kingdom: These markets offer some of the world’s strongest tax incentives, grant programmes and regulatory frameworks dedicated to both industries.
What Dubai does better or more Innovatively
- Unified governance of both film and gaming under the DMC rare globally.
- Cross-government membership, enabling faster permits, smoother logistics and integrated regulation.
- Future-focused orientation, aligned with innovation and emerging digital technologies.
- Strategic alignment with national economic agendas, ensuring long-term stability.
Dubai’s model is therefore more integrated, agile and forward-looking compared to countries that still treat film and gaming separately.
Why these Reforms were Necessary: Key Challenges Previously Facing the Sector
Before the introduction of the new committees, the industry faced a number of structural and operational challenges, including:
- Fragmented oversight spread across multiple free zones
- Complex and inconsistent approval processes for international productions
- Limited structured support for gaming studios and developers
- Insufficient training pathways to cultivate a skilled creative workforce
- Regulatory ambiguity that reduced investor confidence and hindered long-term planning
By creating two specialised committees with cross-government authority, Dubai addresses these obstacles directly and positions its creative sectors to compete more effectively on a global scale.
What this means for Businesses in Dubai
For companies operating in film, gaming, and digital media, the new framework brings several meaningful advantages:
- Clearer regulatory pathways and faster approval processes
- Enhanced access to skilled talent and industry-focused innovation programmes
- A more stable and predictable environment for long-term planning and investment
- Stronger, more efficient collaboration between creative businesses and government entities
Additional initiatives including potential incentives, sector-specific grants, training schemes, and infrastructure development are expected as the committees begin outlining their detailed operational plans.
How Motei & Associates Can Assist
Motei & Associates advises businesses across the media, gaming and entertainment sectors on licensing, regulatory compliance, IP, commercial agreements and market entry. If you have any questions or require legal assistance, please contact our team at admin@motei.com, +971 55 353 6953, or book a 30-minute online consultation by visiting our E-lawyer services platform. We would be pleased to assist you with clarity, professionalism, and discretion. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch.