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Over the past few years, the gaming industry in Dubai and the UAE has been experiencing a remarkable transformation, fueled by the rise of women gamers. Globally, the number of female gamers has been steadily increasing, and the MENA region is no exception. With over 40% of global gamers being women, their growing presence is shaping the gaming landscape in the UAE and propelling the industry to new heights.As women gamers gain traction, Dubai and the UAE have become an attractive destination for gaming companies and investors. RedSeer Consulting projects that women gamers will play a pivotal role in propelling the MENA gaming industry past $5 billion by 2025. This surge in interest has not gone unnoticed by gaming platforms and investors, leading to significant investments in the gaming infrastructure in Dubai.One key driver behind the rise of women gamers in the region is the increase in streaming and content creation. The Middle East has witnessed a significant rise in content creators, thanks to the support from the government and game publishers, who are actively promoting and organizing major gaming events in the region. The Dubai Esports Festival, for instance, has included a special panel dedicated to women gamers, reflecting the growing recognition and acknowledgment of their presence.The rise of women gamers has turned the gaming industry into an engine for entertainment and economic development. Initiatives like Games for Change, the Dubai Esports Festival, and Gamers8 have been crucial in bringing more women in the MENA region into the gaming fold. Dubai’s gaming center, launched by the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), further reinforces the region’s commitment to fostering gaming and esports.Government efforts to develop regional and local gaming companies, combined with a focus on making gaming lucrative for all genders, have created a supportive environment for women gamers. The region’s younger demographic, with nearly half the population under 25, has also contributed to the growth of gaming and esports. Increased disposable income, longer gameplay, and a surge in advertisement revenue have further boosted the industry’s growth, with the pandemic acting as a catalyst.While mid-core and hard-core games continue to be popular among male gamers, female gamers have shown a preference for more accessible and casual games, particularly on mobile devices. However, the gaming industry is gradually diversifying its content, with more games tailored to women gamers and the inclusion of heroic female characters in gaming storylines.The growing opportunities in the gaming industry have opened doors for women in pursuing tech careers. As gaming and esports continue to flourish, various job opportunities have emerged, ranging from players and event organizers to advertising and social media promotion. Women are actively participating in this growth, demonstrating their skills and becoming professionals in the field.Despite the progress made, there is still work to be done in making women feel welcome across all platforms and forms of gaming content. More prominent female content creators and esports players serve as inspiring role models, and efforts are being made to ensure that women feel included and represented in the gaming community.Dubai’s supportive government policies and investments have positioned it as a key player in fostering the growth of gaming and esports in the region. With a younger and more inclusive demographic, the gaming industry is poised to thrive, generating new opportunities and driving economic development in the years to come.In conclusion, women gamers are proving to be the game changers in Dubai and the UAE’s gaming industry, propelling it to become a global gaming hub. With their increasing presence and active participation, women are reshaping the gaming landscape and creating a more inclusive gaming community. As the industry continues to evolve, women gamers will play a vital role in driving its growth and success.
