Xsolla and Dubai Film & Games Commission Announce 2026 Partnership

Xsolla, a global commerce company, has officially entered into a multi-year strategic agreement with the Dubai Film & Games Commission (DFGC) to establish a new regional gaming hub. This initiative, announced during the 2026 GamesBeat Summit, represents a significant development in the world of Gaming News as the industry seeks to expand its reach into the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. By leveraging Xsolla’s payment and distribution infrastructure, the partnership aims to support the growth of local video games and provide a scalable pathway for regional studios to reach international audiences.

Strategic Goals for the UAE Gaming Sector

The partnership was formally introduced by Berkley Egenes, chief growth and marketing officer at Xsolla, and Faisal Kazim, games commissioner at the Dubai Film & Games Commission. During the announcement, Kazim highlighted the importance of this collaboration as a demonstration that the United Arab Emirates remains a viable and open environment for international business. This statement carries weight given the current geopolitical climate, specifically the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran.

The initiative aligns with Dubai’s broader economic objectives. The emirate has established a goal of creating 33,000 jobs in the gaming sector by 2033. Current data indicates that this effort is already underway, with more than 150 game studios having registered to operate within Dubai. The overarching financial target is to increase the city’s GDP by $1 billion through these gaming-related activities. For more on how regional growth impacts the industry, see our Industry Trends coverage.

Infrastructure and Market Access

Xsolla’s contribution to this partnership centers on its established global commerce infrastructure. This includes a suite of tools designed to facilitate game distribution and monetization, such as:

• Direct-to-consumer storefronts tailored for independent and large-scale developers.
• Intelligent payment processing supporting over 1,000 payment methods across more than 200 geographies.
• Advanced player engagement and retention tools.

By integrating these services with the DFGC’s mandate, the two organizations intend to remove barriers for developers operating across the MENA region. The partnership is designed to provide the necessary commercial foundation for the Dubai gaming ecosystem to mature into a self-sustaining, world-class destination for development and publishing.

Collaborative Initiatives and Industry Support

Beyond providing infrastructure, Xsolla and the DFGC have outlined several collaborative programs to foster growth. These initiatives are designed to bridge the gap between local talent and the global market. The key components of the agreement include:

1. Joint Studio Accelerator: A program based in Dubai aimed at helping developers scale their projects from local prototypes to global releases.
2. Market Intelligence: The co-production of authoritative reports and data regarding the state of the games industry to help stakeholders make informed decisions.
3. Reciprocal Pathways: The creation of networking opportunities that connect regional developers with industry leaders at flagship global events.

Rytis Joseph Jan, SVP of Global Strategic Initiatives & Partnerships at Xsolla, noted that the games industry is increasingly defined by markets that prioritize the construction of commercial infrastructure. He stated that Dubai’s investment in this area is intended to convert regional ambition into lasting opportunities for both local developers and international studios looking to establish a presence in the region. You can read more about how these developments affect the broader market in our Business section.

The Role of the MENA Region in Global Growth

The MENA region is currently recognized as one of the fastest-growing markets for video games. Xsolla’s leadership has pointed to Dubai as the center of this growth. According to Berkley Egenes, the partnership is focused on providing the necessary tools to help developers of all sizes transition from regional success to global reach. This initiative is the latest step in a growing relationship between Xsolla and the DFGC, following Faisal Kazim’s participation in the Global State of Play panel at the GamesBeat Summit.

The partnership aims to address the specific challenges that developers in the Middle East face when trying to export their content. By providing a proven, scalable pathway to international markets, the DFGC hopes to fulfill its mission of making the UAE a leading destination for game development. The collaboration is expected to evolve over the coming years as more studios utilize the resources provided by the new hub.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the goal of the partnership between Xsolla and the Dubai Film & Games Commission? The partnership aims to establish Dubai as a global hub for video game development and publishing by providing commercial infrastructure and access to international markets for regional developers.

How many jobs does Dubai plan to create in the gaming sector by 2033? Dubai has set an ambitious target to create 33,000 jobs within the emirate’s gaming sector by the year 2033.

What specific services will Xsolla provide to the Dubai gaming ecosystem? Xsolla will provide its global commerce infrastructure, including direct-to-consumer storefronts, payment processing for over 1,000 methods across 200 geographies, and player engagement tools.