Gaming in the Middle East: My Take on Abu Dhabi’s Big Bet
Written by Michail Katkoff, founder of Deconstructor of Fun, a games industry veteran of 15 years, and a frequent visitor of UAE since 2010.
When you think of gaming hubs, Abu Dhabi isn't the first place that comes to mind. Like many battle-scarred industry veterans, my mental map of gaming ecosystems was firmly anchored around the usual suspects: Helsinki, Montreal, Istanbul, Seoul, Barcelona, and a handful of other established powerhouses.
My take on the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is based on visiting the country regularly since 2010. Talking to locals, expats, and people from all over the world who moved there, and people who have moved out of the country.
Most importantly, I’ve talked to founders who relocated their companies there as well as to the Director of Abu Dhabi Gaming, whose responsibility is to attract and help companies thrive in the city.
I recognize the UAE comes with its share of preconceptions. My wife resisted visiting for years until her friend relocated there. After one reluctant visit, we now return annually. I firmly believe in forming opinions based on personal experience rather than assumptions.
But enough of that. Abu Dhabi isn’t a perfect city. Nor am I writing a tourism promo. I’m here to break down how Abu Dhabi is positioning itself as gaming's next frontier, why it might actually work, and what’s there for you.
Why I Like Abu Dhabi
I’ve been coming to the UAE, first alone, then with a partner and finally now, with a growing family - and frankly enjoyed it more and more every time.
My perspective on Abu Dhabi comes from a unique vantage point: born in the USSR, raised in Finland, educated in the UK, and seasoned in the US tech industry. As a gaming investor and entrepreneur – and more importantly, as a family man – I evaluate cities through multiple lenses.
1. Safe
Despite its 1 million residents, the city records fewer annual crimes than New York sees in a day. This remarkable safety isn't just statistics – it's visible in daily life, where cyclists leave bikes unlocked at malls and diners step away from belongings in food courts. As a frequent traveler with two daughters, I find it one of the rare places, like Singapore, where children can explore without constant supervision.
2. Family Friendly
Abu Dhabi offers world-class education, from kindergarten through university, complemented by excellent healthcare. As a father, while I value academic excellence, the city's unparalleled school safety – free from concerns about drugs or weapons – gives me genuine peace of mind.
While Abu Dhabi's family-first atmosphere might not attract young singles, it's a powerful draw for senior professionals with children. And for those seeking nightlife, Dubai's vibrant scene is just an hour away.
3. Connected and International
Abu Dhabi's status as a global hub is rooted in practicality – direct flights with Etihad Airways and Emirates connect to major gaming markets worldwide, while the city increasingly hosts industry conferences.
With expatriates comprising 90% of the UAE's population, the social landscape is uniquely welcoming. English serves as the common language, and without entrenched social circles, newcomers readily find their community.
4. Great for Business
The UAE's financial advantages are striking: zero income tax, 9% corporate tax, and robust gaming industry support through salary subsidies, office grants, and relocation assistance. Operating from Abu Dhabi brings two strategic benefits: unrestricted access to global talent and proximity to major capital sources.
I believe all of the above allow companies to set operations fast, and control their burn rate while offering world-class quality of life to their teams.
The Elephant in the Room: Talent Pool
History shows us that (gaming) ecosystems need three key ingredients to thrive:
Early-Stage Innovation
Incubators and accelerators allow young and hungry individuals to fail fast and learn even faster. Programs and investors accept that many will fail but some will create the foundation for future success.
Mid-Market Growth
These are the mid-size companies that have passed the early startup gauntlet, found their product-market fit, and are now growing - or looking for their second growth spur. To these proven companies, financial incentives become most impactful as it helps them to scale efficiently.
Anchor Companies
The third piece of the puzzle - is major studios that not only offer a large number of jobs but can act as talent magnets and training grounds for future founders.
Ecosystems are driven by startups, scale-ups and the mid-size companies. All three require capital and talen to run. Each part is equally essential for success.
All ingredients need two key inputs: capital and talent. And the elephant in the room is the current lack of a deep talent pool. However, Abu Dhabi's approach to this challenge is characteristically systematic:
Gaming-specific visas to streamline talent acquisition
Partnerships with universities (ex. NYU Abu Dhabi) and coding schools (ex. 42AD)
Local talent development programs targeting 5,000+ annual tech graduates
The Bottom Line
Abu Dhabi's gaming initiative isn't just another case of "build it and they will come." It's a calculated effort to address the fundamental needs of gaming companies and professionals, backed by significant resources and long-term thinking.
Will it succeed? The strategy, the resources, and the determination are there. The city offers unique advantages that address many pain points faced by gaming companies in traditional hubs. While it may not replace existing gaming capitals, Abu Dhabi is positioning itself as a compelling alternative, particularly for companies looking to scale efficiently while accessing global talent and growth capital.
For studios planning their next move, Abu Dhabi deserves serious consideration. It might not be the obvious choice, but sometimes the best opportunities aren't found in the obvious places.
Will I someday relocate to Abu Dhabi? Could be.
