The Arab Youth Centre in Abu Dhabi (AYC), in partnership with the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, one of the three chambers operating under Dubai Chambers, has launched the second edition of Arab Youth Hackathon 2025–2026, which this year focuses on electronic games.
Arab Youth Hackathon is the first regional program designed to empower young Arab developers to create original video games rooted in Arab culture and identity. Under the theme ‘Gaming, Powered by Arab Identity’, the initiative provides a platform to showcase their talent on the global stage, as the gaming market is projected to reach $600 billion by 2030.
Organized in a strategic partnership with Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, and Games Ventures and in collaboration with Futuregames, a game development school, the Arab Youth Hackathon aims to cultivate a generation of Arab developers who combine authentic storytelling with modern gaming technologies. It positions the Arab region to make a meaningful contribution to one of the fastest-growing industries worldwide.
The AYC has opened registration for 50 talented youth from across the Arab world who possess skills in programming, design, digital art, animation, and visual effects to join the Arab Youth Hackathon teams.
The Arab Youth Hackathon commences with a three-month training program that replicates the workflow of professional game studios. Participants will work in multidisciplinary teams supported by international mentors and industry professionals, focusing on design, programming, art, animation, and visual effects. Training includes hands-on workshops, masterclasses, and project-based development. The experience culminates in a showcase during the World Governments Summit in February 2026, where five original games will be presented alongside trailers and live gameplay demos.
Launched with the aim of developing original, narrative-driven games that draw on the region’s cultural heritage, the Arab Youth Hackathon seeks to produce competitive titles with strong characters and immersive worlds positioning Arab culture as a source of contemporary interactive stories for the global market.
The Arab Youth Hackathon will help nurture a new generation of Arab developers equipped with digital and creative skills to produce interactive content that reflects our culture and strengthens the Arab presence in the fast-growing global gaming industry. This vision aligns closely with the ambitions of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33).
Sultan bin Saif Al Neyadi Minister of State -Youth Vice Chairman – AYC
“The Arab world is well positioned to play a meaningful role in the global gaming industry, with its large youth population, rich cultural heritage, and growing digital economy. The gaming hackathon highlights the UAE’s role as a hub for innovation and a regional platform for empowering young talent. It creates a genuine opportunity for Arab creatives to develop impactful projects, build international networks, and strengthen the representation of Arab culture in the global creative economy.”
Saeed Al Gergwai, Vice President of Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, noted that, “Arab youth are a cornerstone of economic development and a driving force for innovation in shaping the economy of the future. Dubai Chambers is committed to empowering young people to contribute to business growth, and our partnership with the Arab Youth Center in the second edition of Arab Youth Hackathon 2025–2026 reflects this priority.
Fatima Al Hallami, Executive Director of the Arab Youth Center, called the Arab Youth Hackathon a platform for Arab youth to leave their mark on a booming creative industry. She said this edition went beyond making new games, aiming to launch developers who would carry Arab stories and identity worldwide. Every idea, she noted, could grow into competitive digital content, proving that Arab youth can redefine the role of their culture in the digital economy and gaming industry.
Mohamed El Sheakh, Founder and CEO of Games Ventures, affirmed his belief in the immense potential of Arab youth to shape the future of gaming. He said that partnering with the Arab Youth Center through the Arab Youth Gaming Hackathon reflects their commitment to nurturing creativity, talent, and ambition across the region. El Sheakh emphasized that, together, they aim to build games that celebrate Arab culture and inspire audiences worldwide.
Fifty early-career Arab developers from across the region will be selected based on their technical skills, ability to collaborate, commitment to the program, access to suitable hardware, and proficiency in English.
Participants will be grouped into five teams of ten, combining expertise in design, programming, art, animation, and visual effects to mirror real game studios. Over three months, they will train in a professional development environment through workshops, mentoring, and sessions with global gaming experts.
Recruitment begins in October 2025, with teams creating game concepts and alpha builds by December and final “Golden Builds” in January 2026. The completed games will debut at the World Government Summit in February 2026.
Training for Arab Youth Hackathon
The training is delivered across five tracks:
Game design and storytelling
Programming and prototyping
3D art and animation
Business models and monetization
Game governance and digital ethics
In addition to technical skills, the Arab Youth Hackathon emphasizes team building, project management, presentation skills, and professional networking. These elements prepare participants to lead their own projects in the future.
The Arab Youth Hackathon aims to boost Arab representation in global game development by supporting original, culturally grounded projects and helping young developers build the skills and networks needed to launch competitive careers and independent studios.
