Collaborative Game Development Bootcamp Kick-Off in UAE: Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation Joins Forces with UNDP and HP for Inaugural Program in Gaming Industry
First kicks off in Dubai, the UNDP Al Ghurair Game Development Bootcamp unleashes the potential of 500 Emirati youth aged 18-35 into the gaming industry. Still, it aims for much more than just developing desirable skills—it seeks to construct a platform where innovation meets opportunity, empowering the youth to establish successful careers in game development and esports management.
Happening side by side with the Dubai Esports and Games Festival, the game bootcamp commenced by gathering students, educators, industry experts, and representatives from partner organizations, ready to embark on this transformative journey. Remarkable speakers, such as Dr. Yousef Al Assaf and Mona Ghander, shared their insights during the event.
In an inspiring keynote, Faisal Kazim, Head of Dubai Programme for Gaming 2033, highlighted the intriguing possibilities in the gaming sector. Games today have advanced beyond mere entertainment, becoming a substantial medium for storytelling, cultural expression, and economic progress. By backing the future creators, Kazim asserted that the UAE's gaming industry would continue thriving, eventually solidifying Dubai's position as a global hub for game development.
"We are paving the way for Emirati youth to explore the unexplored by unlocking access to high-demand digital skills," said Mona Ghander, Vice-President - Partnerships and Programmes at AGF. Building on the UAE's development objectives, this bootcamp operates through inclusive learning models, encouraging pursuit of passion and fostering purpose. The outcome is a win-win situation, as the youth develop essential talents and contribute to its projected economy growth.
From empowering individuals to shaping the future, the UNDP Al Ghurair Game Development Bootcamp echoes the sustained impact reflected in various Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through emphasizing educational quality, fostering innovation, and promoting economic growth, the bootcamp indirectly supports SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, and SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure.
Cementing the UAE's Digital Economy Strategy, this bootcamp stands in harmony with the Dubai Programme for Gaming 2033, fostering the nation's gaming industry and digital sector's advancement. Let the journey of esteemed participants like Mariam al Dhefairi begin, unveiling what the future holds for the gaming industry in the UAE!
- In addition to launching careers, the UNDP Al Ghurair Game Development Bootcamp intends to bridge the gap between innovation and opportunity in the sports and entertainment sectors, particularly the gaming industry.
- As the gaming industry extends its reach beyond mere entertainment, encompassing storytelling, cultural expression, and economic progress, educators, experts, students, and partners are coming together at this bootcamp to nurture these future creators.
- The transformation of young Emirati individuals is not limited to career development; this bootcamp aims to cultivate their talents in a manner that contributes to the UAE's overall economy growth, aligning with goals in education, decent work and economic growth, and industry, innovation and infrastructure.
- This event, occurring alongside the Dubai Esports and Games Festival, positions technology as a key driver for change, supporting the UAE's Digital Economy Strategy and renouncing its position as a global hub for game development and innovation.
