Dubai: Xsolla, a prominent global video game commerce company, and the Dubai Games Commissioner, in collaboration with the Dubai Films and Games Commission (DFGC), have unveiled a strategic partnership aimed at advancing the video game industry and enhancing commercial opportunities for developers in the Middle East and North Africa.
According to Emirates News Agency, this announcement was made during the GamesBeat Summit 2026 in Los Angeles, California. The collaboration will merge Xsolla’s extensive global commerce infrastructure, including its direct-to-consumer storefronts and a wide range of payment methods, with DFGC’s mission to position Dubai as a premier location for video game development and publishing.
The partnership plans to launch a joint studio accelerator program in Dubai, co-produce comprehensive market intelligence reports, and establish reciprocal pathways for developers and industry leaders across global networks and major events.
Rytis Joseph Jan, SVP of Global Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships at Xsolla, emphasized the importance of investing in commercial infrastructure for the future of the games industry. He highlighted Dubai’s strategic investments and the partnership’s potential to transform these ambitions into substantial opportunities for local and international developers.
Faisal Kazim, Games Commissioner at the Dubai Films and Games Commission, stated that the partnership aligns with DFGC’s mission to make Dubai a leading hub for game development and publishing. By fostering an advanced infrastructure and supportive ecosystem, the collaboration aims to help developers in Dubai and the broader region achieve global scalability.
Berkley Egenes, Chief Marketing and Growth Officer at Xsolla, noted the rapid growth of the MENA region’s video game market, with Dubai at its core. The partnership aims to equip local developers with the tools needed to expand their reach on a global scale.
This partnership builds upon the existing relationship between the two organizations. Kazim and Egenes also participated in a panel discussion at the GamesBeat Summit, exploring key trends in the global games industry. The collaboration comes as the UAE games market experiences significant growth, fueled by consumer engagement and government investment in creative industries. Further details on joint initiatives and regional activations are expected to be announced in the coming months.