News DeskAbu Dhabi, UAE – The UAE Game Makers Competition, supported by Tawazun Council and Space 42, and organized by Endless Studios, successfully concluded its second on-ground Game Jam event at Pixoul Gaming, Al Qana. This three-day event, held from October 5-7, serves as a major milestone in the competition, which was launched in May 2024 to foster a new generation of young digital innovators.
The competition aligns with the UAE’s “We the UAE” Vision 2031, emphasizing the importance of digital education and innovation for national growth. Open to UAE residents aged 17-27, the competition provides participants with hands-on experiences in game development, guided by industry experts across design, engineering, art, and project management disciplines. These skills are vital for both gaming and the broader digital landscape, bridging the gap between education and the workforce.
The Game Jam events are an integral part of the competition, where participants come together to create games inspired by the UAE’s rich cultural heritage. Through intense three-day challenges, they gain exposure to advanced technological tools and collaborative experiences, developing as future digital leaders and innovators.
Shareef Hashim Al Hashmi, CEO of Operations at Tawazun Council, highlighted the event’s broader impact, saying, “This Game Jam represents our commitment to inspiring the youth of the UAE to explore creative and technological fields. By drawing upon our cultural heritage, we are building the future leaders who will carry forward the legacy of the UAE.”
The partnership between Tawazun Council, Space 42, and Endless Studios aims to leverage technology and data science to inspire the next generation. Hasan Al Hosani, Managing Director of Space 42, explained, “We are preparing our youth to be the architects of future technological advancement, creating gaming content that is not only engaging but culturally relevant and educational.”
The competition has had a profound impact on many participants. Duaa Al-Rifa’i, a graduate of the Capstone program at Abu Dhabi University, reflected on her journey: “Participating in the program helped me realize my dream of working in game development.” Similarly, Ajaz Khan, also from Abu Dhabi University, stated, “This experience has been pivotal in helping me transition into the game development industry.”
The UAE Game Makers Competition will conclude in May 2025, with standout projects from the Game Jam advancing to the final stage. The winners will share in a prize pool worth AED 100,000, along with tech prizes such as keyboards, headphones, and Nintendo Switch consoles. More importantly, participants gain invaluable experience, paving the way for future careers in gaming and the broader tech industry.
Matt Dalio, CEO of Endless Studios, emphasized the competition’s transformative potential: “This competition is a celebration of the UAE’s innovative spirit, providing youth with the tools and opportunities to shine both regionally and globally.”
As the competition progresses, the UAE eagerly awaits the next generation of digital leaders set to drive the nation’s progress.
