Dubai, UAE, April 25, 2025 – More than 150 youth officially kicked off their journey into the gaming industry at the launch of the first cohort of the UNDP Al Ghurair Game Development Bootcamp, held on the sidelines of the Dubai Esports and Games Festival.

The initiative, a collaboration between the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation (AGF),  HP and United Nations Development Program (UNDP), is designed to equip 500 Emirati youth aged 18-35 with the technical, entrepreneurial, and leadership skills to pursue careers in game development and esports management. 

“At HP, we are proud to support the UAE’s vision by empowering the next generation of innovators with the skills and tools they need to thrive in the digital economy. This collaboration marks a significant step in shaping the future of game development and esports in the region, and we are excited to help these talented young Emiratis realize their potential and unlock new opportunities within this dynamic industry”. said Mayank Dhingra, Global Director of Education Strategy, HP.

The event brought together students, educators, industry experts, and representatives from partner organizations. Speakers included Dr. Yousef Al Assaf, President of RIT University in Dubai; Mrs. Mona Ghander - Vice President - Partnerships and Programs at the AGF, Mayank Dhingra, Global Director of Education Strategy at HP, and Gokhan Dikmener, Technical Specialist at UNDP’s Istanbul Center for Private Sector in Development. 

“By unlocking access to in-demand digital skills, this bootcamp is opening doors for Emirati youth to participate and shape the future economy,” said Mrs. Mona Ghander - Vice President - Partnerships and Programs at the AGF. “We are proud to support the UAE’s ambitions through inclusive learning models that turn passion into purpose and talent into transformation.”

“The UAEs gaming industry is growing fast, and I am really excited for the opportunity to learn game development and be part of what’s coming next,” said Mariam al Dhefairi, a 24-year-old participant at the UNDP Al Ghurair Game Development Bootcamp. 

The event also featured a keynote address by Mr. Faisal Kazim, Head of Dubai Program for Gaming 2033 who offered an inspiring look into emerging opportunities in the industry.

Mr. Kazim said: “The bootcamp naturally aligns with the objectives of the Dubai Program for Gaming 2033, which is focused on developing world-class talent and positioning Dubai as a global hub for game development. Video games today are more than entertainment – they’re a powerful medium for storytelling, cultural expression, and economic growth. By investing in our youth and empowering them with the tools to create, we’re enabling a new generation to share their stories with the world and lead the future of this dynamic industry.”

By fostering digital skills and building a sense of community, the bootcamp contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 4 on Quality Education, SDG 5 on Gender Equality, SDG 8 on Decent Work and Economic Growth, and SDG 9 on Industry Innovation and Infrastructure. “This bootcamp is not just about learning to design games — it is about unlocking careers in creative industries and building soft skills. We are creating a space where innovation meets opportunity, and where the SDGs come to life through real skills and real impact.” said Gokhan Dikmener, Technical Specialist of UNDP ICPSD.

About Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation:

The Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation (AGF) is committed to empowering Emirati and Arab youth by providing access to quality upskilling and educational programs. Through various initiatives and partnerships, AGF aims to equip the next generation with the skills and knowledge needed to contribute to the region's development.

About UNDP

As the lead United Nations agency on international development, UNDP works in 170 countries and territories to eradicate poverty and reduce inequality. UNDP helps countries develop policies, leadership skills, partnerships and institutional capabilities to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. UNDPs work is centred around six core development areas, known as signature solutions: poverty and inequality, governance, resilience, environment, energy and gender equality.