WAM
29 May 2025

DUBAI, 29th May, 2025 (WAM) -- The third and final day of the Film and Gaming Forum, organised by the Dubai Films and Games Commission as part of the Arab Media Summit 2025, reinforced the message that gaming is a powerful engine of innovation, education, and global relevance.

A session titled 'Gaming Across Industries: Education, Government & the Private Sectors' examined how Dubai is cultivating a next-generation gaming ecosystem rooted in talent development, cross-sector partnerships, and cutting-edge technology. Moderated by First Lieutenant Rashed Mansoor Alawar, Games Programmer, Virtual Technology Center, General Department of Training, Dubai Police, the session featured insights from Faisal Kazim, Head of Dubai Program for Gaming; Rob Auten, CEO of Hexagram and Rethink Entertainment; and Sophie Boutros, Executive Director of the Mohammed Bin Rashid School for Communication at the American University in Dubai (AUD).

Kazim spoke about the Dubai Programme for Gaming 2033, launched by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Dubai Future Foundation, in 2023, which aims to position Dubai among the world's top 10 gaming cities and create 30,000 new jobs in the sector.

"The MENA region contributes less than other parts of the world to the $200 billion global gaming industry," Kazim noted. He clarified that while regional consumption is growing, contributions as developers and producers remain limited-highlighting a gap the programme seeks to close.

Kazim stressed the need to equip talent with versatile skills for a digital future, noting, "While we can't predict exactly what the future of gaming will look like, it's almost certain it will be digital, and the same game engines we use today will continue to be relevant." He added that the programme's initial groundwork included manually mapping the local gaming landscape, revealing that Dubai is home to more than 350 gaming companies-more than some larger neighbouring countries. Since the programme's launch, the sector has already grown by 16.6%, a figure he attributes to the collaborative efforts of stakeholders across the ecosystem.

Auten discussed how gaming is expanding beyond traditional play, driven by advancements in AI. "Historically, games had fixed outcomes. But now, with AI, we can create open-ended experiences shaped by player choices," he explained. Auten emphasised that the tools and techniques used in game development are now being applied across sectors such as finance, wellness, training, and self-assessment, sharing examples from his studio's work, including an AI system that acts as part of a decision-making committee for a multi-billion-dollar investment bank, as well as a life-coaching bot.

Boutros detailed MBRSC's efforts to integrate gaming into academic curricula, which includes the Bachelor of Science in Game Design and Development, developed in collaboration with the University of Southern California's School of Cinematic Arts. "Our aim is for students to graduate with a playable game as a capstone project," Boutros stated.

"We want to encourage our students to create stories in the gaming world that reflect on our culture and what we stand for," she noted. Boutros added that changing public perception, particularly among parents, is key to recognising gaming as a legitimate career path.

Another session at the Film and Gaming Forum titled, 'Beyond the Truth in Social Media', featured prominent Lebanese actress Laila Abdallah, moderated by TV presenter Rodolph Hilal. The discussion delved into the role of artists and influencers in upholding social responsibility in the digital age.

Another session held as part of the Forum titled 'Beyond the Screen: The Future of Drama and Media in Creating Impact', brought together some of the Arab world's most prominent actors to reflect on the enduring influence of drama - whether it is television, cinema or theatre.

Attended by Her Excellency Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council and President of Dubai Press Club, the session was moderated by prominent TV host Neshan Der Haroutiounian, the session brought together Kuwaiti Drama actress Huda Hussain, Egyptian actor Ahmed El Sakka, and Lebanese actor writer, playwright and director Georges Khabbaz. The discussion unpacked highlighted the industry's responsibility in addressing social issues, and underscored the importance of creating content that leaves a positive impact on society.

Hussein spoke about the power of drama as a form of soft power, capable of entering homes and hearts in a way few other mediums can. Addressing criticism around the themes of her recent series Zawja Wahida La Takfi (One Wife Is Not Enough), she explained that the show confronts a number of social issues present across societies-not just in the Arab world. "We set the story in a school and used it as a microcosm of society-multicultural, diverse, and reflective of real dynamics in the region. The story is not about a specific country, it's about issues that resonate widely," she said.

Hussein stressed that drama should not shy away from uncomfortable truths, but rather raise awareness and bring them to light so that solutions can be found.

Khabbaz echoed the idea that impactful drama should mirror society without dictating answers. "Art must raise questions, not provide solutions," he said, adding that storytelling is a vital tool for exploring identity, coexistence, and cultural diversity, especially in his country Lebanon.

All three panellists agreed on the need for nuanced, socially responsible storytelling-particularly in a region where perceptions can shift rapidly and content often carries cross-border resonance. They called for writers, producers, and actors to remain committed to depth and authenticity, without shying away from difficult topics.

For El Sakka, the responsibility lies in the balance between realism and influence. "Drama can be a tool to burn the path of wrongdoing-by showing consequences, not glorifying the act," he said. He pushed back on the idea that depicting issues like drug use or harassment promotes them, arguing instead that drama can serve as a warning, a lesson, or a point of reflection.

Ultimately, the session underscored that drama in the Arab world is more than entertainment-it's a mirror of society. Whether on stage or on screen, the future of Arab drama lies in its ability to spark dialogue, challenge assumptions, and connect people through shared stories.