The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has gone through an era of innovation where services have been digitalized and artificial intelligence (AI) tools are used in various workplaces. The country is thriving in the business and tourism sectors. Adding to the list, the UAE is making its name in the gaming industry, too.
Gaming Visa in the UAE
Games are essential for extracurricular activities. Countries encourage their sports industry where cricket, hockey, and other matches are played on the international and local levels. To infuse gaming among UAE residents, the New Gaming Visa has been introduced in the UAE. The visa is designed for gaming professionals, developers, and investors. The strategy for gaming visas emphasizes diversity and acknowledgment of digital entertainment in sports.
Vision for the Gaming Industry in the UAE
Many countries have found the gaming industry a lucrative opportunity to enhance their economic growth, as they have seen higher revenues from the gaming industry than the entertainment industry such as films and music. The UAE government made a strategic move to keep up with its economic growth and more avenues to have a better financial position by offering a New Gaming Visa. The initiative is taken by the UAE Digital Economy Strategy and the National Program for Coders. Initiatives like these, add up to the knowledge among the masses as well promote digital transformation. However, just like other thriving sectors in the UAE, the gaming community also has to follow laws and rules to have healthy sports entertainment.
Aspects of the New Gaming Visa
Only for the Gaming Professionals
The visa is provided to the gaming professionals, only. It cannot be used for business or freelance work. However, game developers, designers, content creators, and investors in the gaming industry can benefit from this visa.
Long-term Residency Options
The New Gaming Visa is similar to the Golden Visa that investors get and the Green Visa that freelancers get. Gamers can get to stay for at least 5 years in UAE if they are contributing well to the UAE gaming industry.
Flexibility in Sponsorship
Unlike employment visas, gaming professionals do not have to stay with one employer. The New Gaming Visa is flexible where the gamers can network with different gaming professionals, start their gaming business, or even collaborate with multiple entities at a time, ensuring all those efforts are made to make the UAE gaming industry better.
Family Sponsorship
The UAE government encourages a happy family life therefore, expats shall not worry about their families back in their home country. Having family around you to cheer up for your game gives emotional and moral support.
Eligibility Criteria for the New Gaming Visa
Just like other UAE visas, the gaming visa also has an eligibility criterion to ensure that the UAE government is inviting only serious and professional gamers. The player has to achieve the criteria to get a gaming visa for the UAE:
Experience
All professional applicants must have expertise in gaming, whether they be game developers, designers, or players. They should have experience working within a company or freelancing industry.
Portfolio
Participation in the gaming industry is tested at various levels. Therefore, the candidates must have their portfolio, where they can show their experience in developing a game or playing one. The portfolio should highlight their contributions to the gaming industry.
Accolades
Candidates with win awards and recognition have a higher chance of getting a gaming visa. If the applicant has represented their country at any level in the gaming industry, they should mention it in their curriculum vitae (CV).
Education
The gamer must have a background in computer science. Any degree related to gaming would be beneficial, otherwise, they have to highlight the maximum contributions they made to their country’s gaming industry.
Investment
The investors should provide a substantial bank statement, ensuring, they have good money to invest in the gaming industry.
Background Checks
Every visa has to be provided after the background checks made against the applicant. They must have a clean record of security and health.
Advantages of New Gaming Visa in the UAE
The gaming industry might have its challenges but, it has also benefitted individuals and companies at different levels:
Upgrading the Gaming Ecosystem
Previously, gaming was not highlighted much in the UAE, but with the New Gaming Visa, the UAE’s gaming ecosystem is enhanced. It has created competition and generated innovative ideas in the gaming industry. However, tourism has also increased as global talent is encouraged to play games in the UAE.
Better Digital Content Creation
The Youtubers, gaming influencers, and steamers have a better idea for content creation. They can talk about games in their videos and YouTube channels to enhance the gaming industry of the UAE. The gaming industry provides content creators with better content and they can also monetise their channels.
Access to Cutting-Edge Technology
The gaming industry has revolutionalised in the UAE as those games have the aspects of virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR). These tools leverage the gaming system in the UAE and create innovative ideas.
Good Lifestyle
Gaming is one of those activities that comes with creativity. The chain goes on when creativity meets with a safe and healthy environment. The UAE provides a good environment to every citizen as it has an income tax policy and world-class healthcare and educational facilities.
Lawyers in Dubai
The Dubai Lawyers can assist you with the gaming visa. If you are interested in applying for a gaming visa, you must be eligible. After checking your eligibility, seek legal advice. The legal consultant will guide you about the gaming visa and help you with your visa application. However, hiring a professional legal consultant for your case would be beneficial because everything will go through legally. You can contact our lawyers through our professional online portal.
Implications of the New Gaming Visa on the UAE’s Economy
As the gaming industry is booming in the UAE, the government is now relying less on oil revenues. The stress has shifted to a new interest – the gaming industry. Investors have more opportunities to invest in the UAE, whether in terms of local investments or foreign direct investment. Consequently, it has boosted confidence in the youth by encouraging them to become a professional gamer and also work on other game ideas as entrepreneurs. Additionally, the gaming industry in the UAE has created employment opportunities for marketing professionals, eSports coaches, event organisers, game developers, and game designers. The new career paths in the gaming industry are innovative and sustainable.
How Does the Gaming Industry Look in the Future?
The New Gaming Visa allowed by the UAE government shows the commitment and sentiment of the economic stakeholders in the gaming industry. The gaming industry analysts have predicted that more gaming startups will be headquartered in the UAE. Moreover, cross-border collaborations have also been seen where VR companies and fintech startups are engaged in promoting gaming in the UAE.
