Dubai launches 10-year golden visa for gaming professionals under culture and arts initiative

In a major boost to the global gaming industry, Dubai has announced a 10-year Golden Residency Visa for professionals working in the gaming sector.

The initiative falls under the newly launched Dubai Programme for Gaming 2033 (DPG33) and recognises gaming as part of the 'culture and arts' category.

Spearheaded by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, the move aims to attract top talent to the emirate’s rapidly growing e-sports and gaming ecosystem.

The visa enables eligible gaming professionals to live, work, and actively participate in Dubai’s digital and creative economy. Interested applicants must first secure an accreditation certificate from Dubai Culture, which assesses the applicant’s professional credentials and contributions to the gaming industry.

To qualify, applicants must:

•  Be at least 25 years old

•  Submit the application personally (no submissions via companies or service centres)

•  Provide documents including a passport copy, CV, portfolio, cover letter, and relevant certifications

The process begins with filling out the Gaming Visa Request Form on the official portal dubaigaming.gov.ae, followed by uploading supporting documents and submitting the application.

Approval from Dubai Culture does not guarantee final visa issuance; it forms part of a multi-stage process that includes other local and federal authorities.

The initiative is part of Dubai’s long-term strategy to establish itself as a global hub for gaming, e-sports, and digital content creation by 2033.