The gaming industry in the Middle East is booming, with experts predicting that revenues will climb from $5.71 billion to $9.63bn by 2028.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is leading the way after investing heavily in the sector. They have a long-term plan which is putting them on the map as a premier gaming destination.
With that in mind, we take a closer look at the latest state-of-play in the UAE, before assessing some other gaming trends to follow across the region.
New Regulatory Framework Paves the Way for Online Casinos in the UAE
The UAE has traditionally frowned on gambling. However, the establishment of a new regulatory framework will pave the way for the start of a new era.
The country is currently focused on its ambitious Wynn Resorts project, which will house the first-ever land-based casino in the UAE. They have issued the first commercial gaming facility operator’s licence to allow the casino to operate under strict regulations.
While that licence does not cover online casinos, there is a general feeling that it is only a matter of time before digital entertainment is ushered into the fold.
Legal restrictions on gambling have forced Arab players to patronise platforms regulated by foreign organisations, allowing them to enjoy online casinos while keeping them away from direct oversight within the country.
However, with a licensing framework now in place, the UAE is poised to revisit its stance on online gambling in the future. The move could pave the way for the best online casinos in UAE to operate freely within the country but under strict rules that ensure fair play and responsible gambling.
If that happens, it could also open the door for numerous technology-driven advancements, especially in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI) and data security.
Casinos would be able to use AI-driven algorithms to improve gaming experience. The technology can recommend personalised game options and also warn players about excessive spending habits.
With cryptocurrency now widely accepted as a form of payment, gaming platforms could also tap into blockchain tech as it offers security and reduces the risk of fraud.
Sports Making Huge Strides in Saudi Arabia’s Gaming Sector
Saudi Arabia is making headlines for their investments in eSports as part of their long-term plans to become a regional gaming powerhouse.
Fuelled by public and private sector initiatives, the Saudi government has sanctioned huge investments through its Vision 2030 plan to transform the Kingdom into a global gaming hub.
That move has paid off, with international eSports companies staging tournaments in the country. Tech companies are also looking to get in on the act.
One of the most exciting tech trends in Saudi Arabia’s eSports industry is the integration of cutting-edge infrastructure that kicks the player and fan experience up a notch.
Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are leading the charge, delivering immersive viewing experiences to keep players engaged. They also allow gamers to enjoy high-definition games without needing high-end hardware to run them.
VR headsets are expected to be more lightweight, wireless and equipped with advanced graphics, allowing players to experience the game as if they were in the middle of the action.
AR adds more information to live streams, such as real-time statistics, player biometrics and interactive graphics.
Mobile Gaming Boom Across the Middle East
Mobile gaming could become the preferred gaming format across the Middle East over the next few years.
The region already boasts one of the world’s highest smartphone usage rates, thanks to their young, tech-savvy population, and they are now embracing mobile gaming.
The UAE and Saudi Arabia are leading this charge, with users spending more time and money on mobile games than ever before.
Mobile gaming has cast a wide net. It has made gaming accessible across different demographics, which has created a higher demand for digital content.
Tech advances have played a key role in the rise of mobile gaming across the Middle East, and the door is wide open for an even larger expansion.
It could incorporate cloud gaming, which eliminates the need for expensive gaming consoles or PCs by allowing gamers to stream high-quality games on their mobile devices directly from the cloud.
Major cloud gaming providers are looking to capitalise on the demand in the Middle East market. With 5G internet connectivity now popular in the region, latency issues have become a thing of the past as players now enjoy lag-free gaming experiences even in graphic-heavy games.
