Global gaming leaders will gather in Dubai this September for a dedicated Games Forum examining where the industry is heading, from business models to social impact.
The forum runs as part of the Arab Media Summit 2026, taking place from 15 to 17 September at the Dubai World Trade Centre. It is organised by the Dubai Films and Games Commission, an entity of Dubai Media Council.
What the Games Forum will cover
The forum will bring together industry experts, officials, corporate leaders, and representatives of specialised companies and platforms from around the world. Discussions will explore the economic, creative and social dimensions of gaming, looking at business dynamics, enabling platforms, education, social impact, and audience engagement.
Three named sessions give a sense of the range on offer. 'Who Owns the Shelf?' will look at game distribution. 'Are Games Quietly Becoming a Force for Good?' will examine gaming's human and social impact. 'Inside the Billion Dollar Gaming Empire' will focus on what it takes to run billion-dollar games companies.
Who is taking part
Speakers confirmed for the forum include Faisal Kazim, Games Commissioner at the Dubai Films and Games Commission; Berkley Egenes, Chief Marketing and Growth Officer at Xsolla; Kishan Palija, CEO of Geekay Group; Siobhan McCarthy, Head of Communications at Tencent, Middle East; Jude Ower, Founder and Host of the Good Game Club Podcast; Sibel Saylan, Partnership Specialist at UNDP; Mona Ghander, Vice President of Innovative Solutions and Strategic Partnerships at the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation; and Saifi Ismail, President of Yalla Group Limited.
