Dubai has launched two new committees dedicated to advancing the film and gaming sectors, reinforcing its position as a global centre for creative industries and media innovation.
The move, announced by the Dubai Media Council (DMC), aligns with its mandate to foster innovation, strengthen key media sectors, and enhance Dubai’s leadership in the global creative economy.
Under Dubai Media Council Resolutions No. 8 and No. 9 of 2025, the Dubai Film Development Committee and the Dubai Gaming Committee have been established to accelerate sector growth and industry collaboration.
Dubai film and gaming committees
Issam Kazim, Member of the DMC, will chair the Film Development Committee, while Khalfan Belhoul, also a Member of the DMC, will lead the Gaming Committee.
Both resolutions take effect immediately and form part of a broader plan to position the Emirate as a global hub for film production, gaming innovation, and digital content creation.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, directed the development of a comprehensive operational plan to advance these sectors through world-class services and facilities.
‘Dubai’s media sector is entering a new era of growth’
Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed said the establishment of the two committees strengthens the institutional framework required to drive growth across strategic sectors that are key to Dubai’s expanding media industry.
He added that Dubai is well positioned to achieve global leadership in both film and gaming, supported by its digital infrastructure, agile regulation, logistics ecosystem, and strategic location connecting global markets.
Sheikh Ahmed said: “Dubai’s media sector is entering a new era of growth shaped by innovation and global collaboration. As the media landscape evolves with the rapid advancement of technology, we are focused on positioning Dubai at the heart of this transformation.
“Guided by a clear strategy and an agile mindset, we continue to anticipate global shifts and respond with strategic initiatives. With the dedication of our teams, we are confident that Dubai will continue to strengthen its standing as a global centre for the digital economy, and a destination where talent and ideas from around the world converge to shape the future,” he said.
Mona Al Marri: Strengthening Dubai’s media ecosystem
Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council, said the new committees represent a major milestone in strengthening the media ecosystem and supporting the emirate’s creative economy.
She said: “The formation of the two committees marks an important step forward in enriching an integrated and sustainable media ecosystem that strengthens Dubai’s competitiveness while creating new opportunities for investors, content creators, and innovators in the film and gaming sectors, supporting the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33”.
She added that the initiative reinforces efforts to nurture local talent, attract global expertise, and position creative industries at the core of the emirate’s economy, with film and gaming serving as vital platforms to export its creativity worldwide.
Supporting talent and investment
The two new committees will deliver high-quality services designed to strengthen the emirate’s position as a global hub for media production and innovation.
The Film Development Committee will work with local and international studios, facilitate training programmes for emerging filmmakers, and enhance coordination among stakeholders to expand Dubai’s film industry.
The Dubai Gaming Committee will foster public-private partnerships, support start-ups, and develop training and professional development programmes for young creators.
These efforts aim to accelerate Dubai’s digital economy, reinforce its global leadership in gaming, and create new opportunities for investors and innovators.
Committee members
Dubai Film Development Committee members
- Hesham Al Olama, Media Council (Vice-Chairman)
- Jamal Al Sharif, Development Authority
- Shaima Al Suwaidi, Culture and Arts Authority
- Bader Anwahi, Municipality
- Abdulla Al Ali, Roads and Transport Authority
- Mansour Al Malik, Dubai Customs
- Ahmad Belqaizi, Civil Aviation Authority
- Colonel Dr. Saud Al Rumaithi, Dubai Police
- Colonel Ali Al Hammadi, General Directorate for Identity and Foreigners Affairs
- Fatma Almutawa, Dubai Airports
- Maryam Almahri, Emirates Airlines
Dubai Gaming Committee members
- Hesham Al Olama, Media Council (Vice-Chairman)
- Ahmed AlKhaja, Department of Economy and Tourism
- Shaima Al Suwaidi, Culture and Arts Authority
- Brigadier Dr. Mansoor Alrazooqi, Dubai Police
- Ahmad Hamza, DMCC
- Mohammad Alblooshi, DIFC
- Hanan Ahmed, du
- Eisa Al Marzooqi, Sports Council
- Abdulla AlGaoud, Dubai Chambers
Resolutions No. (8) and (9) of 2025 require all relevant government entities to provide the committees with necessary data, reports, and information to fulfil their mandates effectively.
