Arab Youth Center launches applied training phase of regional gaming hackathon
Designed to replicate the working environment of global game development studios.
The Arab Youth Center has launched the intensive applied phase of the Arab Youth Hackathon Gaming Edition.
The initiative brings together 50 young innovators from 10 Arab countries for hands-on game development training in Abu Dhabi.
Implemented in partnership with Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy and AD Gaming, with Tiger Group Holding as gold sponsor and collaboration from Games Ventures and Futuregames, the applied phase is hosted at AD Gaming’s headquarters.
The programme forms part of a three-month applied training journey designed to replicate the working environment of global game development studios.
Team structure
Participants have been divided into four multidisciplinary teams operating as independent studios, combining developers, designers, artists and narrative writers.
Each team is progressing through the full production cycle, from concept development to final game builds, with the programme culminating in the selection of a winning project.
The hackathon will conclude with a final showcase at the World Government Summit, taking place in Dubai from February 3rd to 5th, 2026.
The teams will present their fully developed games through cinematic trailers and live gameplay demonstrations before a global audience of decision-makers, investors and industry leaders.
