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Dubai’s DMCC Gaming Centre Adds To A $1.8B Industry

The popularity of gaming has exploded across the MENA region, with Dubai aiming to become the regional capital for talented developers and startups.

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dubai's dmcc gaming centre adds to a $1.8 billion industry

Dubai’s DMCC (a flagship free trade zone at the center of the Jumeirah Lakes Towers district) has announced the opening of the DMCC Gaming Centre. The move comes as MENA gaming revenues are predicted to top $5 billion by 2025, with Dubai’s own economy increasingly benefiting from a thriving Esports and gaming scene, as well as a concerted push to bring VR and Metaverse startups to the region.

The DMCC is already home to over 50 games companies, with developers, producers, and Esports teams flocking to this increasingly popular destination. Dubai’s world-class infrastructure and unparalleled economic opportunities make the new DMCC gaming center an enticing proposition for startups. Members will gain access to the Esports community through regular networking events, tournaments, and more, along with support from Esports organization YaLLa , and tech ecosystem builder Astrolabs.

Earlier this year, DMCC joined global VC firm Brinc to open up $150 million in accelerator program funding — known as ZK Advancer and The Sandbox Metaverse — as developers continue experimenting with the massive potential of blockchain and web3 technologies.

Also Read: Metaverse Will Bring $15B Annually To Gulf Economies By 2030

“As our roster of gaming companies expands rapidly and we see more DMCC Crypto Centre members enter the blockchain gaming space, there is no better time to formalize our efforts by opening the DMCC Gaming Centre. Through this facility, we will solidify Dubai’s position as a global hub for all gaming and Esports,” says Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, DMCC.

Gaming is now the most popular form of digital entertainment worldwide, and research undertaken by DMCC shows that 8 out of 10 people from gen Z and the millennial demographic are gamers. Enthusiasts spend upwards of seven hours each week on their hobby, and 10% of the entire online population now enjoys Esports tournaments.

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Rabbit Expands Hyperlocal Delivery Service In Saudi Arabia

The e-commerce startup is aiming to tap into the Kingdom’s underdeveloped e-grocery sector with a tech-first, locally rooted strategy.

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rabbit expands hyperlocal delivery service in saudi arabia
Rabbit

Rabbit, an Egyptian-born hyperlocal e-commerce startup, is expanding into the Saudi Arabian market, setting its sights on delivering 20 million items across major cities by 2026.

The company, founded in 2021, is already operational in the Kingdom, with its regional headquarters now open in Riyadh and an established network of strategically located fulfillment centers — commonly known as “dark stores” — across the capital.

The timing is strategic: Saudi Arabia’s online grocery transactions currently sit at 1.3%, notably behind the UAE (5.3%) and the United States (4.8%). With the Kingdom’s food and grocery market estimated at $60 billion, even a modest increase in online adoption could create a multi-billion-dollar opportunity.

Rabbit also sees a clear alignment between its business goals and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to boost retail sector innovation, support small and medium-sized enterprises, attract foreign investment, and develop a robust digital economy.

The company’s e-commerce model is based on speed and efficiency. Delivery of anything from groceries and snacks to cosmetics and household staples is promised in 20 minutes or less, facilitated by a tightly optimized logistics system — a crucial component in a sector where profit margins and delivery expectations are razor-thin.

Despite the challenges, Rabbit has already found its stride in Egypt. In just over three years, the app has been used by 1.4 million customers to deliver more than 40 million items. Revenue has surged, growing more than eightfold in the past two years alone.

Also Read: Top E-Commerce Websites In The Middle East In 2025

CEO and Co-Founder Ahmad Yousry commented: “We are delighted to announce Rabbit’s expansion into the Kingdom. We pride ourselves on being a hyperlocal company, bringing our bleeding-edge tech and experience to transform the grocery shopping experience for Saudi households, and delivering the best products – especially local favorites, in just 20 minutes”.

The company’s growth strategy avoids the pitfalls of over-reliance on aggressive discounting. Instead, Rabbit leans on operational efficiency, customer retention, and smart scaling. The approach is paying off, having already attracted major investment from the likes of Lorax Capital Partners, Global Ventures, Raed Ventures, and Beltone Venture Capital, alongside earlier investors such as Global Founders Capital, Goodwater Capital, and Hub71.

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