Popular Games in the UAE: What Gamers Are Playing Right Now

Before we dive into the top games defining the UAE’s gaming landscape, let’s get a snapshot of where the market stands today:

• The UAE video game market generated more than $1 billion in revenue in 2024, and is expected to more than double by 2030, driven especially by mobile gaming growth.
• Mobile remains the largest segment of the market, accounting for 58% of total gaming activity, indicating that many popular mobile games in the UAE are seeing massive engagement.
• The average gamer in the UAE spends significant time each day playing games across genres — from fast-paced shooters to hyper-casual puzzles — thanks to excellent connectivity and high smartphone adoption.

This mix of high spending power, network infrastructure, and multicultural demographics has shaped unique trends in the gaming industry in the UAE, reflecting both global hits and regionally favored mobile titles.

Government initiatives have supercharged this growth. Dubai’s Program for Gaming 2033 aims to position the emirate among the world’s top 10 gaming hubs, targeting 30,000 new jobs and a $1 billion contribution to GDP by 2033. This surge in infrastructure has attracted numerous game development companies to the region.

This list is a quick glance that will help you to scan the essentials first. Here’s how the popular games in the UAE stack up across platforms, genres, and local appeal drivers.

1. Genshin Impact

Genshin Impact has become one of the popular video games in the UAE, capturing hearts across Dubai’s diverse expatriate population. As a cross-platform open-world action RPG, it delivers the premium gaming experience UAE players demand.

The game’s stunning visuals and engaging storyline resonate particularly well with East Asian communities. Its free-to-play model with premium content options aligns perfectly with UAE spending patterns, where high disposable incomes support significant in-game purchases. Localization efforts include region-specific payment gateways supporting local cards and digital wallets, plus Arabic UI text rendering for broader accessibility.

What makes it stand out is its cooperative gameplay, which taps into the region’s strong social gaming trend. Success across PC, console, and mobile platforms proves the Emirates’ appetite for quality, service-based gaming experiences.

2. PUBG Mobile

PUBG Mobile is one of the most-played games in the UAE. The battle royale format resonates deeply with UAE gamers who crave intense, competitive smartphone experiences.

Its success stems from perfect alignment with local preferences: high-stakes shooter gameplay, team-based strategy, and regular content updates. Localization is robust—Tencent’s regional headquarters in Dubai ensures optimized servers, reduced latency, and culturally tailored events, such as Ramadan-themed modes. Payment localization supports regional carriers and digital wallets, while content sensitivity filters comply with UAE regulations.

Understanding the game development cost involved in sustaining always-online multiplayer systems, frequent content drops, and region-specific optimization helps explain why only major publishers can operate and scale platforms like PUBG Mobile successfully.

3. Yalla Ludo

Yalla Ludo is one of the most widely played and socially embedded popular casual games in the UAE, cutting across age groups, nationalities, and gaming skill levels. Its digital adaptation of the classic board game resonates strongly with the UAE’s family-centric and social culture.

Multiplayer games often act as bonding experiences rather than competitive showdowns. The game consistently ranks among the trending games in the UAE, particularly during evenings, weekends, and festive periods when friends and families connect online. Localization is exceptional—full Arabic language support, culturally appropriate avatars, and UI adaptation for right-to-left text flow. Payment integration includes local carrier billing and popular digital wallets.

What makes Yalla Ludo stand out is its seamless online multiplayer, low system requirements, and familiarity across South Asian, Middle Eastern, and expatriate communities. In a market dominated by high-intensity shooters, Yalla Ludo proves that simple, accessible gameplay still commands massive engagement, making it a staple among popular gaming apps in the UAE.

4. Fortnite

Fortnite continues to dominate through exceptional multiplayer experiences, making it one of the popular multiplayer games in the UAE. The free-to-play model with cross-platform capabilities makes it accessible to Dubai’s diverse demographic.

Regular updates, in-game events, and a strong presence in local esports competitions keep it culturally relevant. Its inclusion in major regional events, such as the Dubai Esports and Games Festival, underscores its competitive significance. Localization includes Middle East server clusters for low ping, content sensitivity adjustments for cultural appropriateness, and payment options supporting regional platforms.

Whether in 100-player battle royale matches or cooperative creative building sessions, Fortnite exemplifies how multiplayer connectivity defines modern gaming in the Emirates. Many game development companies study Fortnite’s engagement model as a benchmark.

5. Call of Duty: Warzone

Call of Duty: Warzone stands as the military-authentic standard among popular battle royale games in the UAE. The game’s fast-paced gameplay and tactical team missions make it a crowd-pleaser in Dubai’s growing esports community.

The release of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 late last year injected fresh energy into the franchise. UAE gamers appreciate the seamless integration across Call of Duty titles and the strong presence in local tournaments. Localization features include dedicated MENA servers, content regulation compliance with UAE standards, and payment systems supporting regional methods for battle pass purchases.

Warzone’s realistic approach to the battle royale formula distinguishes it from stylized competitors, appealing to players seeking authentic military simulation.

6. Forza Horizon 5

Racing games are huge in the Middle East, and Forza Horizon 5 is one of the popular racing games in the UAE. The visually stunning open-world setting offers hundreds of licensed cars perfect for Dubai’s high-end gaming setups.

The game’s celebration of automotive culture resonates deeply in a nation where luxury cars symbolize status and passion. Its blend of arcade accessibility and simulation depth appeals to casual players and serious enthusiasts alike. Localization is limited but includes payment support for regional stores and content sensitivity in vehicle customization options.

The UAE’s world-class racing simulation infrastructure, including the Emirates E-Racing Championship, provides the perfect ecosystem for this premier title to thrive.

7. EA Sports FC 25

Football runs through the veins of UAE society, making EA Sports FC 25 one of the popular sports games in the UAE. The franchise ranks among the top games played in the UAE, with popularity spanning console, PC, and mobile platforms.

Dubai’s gaming cafes regularly host tournaments, transforming the title into a social staple. The ultra-realistic graphics and enhanced gameplay mechanics align perfectly with UAE gamers’ preference for immersive experiences. Localization is extensive—Arabic commentary options, UI adaptation for regional languages, content sensitivity around religious and cultural symbols, and payment localization for Ultimate Team packs.

Its inclusion in the Esports World Cup lineup with a $1.5 million prize pool cemented its status as a competitive mainstay, highlighting why mobile game development services continue to invest heavily in sports-driven competitive experiences.

8. Free Fire

Free Fire has carved a dedicated following, particularly among Southeast Asian expatriate communities. It’s become one of the popular shooter games in the UAE thanks to its fast-paced battle royale combat mechanics.

The game delivers intense 50-player lobbies with quick 10-minute matches, optimized for mobile performance that resonates with the UAE’s on-the-go gaming culture. Localization is strong—Garena’s frequent regional events, Southeast Asian language support, and payment integration with local carriers. Content sensitivity ensures compliance with UAE regulations.

Its lightweight design ensures accessibility across diverse devices. Free Fire’s dominance in MENA mobile shooter downloads reflects the broader trend of accessible, high-intensity FPS titles gaining massive traction among the UAE’s multicultural gamer base.

9. Candy Crush Saga

Candy Crush Saga continues to thrive as one of the popular casual games in the UAE, ranking among the best games in the UAE right now for casual players. Its hyper-casual, pick-up-and-play nature suits busy Dubai professionals perfectly.

The game’s sophisticated monetization performs exceptionally well in a market where 75% of the population actively games. Localization includes regional pricing tiers, payment methods supporting local wallets and carrier billing, and UI adaptation for Arabic text. Content sensitivity ensures family-friendly puzzle themes.

Its success proves that UAE gamers enthusiastically embrace accessible, well-crafted casual experiences alongside hardcore titles. Endless level design and social integration keep players returning, making it the perfect digital companion for life’s in-between moments.

10. Clash of Clans

Clash of Clans maintains its position as one of the popular strategy games in the UAE and among popular online games in the UAE. Base-building, resource management, and clan warfare mechanics appeal to strategic sensibilities.

The game’s blend of long-term planning and tactical combat mirrors strategic thinking valued in Emirati business culture. Its clan system creates digital tribes that compete and collaborate across the region. Localization features include Arabic UI adaptation, payment localization for gem purchases, and compliance with content regulations. The clan system itself serves as a cultural adaptation, mirroring traditional Emirati community bonds.

The game’s longevity speaks to the UAE’s stable, engaged gaming community that values long-term progression over fleeting trends, a retention model closely analyzed by game development studio teams building long-term live games.

The dominance of these titles isn’t accidental—it’s driven by four interconnected factors that define the Emirates’ unique gaming DNA:

• Disposable Income & Premium Spending: With average revenue per user at $84.6, UAE gamers demonstrate a high willingness to spend on in-game purchases, battle passes, and premium content. This fuels the success of games like Genshin Impact and EA Sports FC 25, where gacha mechanics and Ultimate Team packs generate significant revenue. Developers optimize monetization for this high-value market, offering region-specific bundles and payment methods.
• Multiplayer & Social Preference: The UAE’s expatriate-majority population (62% of gamers) craves connection, turning games into digital majlis. Clan systems in Clash of Clans, squad play in PUBG Mobile, and cooperative modes in Fortnite satisfy this need for community. Even casual titles like Yalla Ludo facilitate family bonding across distances.
• Café + Mobile Hybrid Culture: Dubai’s gaming cafes host FIFA tournaments while commuters play Candy Crush on metros, creating a dual ecosystem. Mobile-first design dominates—58% of gaming occurs on smartphones—yet console/PC titles thrive through cafe culture and esports viewing parties. Games must excel in both quick mobile sessions and extended competitive play.
• Esports Visibility: Regional tournaments like the Esports World Cup ($1.5M in prizes for EA FC 25) and Games of the Future elevate the status of the game. Streaming viewership and influencer marketing amplify titles like Free Fire and Warzone, making esports participation a key localization strategy.

The UAE gaming landscape reflects a mature, diverse market where global blockbusters coexist with localized favorites. Mobile titles dominate with 58% market share, while console and PC games maintain strong footholds through esports integration.

Gamers spend an average of 10.8 hours per week playing, with sports simulators and shooters leading the preferences. This creates an environment where games must deliver both competitive depth and social connectivity to succeed.

It’s worth noting that players should be aware of banned games in the UAE, as certain titles may be restricted due to content regulations. The Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority monitors gaming content to ensure alignment with local cultural values.