After tech, gaming jobs are on a hot streak in the UAE as studios pick up global talent

After tech, gaming jobs are on a hot streak in the UAE as studios pick up global talent

Dubai: The world’s tech talent is coming to the UAE - and so are the gamers. And with salary and perks to match their fast-on-the-console skills and turning ideas into new gaming possibilities. Salaries for gaming professionals - those who have just started out on jobs or starting to climb the ladder - are averaging Dh8,000 and Dh25,000, said Bibi Zumot, the Head of Talent Acquisition at Division (a digital marketplace where gamers and brands can collaborate). As a result, programmers and game developers from anywhere - especially those who previously worked at AAA game developer companies like Riot Games and Tencent - are choosing the UAE as their new home, drawn by the scaled up remuneration prospects. Zumot - a seasoned gaming professional himself - said there are many avenues where gaming enthusiasts can earn a stable income. Sort of turning their passion into professional credentials. “Given the UAE’s strong support and encouragement for game developers to establish their operations in the country, we are witnessing the emergence of several new studios here, all actively engaged in extensive recruitment efforts,” said Zumot. He predicts there will be a 30-35 per cent increase in demand for jobs in the gaming