Dubai attracted $3.756 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) into its cultural and creative industries in 2025. The projects generated more than 19,300 new jobs.
The emirate secured 754 new FDI projects in the sector. As a result, Dubai retained its position as the world’s leading destination for new cultural and creative industry investment projects for the fourth consecutive year.
The projects covered advertising, public relations, digital services, film production, electronic gaming, creative technology, education, design and architecture.
Meanwhile, the UAE is expanding support for content production, intellectual property, distribution, financing and talent development.
UAE cinema and gaming industries record growth
The UAE’s cinema industry generated more than AED734 million, or about $200 million, in box-office revenue in 2025.
More than 14.8 million cinema tickets were sold across approximately 1,270 films, according to the National Media Authority.
The country’s digital gaming industry also recorded substantial activity. Gaming revenues reached AED2.7 billion, equivalent to around $735 million.
In addition, the number of games reviewed and classified rose to 552 in 2025, up from 375 in 2024.
These figures reflect activity across two parts of the UAE’s wider creative economy: film and gaming.
UAE publishing market could reach $650 million by 2030
The publishing industry is another area of expected growth.
Studies by Sharjah Publishing City estimate that the UAE publishing market could expand from $260 million to $650 million by 2030.
The 35th Abu Dhabi International Book Fair brought together 1,200 exhibitors from 95 countries and hosted around 1,500 events.
On the fair’s opening day, book sales value rose by 97% compared with the corresponding period in 2025. The number of books sold increased by 108%, while visitor numbers grew by 11%.
Separately, Menassah Distribution made 1,004 titles from 75 UAE-based publishers available at the event. The collection represented 8,500 books.
The National Media Authority also issued more than 100,000 permits for the circulation of books and publications in 2025. It processed nearly 1.2 million titles entering the country.
Dubai targets design investment and student opportunities
Dubai is also developing its design sector through the Dubai Design Sector Strategy 2033.
The strategy covers fashion, product design, architecture and graphic design. It aims to increase enrolment in higher education and continuing professional training in design by 20%.
It also seeks to provide opportunities for more than 25,000 students.
For creative businesses, the targets include supporting around 500 existing projects and incubating more than 100 new ones. The strategy also aims to showcase more than 500 local projects at international exhibitions and events.
In addition, Dubai plans to organise more than 100 events under the strategy. Its target is to attract four million local and international visitors by 2033.
The initiative also aims to make it easier for creative businesses to establish operations and access financing.
UAE expands funding for creative professionals
Dubai Culture has launched the Stories of Wulfa competition, offering AED2 million, or about $544,600, to support an animated series inspired by Emirati culture, values and traditions.
The funding covers the development, production and distribution of the series. Eligible participants include writers, illustrators, filmmakers, designers, animation studios and production companies.
At the federal level, the Ministry of Culture has launched the fifth cycle of its National Grant Programme for Culture and Creativity.
The programme supports Emirati creatives developing cultural and commercial projects. Its four funding areas cover creativity and production, distribution and local participation, skills development, and international travel and mobility.
Eligible fields include publishing, music, film and television, performing arts, visual arts, design, video games and cultural heritage.
The ministry also announced a new cycle of its 2026 Cultural Public Benefit Associations Subsidies and Grants Programme in March. It supports cultural associations and artistic groups working on festivals, education, creative production and international participation.
What creative-industry investment means for jobs
Dubai’s $3.756 billion in creative-industry FDI and the creation of more than 19,300 jobs underline the sector’s role in the emirate’s investment landscape.
The wider UAE initiatives also span several stages of the creative economy, from education and skills development to production, distribution and market access.
For professionals, the programmes cover fields ranging from publishing and film to gaming, design and animation. For businesses, the strategies and grants provide routes to project support and industry development.
However, the figures supplied do not break down the 19,300 jobs by occupation, salary, seniority or employment type. They therefore indicate the scale of job creation, but not which roles account for the largest share.
