Global Games Show
Global Games Show is a B2B gaming conference series organized by VAP Digital Media FZ LLC, connecting game developers, publishers, investors, studios, and esports organizations through annual multi-day events in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Riyadh featuring tiered passes, sponsorship packages, and AI-powered matchmaking.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2024
- HeadquartersDubai, United Arab Emirates
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Global Games Show does
Global Games Show is a B2B gaming conference and exhibition series that connects the global gaming ecosystem through multi-day events in the Middle East. Organized by VAP Digital Media FZ LLC, under the VAP Group umbrella, the company launched its inaugural edition in Dubai in December 2024 and has since expanded to Abu Dhabi (December 2025, 4,850+ attendees), with a planned Saudi Arabia edition in Riyadh for April 2027 (projected 10,000+ attendees). The event targets game developers, publishers, investors, studios, and esports organizations, offering conference sessions, exhibition space, investor lounges, startup spotlights (SurgeXL), and structured networking through a proprietary mobile app available on iOS and Android with AI-powered matchmaking, 1:1 meeting scheduling, and QR code scanning.
The company's product portfolio includes tiered event passes (VIP at $1,899, Delegate at $499, Visitor at $49, plus group bundles), exhibition booth rentals, multi-tier sponsorship packages (Ruby, Platinum, Gold, Silver), and ancillary programs such as Community Partner, Affiliate Partner, and SurgeXL (startup-investor connections). Technology stack includes the mobile application, plus standard digital marketing tools (Google Analytics, Meta Pixel, LinkedIn Insight Tag, Google Ads, Hotjar) and HubSpot for marketing automation, with WhatsApp Business used for sales communications.
Revenue is generated across three primary streams: ticket sales across multiple tiers, exhibition and sponsorship packages sold to enterprise clients, and media/affiliate partnership commissions. Distribution is primarily direct through the official website and an enterprise sales team, supplemented by an affiliate/KOL referral program, a community partnership channel, and 70+ media partners plus 100+ investor partners. Notable sponsors, exhibitors, and series partners include Alibaba Cloud, Animoca Brands, The Sandbox, Vodafone, and Yalla Esports; Abu Dhabi Gaming serves as co-host for the Abu Dhabi edition and the Abu Dhabi Convention & Exhibition Bureau acts as a destination partner. The company has no disclosed external funding.
Global Games Show firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Global Games Show
- Legal name
- VAP Digital Media FZ LLC
- Website
- https://globalgamesshow.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2024
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Global Games Show is a B2B gaming conference series organized by VAP Digital Media FZ LLC, connecting game developers, publishers, investors, studios, and esports organizations through annual multi-day events in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Riyadh featuring tiered passes, sponsorship packages, and AI-powered matchmaking.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Global Games Show industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Industry events and exhibitions (gaming)
- NAICS
- Amusement, Gambling, and Recreation Industries (713), Other Spectator Sports (711219)
- SIC
- Services-Miscellaneous Amusement & Recreation (7990), Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Industry-Specific B2B Trade Show Organizers (THAHABAB)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- General Consumer Expos & Trade Shows (MPAGAFAA)
Keywords
Where Global Games Show is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Dubai
- HQ country
- United Arab Emirates
- HQ region
- Middle East
Offices3 records
Markets served
Global Games Show business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Operations, Marketing or Sales, Personnel, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Ticket Sales: Revenue generated from selling various tiers of event passes including VIP, Delegate, Visitor, and group bundle passes for attendees to access the conference and exhibition.
- Exhibition and Sponsorship: Revenue from exhibitor booth rentals, sponsorship packages at various tiers (Ruby, Platinum, Gold, Silver), and partnership opportunities including series partners and co-host arrangements.
- Media and Affiliate Partnerships: Partnership revenue through media accreditation, community partner programs, and affiliate marketing commissions for ticket sales and referrals.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | VIP Pass - Premium experience with exclusive access including VIP lounge, reserved seats, and valet parking |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Delegate Pass - Core business networking and conference access |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Visitor Pass - Basic exhibition access |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Group Bundle Passes - Team packages with discounts |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Abu Dhabi VIP Pass |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Abu Dhabi Delegate Pass |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Abu Dhabi Visitor Pass |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels7 records
Global Games Show product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Global Games Show organizes B2B gaming industry conferences and exhibitions across the Middle East, including flagship events in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Riyadh. It sells ticketed access (VIP, Delegate, Visitor, Group), exhibition and sponsorship packages, and provides curated programming such as investor lounges, startup spotlights, and conference sessions for game developers, publishers, investors, and gaming ecosystem participants.
Product overview
Global Games Show is a B2B gaming conference and expo series that operates as a unified platform connecting the global gaming ecosystem. The core offering consists of multi-day conference events featuring expert-led sessions, exhibitions, and networking opportunities. The portfolio includes the Global Games Show App (with AI-powered matchmaking), various pass tiers (VIP, Delegate, Visitor, and Group passes), exhibition services, Investor Lounge, Startup Spotlight program, and SurgeXL for startup-investor connections. The main sub-brands are the Abu Dhabi and Riyadh editions, with the Riyadh edition closely aligned with Saudi Vision 2030 gaming initiatives. The company also offers Community Partner and Affiliate Partner programs for ecosystem expansion.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Global Games Show (Dubai Edition) B2B gaming industry conference and exhibition held in Dubai, UAE, bringing together game developers, publishers, investors, and gaming ecosystem participants.
- Global Games Show (Abu Dhabi Edition) B2B gaming industry conference and exhibition held in Abu Dhabi, UAE, targeting game developers, publishers, investors, and ecosystem participants.
- Global Games Show (Riyadh Edition) B2B gaming industry conference and exhibition held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for game developers, publishers, investors, and ecosystem participants.
- Event Tickets (VIP, Delegate, Visitor, Group) Tiered ticket products (VIP, Delegate, Visitor, Group) for access to Global Games Show events, sold to gaming industry professionals and groups.
- Exhibition and Sponsorship Packages Exhibition booth space and sponsorship packages for game studios, publishers, brands, and service providers to gain visibility and engage audiences at Global Games Show events.
- Global Games Show Mobile App Companion mobile app for Global Games Show events, providing attendees with navigation, agenda access, and networking features.
Companies that use Global Games Show
Customer profileNamed customers9 records
Segments1 record
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Global Games Show technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration7 records
AI capability2 records
Global Games Show partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
16 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.
- VAP Group (VAP Digital Media FZ LLC)coreEvent organizer and parent company - a consulting firm in blockchain, AI and Web3 offering PR, staffing, media, and marketing services. Powers the Global Games Show brand along with Times of AI and Staffing Ninja. Strong UAE, UK, India, and Hong Kong footprint.
- Times of GamescorePowered by partner providing media and promotional support for the Global Games Show series. Also involved in the broader gaming and Web3 event ecosystem.
- Alibaba CloudmajorGlobal Games Show Series Partner providing cloud infrastructure and technology partnership for the event series.
- CoboxmajorGlobal Games Show Series Partner supporting the event series.
- LoopcraftminorExhibitor at Global Games Show Riyadh.
- EGS (Electronic Gaming Systems)minorExhibitor at Global Games Show Riyadh.
- SetupmasterminorExhibitor at Global Games Show Riyadh.
- Abu Dhabi GamingcoreCo-Host of Global Games Show Abu Dhabi. Sector Enablement Director Marcos Muller-Habig leads Abu Dhabi's gaming initiative. AD Gaming has onboarded over 100 gaming companies including Unity, Ubisoft, MY.GAMES, and NEXON.
- Abu Dhabi Convention & Exhibition BureaumajorDestination Partner for Abu Dhabi event, providing official government support and venue coordination.
- The SandboxmajorMajor exhibitor and participant. The Sandbox is a virtual platform where players can create, play, own, and monetize experiences using NFTs. Co-founded by Sébastien Borget, a prominent speaker at the event.
- Animoca BrandsmajorMajor exhibitor and participant. Global leader in blockchain and gaming with mission to deliver digital property rights to gamers. Co-founded by Yat Siu, key speaker at the event.
- Yalla EsportsmajorMajor esports exhibitor at Global Games Show Abu Dhabi.
- Medieval EmpiresmajorWeb3 gaming company exhibitor focusing on blockchain-based gaming experiences.
- VodafonemajorTechnology exhibitor and partner providing infrastructure and digital asset broker services for the gaming ecosystem.
- HelikaminorGaming analytics and marketing platform exhibitor.
- Circle of GamesminorGaming ecosystem partner and exhibitor.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Global Games Show competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Nordic Game Conference: Annual European B2B gaming conference in Malmö, Sweden, bringing together developers, publishers, and investors across the Nordic and broader European ecosystem. Comparable in tiered-pass, sponsor-driven B2B format and mid-scale attendee profile.
- Tokyo Game Show: Asia's largest gaming expo combining B2B business matching days and B2C public days, run by Nikkei and CESA. Comparable in event structure (exhibitor booths, conference sessions, networking zones) and audience profile (developers, publishers, investors).
- PAX (ReedPop): Major gaming convention series (PAX East/West/South/Unplugged) combining B2B and B2C formats with exhibition floors, conference panels, and community networking. Comparable to Global Games Show as a multi-edition gaming expo brand targeting both industry and enthusiast audiences.
- Gamescom (Koelnmesse): World's largest gaming trade fair held annually in Cologne, combining B2B (gamescom biz) and B2C exhibition formats. Directly comparable as a multi-day, multi-track gaming industry conference and expo with tiered exhibitor and sponsorship packages serving game developers, publishers, and investors.
- ChinaJoy: Massive annual gaming expo in Shanghai covering PC, console, mobile, and Web3 gaming with heavy B2B components. Comparable as a multi-vertical gaming exhibition with strong developer/publisher and emerging-technology (AI, blockchain) presence — closely aligned with Global Games Show's AI/Blockchain co-location strategy.
- Game Developers Conference (GDC): Premier B2B gaming industry conference organized by Informa, focused on game developers, publishers, and technology providers. Highly comparable as a tiered-pass, sponsor-driven conference serving C-level gaming executives and developers globally.
- DICE Summit (D.I.C.E. Summit & Awards): Invite-only B2B gaming industry summit organized by the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences, gathering C-level executives, investors, and policymakers. Comparable as a high-C-level-density networking event with tiered sponsorship and conference programming for the global games industry.
Regional players
- India Game Developer Conference (IGDC / Nasscom GDC): South Asia's leading B2B game development conference focused on Indian gaming studios, publishers, and investors. Comparable as a regional B2B gaming conference with emerging-market positioning and government-adjacent ecosystem support.
- Brazil Game Show: Largest gaming expo in Latin America combining B2B business areas and large B2C public exhibition days. Comparable in event format and tier structure but geographically focused on South America rather than the Middle East.
Emerging players
- Esports World Cup Foundation: Saudi Arabia-based multi-title esports tournament and exhibition ecosystem, operated with government backing. Comparable as a Gulf-region gaming event brand targeting global developers, publishers, and investors, but with stronger esports rather than B2B summit focus — a direct regional competitor for sponsor attention and government alignment.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Global Games Show social profiles
Digital presenceGlobal Games Show financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Global Games Show leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Global Games Show funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Global Games Show M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Global Games Show
What does Global Games Show do?
Global Games Show organizes B2B gaming industry conferences and exhibitions across the Middle East, including flagship events in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Riyadh. It sells ticketed access (VIP, Delegate, Visitor, Group), exhibition and sponsorship packages, and provides curated programming such as investor lounges, startup spotlights, and conference sessions for game developers, publishers, investors, and gaming ecosystem participants.
Is Global Games Show a public or private company?
Global Games Show is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Global Games Show founded?
Global Games Show was founded in 2024. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Global Games Show based?
Global Games Show is headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, in the Middle East region.
How does Global Games Show make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Ticket Sales are the primary driver. The others are exhibition and Sponsorship and media and Affiliate Partnerships.
Who are Global Games Show's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Nordic Game Conference, Tokyo Game Show, PAX (ReedPop), Gamescom (Koelnmesse), ChinaJoy, Game Developers Conference (GDC) and DICE Summit (D.I.C.E. Summit & Awards). Regional players are India Game Developer Conference (IGDC / Nasscom GDC) and Brazil Game Show. Esports World Cup Foundation is listed as an emerging player.
Does Global Games Show have an API?
No public API is recorded for Global Games Show.
What industry is Global Games Show in?
Global Games Show's product category is Industry events and exhibitions (gaming). Its primary akta.pro industry code is THAHABAB, Industry-Specific B2B Trade Show Organizers, with a secondary code of MPAGAFAA, General Consumer Expos & Trade Shows. Its NAICS code is 713 and its SIC code is 7990.