Animoca Brands, a global leader in digital entertainment, blockchain, and gamification, has officially launched its Dubai office, marking a significant step in its expansion into the UAE market. This move underscores the company’s commitment to fostering innovation and supporting the growth of the UAE’s startup ecosystem.
The UAE has emerged as a prime location for innovative technologies, and Animoca Brands’ entry into the market is poised to contribute greatly to the local economy, further positioning Dubai as a regional hub for digital transformation. With a focus on the future of blockchain, gaming, and Web3, the opening of the Dubai office marks the beginning of a broader strategy to actively support the development of new technologies and start-ups within the UAE.
Strengthening Ties with UAE Startups
The opening of the Dubai office is part of Animoca Brands’ broader strategy to invest in and collaborate with emerging startups in the UAE. The company has already made strategic investments in several UAE-based companies, aiming to accelerate the development of Web3 technologies and digital entertainment solutions in the region. By providing startups with the resources and expertise needed to scale, Animoca Brands is positioning itself as a catalyst for innovation in one of the world’s most rapidly growing tech ecosystems.
Among the first major investments made by Animoca Brands in the UAE is its involvement with Farcana, a cutting-edge gaming studio. Farcana is a promising gaming project based in the UAE that has received a strategic investment from Animoca Brands to support the development of its team arena third-person shooter game. Farcana is built using Unreal Engine 5 and features immersive competitive gaming tournaments with Bitcoin-backed prize pools. This game introduces a unique “Free Mint” Bitcoin ordinals feature, allowing players to gain value as they engage with the platform. The game has already attracted over 40,000 users and plans to host new tournaments, with initial playtests in Dubai helping to shape its success. Farcana’s partnership with Animoca Brands highlights how the region is becoming an exciting hub for next-gen gaming technology.
Another key investment made by Animoca Brands is in Param Labs, a Web3 game design studio based in Abu Dhabi. Param Labs has developed the highly anticipated Web3 play-to-earn shooter game, Kiraverse. The studio also launched Pixel to Poly, a platform that enables the conversion of 2D NFTs into 3D game-ready files. With Animoca’s investment, Param Labs is set to refine its blockchain and token economy designs and expand the scope of its innovative projects. These developments align with Animoca’s strategy of fostering Web3 solutions that blur the lines between gaming, digital assets, and blockchain technology.
The third notable partnership is with Eesee, a gamified digital asset marketplace startup. Eesee has received significant backing from Animoca Brands to enhance its digital asset trading experience, focusing on improving liquidity solutions for sellers within the Web3 environment. Eesee provides a platform where users can place smaller bids on high-value assets, such as NFTs, cryptocurrencies, and even physical items. The platform aims to simplify the trading of digital assets and create a user-friendly environment for buyers and sellers. This partnership will enable Eesee to grow its offerings and become a key player in the evolving Web3 economy.
Aligning with Dubai’s Vision for the Future
The opening of Animoca Brands’ Dubai office is perfectly timed with Dubai’s ambitious plans to become a global hub for digital innovation. Earlier this year, Dubai’s Crown Prince, HH Sheikh Hamdan, announced the launch of the “Dubai Program for Gaming 2033,” which aims to develop the city’s gaming industry by nurturing talent, fostering content creation, and advancing technological innovation. With the support of major industry players like Animoca Brands, Dubai’s gaming and Web3 ecosystems are expected to flourish.
Animoca Brands’ new office in Dubai is a strategic move to build connections within the local business community while contributing to the larger goal of expanding the UAE’s digital economy. The company’s expansion will allow it to work closely with local entrepreneurs, startups, and government bodies to ensure the development of a thriving and sustainable tech ecosystem. As the UAE continues to prioritize the adoption of new technologies and the growth of its digital infrastructure, Animoca Brands’ presence will be key to unlocking new opportunities for innovation and collaboration in the region.
Commitment to the UAE Market
Animoca Brands’ decision to expand into the UAE reflects the growing importance of the region in the global digital economy. The UAE’s forward-thinking policies, particularly in Dubai, have made it an attractive destination for technology and gaming companies worldwide. By investing in local startups and establishing a physical presence in the city, Animoca Brands demonstrates its long-term commitment to the UAE market.
The UAE has a strong track record of creating favorable environments for emerging tech companies, and Animoca Brands’ investment in the region further strengthens its reputation as a leader in digital innovation. By leveraging its global network and expertise in blockchain and digital entertainment, Animoca Brands aims to support the rapid growth of UAE startups, helping them scale to new heights in an increasingly competitive global market.
Looking Ahead
As Animoca Brands continues to expand its presence in the UAE, the company is focused on creating lasting relationships with local entrepreneurs, developers, and creators. This will allow the company to help build a vibrant digital economy while exploring new frontiers in Web3 technologies, blockchain, and gamification. The launch of the Dubai office is just the first step in a series of initiatives that will contribute to the development of a thriving startup ecosystem in the region.
The company is committed to working with like-minded individuals and organizations to explore new business opportunities, accelerate digital transformation, and push the boundaries of innovation. With its deep knowledge of the global gaming and blockchain markets, Animoca Brands will play a crucial role in helping the UAE become a global leader in digital entertainment and Web3 technologies.
In the coming months, Animoca Brands plans to further strengthen its partnerships with UAE startups, offering mentorship, funding, and resources to help them succeed. This commitment to nurturing local talent and driving innovation will position Animoca Brands as a key player in the UAE’s rapidly growing tech sector.
