All about the MENA Games Industry Awards
The MENA Games Industry Awards, taking place exclusively at the Dubai GameExpo Summit, are a prestigious awards established to celebrate the very best businesses and individuals who are propelling the exciting MENA games industry forward.
We shine a light on every part of the ecosystem, from the game developers and publishers through the advertising and monetisation companies, the tool-makers and support companies, to the new emerging technologies that enable the magic to happen. We also pay homage to true industry legends who have made their mark on this glorious industry.
The awards are lobbied for by all members of the industry, voted on by select MENA representatives, and then ultimately revealed at our ceremony focussed entirely on celebrating the very best talent of this great sector.
Who’s behind it?
The MENA Games Industry Awards have been created by the Steel Media team, which has over 19 years’ experience covering and connecting the games industry with leading media such as Pocket Gamer and PG.biz, alongside leading events such as the PG Connects conference and Dubai GameExpo Summit series, Big Indie Pitches, and numerous networking gatherings.
How can you get involved?
NOMINATE
It all starts here. Nominate your company, game, or service for consideration in the relevant category(s). (Please note: nominations are now closed.)
JUDGING
From the nominations we create a shortlist, which is then judged by a carefully considered panel of respected industry representatives.
ATTEND THE CEREMONY
All Dubai GameExpo Summit delegates are most welcome to join us at the awards ceremony.
SPONSOR THE AWARDS
Should you want extra exposure, there are also sponsorship opportunities available.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the MENA Games Industry Awards?
The MENA Games Industry Awards recognise the work of the top MENA games companies in the industry over the past year.
As you’ll see on the nomination page (when live), these awards aim to represent firms across the industry, from the games developers and publishers to the tools companies, service providers and recruiters that all make this sector the largest and most pervasive in entertainment.
How do I nominate?
To nominate your company and/or game, or to lobby on someone else’s behalf, simply find the award the game and/or company is eligible for on the submission page (when live).
Once you’ve found the appropriate award complete the form with as much vital information as possible.
We’ll ask you for details on the company and its achievements during the last year, or why a game deserves an award.
For this nomination stage, please detail these in a bullet point format that simply state your reasons for nominating.
Once you have filled in the form and sent it, that’s it!
Please note that lobbying does not guarantee a place on the list of finalists.
Can I nominate more than once?
Of course, you may lobby for a company/game/service/team/etc in as many categories as you feel are relevant. Do note that the multiple nominations in each category from the same individual will not affect the shortlisting procedure.
What's the deadline?
The deadline for the awards lobbying is April 7, 2024.
(Technically, submissions made after this date may be made if the system allows it but will not be considered.)
What if I have problems submitting?
Should you have any difficulties or any questions about this process, please get in touch.
What are the categories?
The categories are listed on the nomination page during the submission phase. Alternatively, you’ll also see them on the homepage.
What happens after the lobbying phase?
Once the deadline passes for lobbying, the team will whittle down the longlist to a shortlist of finalists for the MENA Games Industry Awards. A panel of respected games industry experts from across the sector will then vote for what they feel is the best company/game/service in each category.
When and where will the MENA Games Industry Awards be held?
The MENA Games Industry Awards take place on May 2, 2024, as part of the Dubai GameExpo Summit.
Can I attend the awards ceremony?
The MENA Games Industry Awards 2024 ceremony is open to all Dubai GameExpo Summit delegates.
Can my company sponsor the event?
Yes! (But you can’t buy a win.)
For sponsorship details read more here and please email Chris James at [email protected].