Power of Play: United Arab Emirates

What makes gamers around the world tick, and how do they differ from country to country? These questions and many more are addressed in the Power of Play study, which was conducted and published by industry associations. In addition to global evaluations, the report also compiles the most important answers to essential questions at the level of the 21 countries that participated.

In the UAE, AudienceNet surveyed a total of 1,018 people aged 16 and older. The results reveal some striking features of the market. For example, only China had a higher proportion of male gamers. And the UAE leads the way in terms of the proportion of VR platforms. However, when it came to other questions, such as whether games can be a tool for mental resilience, the Emiratis' responses were similar to the global average.

Video games as a tool for mental resilience

Video Games…

Help me feel less stressed: 75% in the UAE vs. 77% globally
Help me feel happier: 79% in the UAE vs. 73% globally
Provide a healthy outlet from everyday challenges: 70% in the UAE vs. 72% globally
Help me feel less anxious: 75% in the UAE vs. 70% globally
Help me feel less isolated: 71% in the UAE vs.64% globally
Help me get through difficult times: 71% in the UAE vs. 62% globally

When it comes to the influence of gaming on areas such as private life, gamers from the UAE are closer to the global average than gamers from Germany, for example. 54% of Gamers from the UAE surveyed agreed with the statement “Influenced my career and/or educational path in a positive way.” Globally, the figure is 43%. The statement “Allows me to continue or pursue a hobby or interest that I wouldn't otherwise be able to do” was agreed with by 72% of Emirati surveyed, but by 64% of gamers surveyed worldwide.

92% of gamers surveyed in Germany play online with others at least once a month. 79% even play in-person with others at least once during the same period. 65% use in-game communications. Also interesting: 65 percent of parents say that playing video games has positively impacted their relationship with their kids. The figure is more than twice as high as in Germany.

Gamers from the UAE have a positive opinion when asked whether gaming can improve skills, as the support for the following statements shows.

Players agree that video games can improve…