Gaming in Dubai: A Fusion of Culture and Creativity

Dubai’s vibrant streets have become a canvas for innovation as local game developers intertwine the rich tapestry of Emirati culture into the gaming world. This transformative approach resonates deeply with audiences, creating immersive experiences that celebrate the UAE’s identity.

"Darkness Road": A Terrifying Journey through Culture

One of the standout creations emerging from the UAE’s gaming scene is "Darkness Road," a horror video game that takes players on a haunting journey through familiar Dubai landscapes. Developed by Ismail Ahli, the founder of Foxrito and an aviation graduate, the game reflects the developers’ passion for storytelling rooted in local folklore.

Ahli, along with co-founder Hussain Darwish, embarked on this project with a vision to craft a game that mirrored their reality. "Darkness Road features elements like Emirati characters and the Gulf dialect, immersing players in a truly local experience,” Ahli explained. Every detail, from character names to dialogue, is authentically Emirati, allowing players to connect with the narrative on a personal level.

The game is set in 1996, in a haunted area known as Dar Al Hai near Dubai. The primary location, informally referred to as "Darkness Road," draws inspiration from real roads where Ahli and his friends used to camp. The plot follows Hamdan, a 34-year-old man, who finds himself trapped in a sinister world, battling against a curse that pulls him deeper into despair.

Immersive Gameplay Beyond the Scares

Players navigate through "Darkness Road" from a third-person perspective, engaging in combat, solving puzzles, and facing psychological horror elements. The game challenges players not just with traditional enemies but also with folklore-inspired riddles that deepen the storytelling experience, revealing the chilling curse surrounding Hamdan.

Despite its grounding in Emirati culture, "Darkness Road" has found fans globally, with over 3,000 downloads within three months and reaching players across 10,000 countries after a year. Currently, the game is available in its trial version, with players eagerly awaiting the full release.

Engineering to Gaming: A New Frontier

Another fascinating story in Dubai’s gaming industry is that of Ahmed Salem Al Hamed, an Emirati developer who transitioned from civil engineering to game development. After working in diverse fields, including nuclear energy, Al Hamed found inspiration in using games as educational tools.

Al Hamed recently launched "Enci’s Solution," a game fully developed in the UAE by a diverse team. The narrative centers on a child exiled from society, embarking on a journey to discover a world believed to be inhabited. As he travels, he uncovers a landscape devoid of humanity, raising poignant questions about connection and existence.

The concept originated from Al Hamed’s passion for storytelling. “Since I was young, I loved writing stories. I thought, why not turn one of them into a game?” he shared, highlighting the creative synergy that gaming offers for storytellers.

Cultural Representation and Global Reach

Both "Darkness Road" and "Enci’s Solution" exemplify the broader trend of Emirati developers infusing their heritage into digital storytelling. By integrating local dialects, settings, and characters, these games foster a sense of identity while simultaneously reaching an international audience. The commitment to local authenticity enhances the players’ connection to the narrative, allowing them to explore Dubai’s culture in an engaging format.

As the gaming industry in Dubai continues to flourish, these innovative developers pave the way for a new generation of storytellers. Through their creations, they transport players to the heart of the UAE, offering an engaging blend of fright, adventure, and cultural resonance.