UNDP and AL GHURAIR
What Makes This Bootcamp Special?
Built upon HP’s Gaming Garage initiative, the bootcamp is crafted to address the UAE’s growing demand for talent in gaming and esports, creating clear career pathways for aspiring game developers, designers, and tech enthusiasts.
This six-month virtual bootcamp combines technical training with entrepreneurial, employability skills development, while providing direct industry connections. By the end of the bootcamp, participants will have gained key technical and soft skills needed to develop and design games at a commercial level. Graduates will be certified as junior game developers, ready to enter the gaming and esports industry as employees or entrepreneurs.
What you will gain?
The bootcamp offers a 360° skills development experience designed to align with global gaming trends and prepare participants for success:
Game Programming
& Game Design Skills Training
Dive deep into game programming and essential tools like programming languages and game engines to create standout projects.
Job Preparation Skills
Refine your CV, build your digital profile, and enhance your skills through mock interviews and workshops on remote work.
Entrepreneurship and
21st Century Skills
Strengthen the fundamentals of entrepreneurship while enhancing critical 21st-century skills by HP LIFE content.
Career Planning &
Networking
Work with mentors to create personalized career plans and build connections with industry leaders.
Community Support
Join a community of peers, mentors, and industry experts. Showcase your projects in a community hub, opening doors to potential employers and partnerships.
Industry Knowledge
Gain insights into the gaming industry, including trends, key players, and emerging technologies, equipping you to become a well-informed and competitive candidate.
Shape the
Future of Gaming
with Us
Are you ready to turn your passion for gaming into a career opportunity?
This is your chance to join the growing community shaping the UAE’s gaming and e-sports ecosystem.
Second Cohort Applications are open until 19 October 2025.
Apply now to reserve your place in the UNDP and Al Ghurair Game Development Bootcamp and unlock the potential to create the games of tomorrow.
Is This Bootcamp for You?
This bootcamp is designed for
01
Emirati students and recent graduates preferably from STEM departments (ages 18-35),
02
who are eager to pursue careers in the gaming industry as junior game developers,
03
basic knowledge of C# programming is an advantage.
Requirements
Your learning path
Weeks 1-8
Weeks 9-12
Weeks 13-17
Weeks 18-22
Week 22
Weeks 1-8
MODULE 1
Foundations of Game Development
Gain insights into the gaming industry, including trends, key players, and emerging technologies, equipping you to become a well-informed and competitive candidate.
Weeks 9-12
MODULE 2
Industry Knowledge and Advanced Skills Development
Develop specialized skills and explore business aspects of gaming.
Weeks 13-17
MODULE 3
Entrepreneurship and Career Growth
Prepare for careers in tech with polished soft and entrepreneurial skills.
Weeks 18-22
MODULE 4
Graduation Project
Develop capstone project with a mentor and present their work during a demo day and receive certification.
Week 22
MODULE 5
Certification
Successful graduates will receive EdX and course completion certification and an opportunity to receive industry recognized certification.
MODULE 1
Foundations of Game Development
Gain insights into the gaming industry, including trends, key players, and emerging technologies, equipping you to become a well-informed and competitive candidate.
MODULE 2
Industry Knowledge and Advanced Skills Development
Develop specialized skills and explore business aspects of gaming.
MODULE 3
Entrepreneurship and Career Growth
Prepare for careers in tech with polished soft and entrepreneurial skills.
MODULE 4
Graduation Project
Develop capstone project with a mentor and present their work during a demo day and receive certification.
MODULE 5
Certification
Successful graduates will receive EdX and course completion certification and an opportunity to receive industry recognized certification.
Weeks 18-22
Week 22
MODULE 4
Graduation Project
Develop capstone project with a mentor and present their work during a demo day and receive certification.
MODULE 5
Certification
Successful graduates will receive EdX and course completion certification and an opportunity to receive industry recognized certification.
Testimonials
Project: The Final Chime
Experience: This bootcamp was an incredible experience that gave me the opportunity to develop skills in coding and design, and to apply them in a real project.During the program, we also had inspiring meetings with industry professionals who encouraged me to continue this path. The sessions with the instructors were highly engaging and motivating, leaving me more confident in pursuing game development further.
Renad Ahmed Almokbily, 22
University of Sharjah
Project: Wenana by Manara Studios
Experience: This experience was one of a kind for me, as someone who is passionate about game development but had no experience at all. This bootcamp gave me a strong background in game development, and I believe that with this experience, I can proceed with learning more and work in this field.
Elham Ebrahim Balkhair, 21
Khalifa University
Project: 2D Action-Platformer Game Prototype
Experience: Working on this solo project has been a hands-on and rewarding experience. It’s helped me bring my creative ideas to life and deepen my understanding of gameplay systems and mechanics.
Khalifa Aljasmi, 23
United Arab Emirates University
Project: Escape Day
Experience: Through this project, I gained experience in shaping the creative vision of a game, documenting it in a structured Game Design Document, and implementing sound design to enhance the overall atmosphere and player immersion.
Bhour Abdulla Basalma
Khalifa University
Project: TimeCone
Experience: This indie experience combines innovative time manipulation mechanics with 3D spatial awareness, offering a unique twist on puzzle gaming that’s designed for a small development team to create in a 6-month bootcamp with a focus on polished core mechanics and satisfying “aha!” Moments.
Arhamh Alshamsi, 23
University of Sharjah
Project: 2D Action-Platformer Game Prototype
Experience: Growing up with classics like Mario and Crash Bandicoot, stepping into the world of game development felt both nostalgic and exciting. This program has equipped me with the foundational skills to kickstart my own journey and build upon what I’ve learned.
Reem Khalid, 31
University of Dubai
Project Examples
Your learning path
Weeks 1-8
Weeks 9-12
MODULE 1
Foundations of
Game Development
Built upon HP’s Gaming Garage initiative, the bootcamp is crafted to address the UAE’s growing demand for talent in gaming and esports, creating clear career pathways for aspiring game developers, designers, and tech enthusiasts.
MODULE 2
Industry Knowledge and Advanced Skills Development
Develop specialized skills and explore business aspects of gaming.
Weeks 1-8
Weeks 9-12
MODULE 1
Foundations of
Game Development
Built upon HP’s Gaming Garage initiative, the bootcamp is crafted to address the UAE’s growing demand for talent in gaming and esports, creating clear career pathways for aspiring game developers, designers, and tech enthusiasts.
MODULE 2
Industry Knowledge and Advanced Skills Development
Develop specialized skills and explore business aspects of gaming.
Weeks 18-22
Weeks 13-17
MODULE 4
Graduation Project
Develop capstone project with a mentor and present their work during a demo day and receive certification.
MODULE 3
Entrepreneurship and Career Growth
Prepare for careers in tech
with polished soft and entrepreneurial skills.
Weeks 18-22
Weeks 13-17
MODULE 4
Graduation Project
Develop capstone project with a mentor and present their work during a demo day and receive certification.
MODULE 4
Foundations of
Game Development
Built upon HP’s Gaming Garage initiative, the bootcamp is crafted to address the UAE’s growing demand for talent in gaming and esports, creating clear career pathways for aspiring game developers, designers, and tech enthusiasts.
Who Is This Program For?
Engineers and Architects
Pioneering sustainable design by integrating technologies and principles for greener, more efficient practices.
Sustainability Professionals
Leading projects and driving innovation from policy-making to feasibility assessments and implementation, involved in applying SDGs as well as ESG reporting.
Why Join This Program?
Gain a well-rounded understanding of sustainability in the built environment
Learn to tackle sustainability challenges from a regional perspective
Acquire a certificate from AUB, #1 university in the region for graduate career success
Accelerate your career growth by developing a unique highly in-demand skillset
Benefit from extensive exposure and networking opportunities with both regional industry experts and esteemed AUB faculty
Enjoy an engaging face to face week including workshops, site visits, and exposure to guest speakers
Have questions about the program? Fill out this form and we’ll get in touch
Frequently Asked Questions
The bootcamp is open to Emirati students and recent graduates preferably from STEM departments aged 18–35. Basic knowledge of C# programming and a passion for gaming and esports are assets.
Yes, the bootcamp is fully funded by AGF, and participants are not required to pay any fees.
The bootcamp includes live sessions and averaging 5 to 9 hours of self study according to your pace.
No prior experience in game development is necessary. However, a basic understanding of C# programming is an asset.
Successful graduates will receive EdX and course completion certification and an opportunity to receive industry recognized certification.
Participants will gain technical and entrepreneurial skills, industry connections, and mentorship opportunities. Graduates will also have access to a community of alumni to showcase their work to potential employers.
Second cohort Applications are open until 19 October 2025. Click the Apply Now link to apply.
Yes, participants will engage with industry experts during the program and showcase their projects at an exclusive demo day.
The bootcamp is entirely virtual, with opportunities for in-person networking and community events.
Shape the
Future of Gaming
with Us
Apply now to reserve your place in the UNDP and Al Ghurair Game Development Bootcamp and unlock the potential to create the games of tomorrow.
Got Questions?
Reach out to [email protected] for any details about the bootcamp or the application process. Let’s get you started on your gaming journey!
UNDP does not endorse any entity, brand, product or service.
For inquiries please send an email to: [email protected]
