UAE Board Games Market: Board Game Cafés, Imported Titles & Rising Popularity

According to IMARC Group's latest research publication, The UAE board games market size was valued at USD 101.66 Million in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 227.1 Million by 2034, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 9.34% from 2026-2034.

How AI is Reshaping the Future of UAE Board Games Market

• AI-Powered Personalization in Game Recommendations: AI algorithms on platforms like Amazon.ae and local e-stores analyze user preferences to suggest tailored board games, from strategy titles to family sets. This enhances discovery for expatriates and locals, boosting sales by 20% in premium segments amid Dubai's growing gaming cafes.
• Hybrid AI-Enhanced Board Games: Integration of AI via companion apps for dynamic storytelling and adaptive rules in games like localized Monopoly variants. UAE developers leverage this for immersive experiences, appealing to tech-savvy youth and increasing replay value in social hubs like board game nights.
• Predictive Analytics for Market Trends: AI tools forecast demand for educational and cultural board games, optimizing inventory for retailers in Abu Dhabi malls. This reduces waste by 15% and supports sustainable growth, aligning with Vision 2031's digital innovation focus for family-oriented entertainment.

How Vision 2031 is Revolutionizing UAE Board Games Industry

The UAE's "We the UAE 2031" vision is revolutionizing the board games industry by prioritizing digital economy growth, cultural entertainment, and family wellness within its economic diversification pillars. As part of broader gaming and leisure initiatives, it invests in creative hubs like Dubai's gaming ecosystem, now hosting over 350 companies, to foster local production of culturally adapted board games that blend Emirati heritage with global trends.

UAE Board Games Market Trends & Driver

In 2025, the UAE board games market is expected to be characterized by premiumization and socialization, and strategy and family games are expected to grow at a CAGR of 10% due to Dubai and Abu Dhabi cafes. Parents prefer STEM games, while millennials prefer eco-friendly packaging. Hybrid board games and apps are popular with the youth.

Contributing factors include a large population under the age of 30 (60%), a high disposable income of US$40,000 per capita, and a propensity to seek leisure experiences post-screen burnout. Over 25 million tourists each year also help increase the entertainment district and esports portion of Vision 2031 (US$1 billion), which supports table games via Abu Dhabi Gaming spaces and other venues.

Access Reliable 2026 Market Research & Forecasts

UAE Board Games Industry Segmentation:

The report has segmented the market into the following categories:

Product Type Insights:

• Tabletop Games
• Card and Dice Games
• Collectible Card Games
• Miniature Games
• RPG Games

Game Type Insights:

• Strategy and War Games
• Educational Games
• Fantasy Games
• Sport Games
• Others

Age Group Insights:

• 0-2 Years
• 2-5 Years
• 5-12 Years
• Above 12 Years

Distribution Channel Insights:

• Supermarkets and Hypermarkets
• Specialty Stores
• Online Stores
• Others

Regional Insights:

• Dubai
• Abu Dhabi
• Sharjah
• Others

Competitive Landscape:

The competitive landscape of the industry has also been examined along with the profiles of the key players.

Recent News and Developments in UAE Board Games Market

• January 2025: Major UAE retailers, including Carrefour and Lulu Hypermarket, introduced dedicated “Family Game Zones” in select stores, increasing shelf space for strategy, party, and educational board games by nearly 30% to meet rising demand for at-home entertainment.
• March 2025: Dubai-based hobby distributors partnered with European board-game publishers to launch exclusive Middle East editions of popular tabletop titles, featuring bilingual (English–Arabic) rulebooks to enhance accessibility for local families and schools.
• September 2025: Leading e-commerce platforms such as Amazon.ae and Noon rolled out AI-powered recommendation systems for board games, offering personalized suggestions based on age, difficulty level, and gameplay style, boosting online sales significantly.

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