The Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Communication (MBRSC) at the American University in Dubai has officially announced the launch of its new Bachelor’s program in Game Design and Development. The initiative comes with strong backing from the Dubai Media Council as part of its ongoing efforts to build an advanced media sector rooted in innovation, while empowering specialized talents capable of shaping the future of creative industries.
Set to begin in the 2025–2026 academic year, the program aims to equip students with both creative and technical skills essential for thriving in the rapidly growing global gaming industry.
World-Class Academic Collaboration
The new degree has been developed in partnership with the School of Cinematic Arts at the University of Southern California (USC), recognized as one of the world’s leading institutions in game design education. This collaboration ensures students will benefit from a curriculum that matches top global standards, blending academic rigor with industry relevance.
Students will have the opportunity to choose between two specialized tracks:
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Game Design: Focused on storytelling, world-building, visual aesthetics, and user experience.
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Game Development: Centered on programming, game engines, and the technical foundations of interactive entertainment.
Driving Dubai’s Digital Innovation Strategy
Hisham Al Alama, Director of Strategy and Performance at the Dubai Media Council, emphasized that the program aligns with Dubai’s vision to be a global leader in media innovation and development.
“This initiative supports our mission to build a future-ready media industry led by creative professionals,” he said. “The bachelor’s program will help position Dubai as a global hub for game development, opening new growth pathways for emerging talents and providing an ideal environment for creators, tech experts, and innovators to thrive.”
Preparing Future Industry Leaders
Sophie Boutros, Executive Director of MBRSC, described the program as a major milestone in the school’s mission to prepare students for excellence in a rapidly evolving media landscape.
“By combining creative training with advanced technical knowledge, we aim to equip a new generation of talent with the competencies needed to lead the next wave of entertainment and interactive content,” she explained. “This program will give students across the region the tools to succeed as innovators in the gaming sector.”
With its forward-looking approach and world-class academic foundation, the Bachelor’s in Game Design and Development represents a strategic step in advancing Dubai’s role in shaping the global future of digital entertainment.
