Dubai landmarks coming to Fortnite on November 11
Dubai's landmarks and attractions will become playable destinations in Fortnite on November 11 through Dubai Developed in Fortnite 2033, an interactive experience created by Dubai-based gaming company Wild Unlimited in collaboration with DMCC Gaming Centre.
Developed using Unreal Editor for Fortnite (UEFN), the project recreates locations across Dubai in an open-world environment featuring exploration, competitive challenges and team-based objectives.
The first edition will feature 10 locations, including Al Fahidi Fort, Almas Tower, Uptown Dubai, Skydive Dubai, Deep Dive Dubai, Kite Beach, SALT, Dubai Harbour, X-Dubai and the American University in Dubai (AUD).
The experience will be available to players worldwide, allowing them to explore Dubai's landmarks and engage with the city's culture and attractions through interactive gameplay.
The project also involves local game development talent, with Wild Unlimited delivering UEFN masterclasses at Uptown Dubai and the American University in Dubai.
During a masterclass held in February, AUD students recreated their university campus using UEFN. Their work was subsequently incorporated into the Fortnite experience, giving students an opportunity to contribute to a project intended for an international audience.
Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DMCC, highlighted the role of local talent in developing gaming experiences for global audiences.
"Our ambition is clear: games made in Dubai, by talent developed in Dubai, played by the world," he said.
DMCC Gaming Centre is home to more than 170 gaming companies and supports businesses through industry networks, partnerships and access to international markets.
Sam Shami, Founder and CEO of Wild Unlimited, said the project aims to establish a digital destination that connects international gaming audiences with Dubai.
"We want to create a digital destination where millions of players around the world can discover Dubai, experience its iconic landmarks, explore its culture, and connect with the city through gaming," he said.
The global release will coincide with Wild Game Fest on November 11 at SALT, Kite Beach. The public event will feature creator activations, community gaming tournaments and opportunities for players to engage with the project.
A separate promotional campaign, Dubai Drop, began on November 1, introducing augmented reality loot box experiences across the city. Participants can collect digital items and compete for partner prizes redeemable at Wild Game Fest.
The initiative brings together organisations from Dubai's gaming, tourism, cultural and commercial sectors, including the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, Dubai Culture, SALT and Shamal Holding.
Sophie Boutros, Executive Director of the Mohammed Bin Rashid School for Communication at AUD, highlighted the university's Bachelor of Science in Game Design and Development programme, developed in partnership with the University of Southern California's School of Cinematic Arts.
She described the students' contribution to the Fortnite project as an early demonstration of the programme's potential to support Dubai's gaming industry.
Dubai Developed in Fortnite 2033 also aligns with the Dubai Program for Gaming 2033, which aims to develop local talent, attract gaming companies and strengthen the emirate's position as a global gaming hub.
Wild Unlimited plans to expand the experience in future editions, introducing additional destinations, gameplay features and opportunities for creators and commercial partners.
The project is an independently developed Fortnite island and is not sponsored, endorsed or administered by Epic Games.
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