UAE launches Zoud GameLab with $140K in prizes and funding

Image Via Zoud

The UAE’s National Financial Wellbeing and Sustainability Initiative, Zoud, has partnered with Global Game Jam to launch Zoud GameLab, a new international game jam focused on using games to promote financial literacy.

The fully virtual competition will take place from October 15 to November 15, 2026, inviting game developers, designers, artists, writers, teams and studios from around the world to create games that explore financial concepts and everyday money decisions through interactive experiences.

Zoud GameLab will offer up to $140,000 in prizes and development funding across several award categories. Entries will be evaluated on areas including gameplay, creativity and their approach to financial literacy, with awards for the best overall game as well as projects that contribute to financial literacy, bring regional perspectives and deliver compelling gameplay.

While the competition is open globally, the organisers are encouraging participation from developers across the UAE and the wider region, giving Arab game creators an opportunity to bring local perspectives and experiences to the subject of financial wellbeing.

Ahead of the main competition, a pre-jam programme will begin on September 15. Participants will have access to webinars, workshops, development resources and experts designed to help teams prepare their ideas and better understand the financial themes behind the challenge.

The initiative brings together Zoud’s focus on financial wellbeing with Global Game Jam’s international game development community. The month-long jam is open to creators of all experience levels, including individual developers, teams and studios.

Zoud GameLab will run from October 15 through November 15, with winners expected to be announced in mid-December 2026.

Developers interested in taking part can register for Zoud GameLab through the official website, where additional resources and participation details will also be released.