twofour54 Abu Dhabi's game on with Unity Technologies

twofour54 Abu Dhabi, home to over 600 media companies, has announced a 10-year partnership with Unity Technologies, a video game software development company, which will see the companies establish a Centre of Excellence for the game development industry in the region. twofour54 and Unity will also develop a physical gaming hub where local start-ups and students can learn the skills needed to succeed in the gaming industry. The training initiative will sit alongside a subsidy package for developers. Chairman of twofour54, H.E. Mohammed Al Mubarak (pictured), said: “This partnership with Unity demonstrates our shared and committed vision to establish Abu Dhabi as the leading gaming hub in the region. As one of the largest, most innovative and highly regarded companies in the gaming industry, Unity is at the forefront of the technology curve. I join the Abu Dhabi leadership in welcoming them to Abu Dhabi to establish their Middle East and Africa regional headquarters. Their commitment to the region will accelerate the Emirate’s gaming industry growth and deliver on the ground exactly what game developers need to succeed.” The Centre of Excellence aims to be home to game development companies of all sizes. In addition to game creation services, business development support and academic training, the Centre of Excellence also hopes to be “the catalyst for academia in the UAE as the training and entrepreneurial platform for cultivating talent and launching new careers”. Dave Rhodes, senior vice-president and general manager at Unity Technologies, added: “Working together with twofour54 to support the growth of Abu Dhabi’s gaming industry is a natural fit for Unity as it builds on our principal of enabling success. The initiatives we’re bringing to the table through this partnership will exponentially enhance Abu Dhabi’s offering across the industry value chain, from hands-on academic training to business development and game developer support. “The most exciting and long-lasting impact will be our work to create sustainable job opportunities in the local sector and, in tandem, develop professionals with the skills to take on those opportunities.” Director of gaming and strategic development at twofour54, James Hartt, said: “Unity’s arrival is a game changer for the industry. The strategic partnership will deliver the areas that are essential for industry growth, such as talent development and game building technical support. This will help give gaming businesses located in Abu Dhabi the competitive advantage they need to be even more successful in this growing industry. The Unity academic programme will ensure a constant supply of skilled, trained and Unity-certified individuals are entering the industry to match the increased demand that will be driven by Abu Dhabi’s committed subsidy program for game development businesses.”