Games Ventures has announced Games Majlis, an initiative aimed at revolutionizing the mobile gaming industry in the Middle East.
Spearheaded by Mohamed El Sheakh, Founder and CEO of Games Ventures, Games Majlis boasts a lineup of 20 founding members who bring diverse expertise from across the globe.
This initiative is launching in alignment with the Dubai Program for Gaming 2033 (DPG33), a government-backed strategy to establish Dubai as a global hub for gaming innovation.
A Global Coalition of Gaming Experts
The 20 founding members of Games Majlis represent a mix of accomplished gaming executives, entrepreneurs, and visionaries from various countries and industries.
The group includes leaders from well-known organizations such as BITKRAFT Ventures, Tamatem Games, Huawei, Bytedance, and Star Stable Entertainment. These experts are united in their mission to drive innovation and foster collaboration within the burgeoning Middle East gaming ecosystem.
Here is the full list of founding members, listed alphabetically:
- Ali A., Founder and CEO, UMX Studio, Riyadh
- Ali Farha, Senior Producer, Star Stable Entertainment, Stockholm
- Anuj Tandon, Partner, BITKRAFT Ventures, Pune
- Eisa Atawi, Co-Founder and CEO, Lobah, Riyadh
- Eric Husny, Gaming Investments, Impact46, Riyadh
- Faisal Kazim, Head of DPG33, Dubai
- Gokce Kozandagi, Country Manager – MENA, Xsolla, Dubai
- Hussam Hammo, CEO, Tamatem Games, Abu Dhabi
- John Richardson, Co-Founder, Level Up, Dubai
- Kareem Seddik, Founder and CEO, YallaPlay, Abu Dhabi
- Kristina Lasenko, CEO and Managing Partner, Gaming.Activation, Dubai
- Matt Dalio, Founder, Endless, Abu Dhabi
- MJ Fahmi, CEO, Digital Dunes, Doha
- Naji Ghaziri, Head of Mobile Gaming Products, MBC Group, Dubai
- Naji Robehmed, Advisor & Head of Games Business, Huawei, Dubai
- Ozgur Ozalp, Founder, Silver Star Consultancy, Dubai
- Saad Hameed, CEO, Game District, Dubai
The diverse backgrounds and expertise of the members highlight the initiative’s global reach and ambition.
I am honored to be part of this great initiative among the great names on the team and look forward to our collaboration.
Ali Farha, Senior Producer, Star Stable Entertainment, Stockholm

Happy to be part of Games Majlis and I can’t wait to see the impact we’ll create together! A huge thanks to Mohamed El Sheakh – محمد الشيخ for leading this great initiative!
Gokce Kozandagi, Country Manager – MENA, Xsolla, Dubai

Thank you, Mohamed, for bringing all of us together ! What a powerhouse!
Kristina Lasenko, CEO and Managing Partner, Gaming.Activation, Dubai

It’s a privilege to be part of this incredible initiative alongside such remarkable individuals on the team, and I’m excited about the opportunity to collaborate with all of you.
Saad Hameed, CEO, Game District, Dubai

Supported by Dubai Program for Gaming 2033
Games Majlis launches in conjunction with the Dubai Program for Gaming 2033 (DPG33), which is overseen by the Dubai Future Foundation. The program is led by Faisal Kazim, who is among the founding members of Games Majlis. DPG33 serves as the strategic governing body for Dubai’s gaming industry, aiming to position the city as a global center for gaming innovation.
DPG33 focuses on fostering an ecosystem that attracts investment, talent, and technology in the gaming sector. Games Majlis is set to complement these efforts by fostering collaboration between industry leaders and creating pathways for new developments in mobile gaming.
A Vision for the Future of Gaming
The Games Majlis initiative is set to bridge the gap between the Middle East’s growing gaming audience and global industry opportunities. The Middle East’s mobile gaming market has shown remarkable growth, driven by a young and tech-savvy population.
Founder Mohamed El Sheakh expressed enthusiasm about the potential impact of Games Majlis. He highlighted the importance of collaboration and the need for global expertise to tackle challenges and unlock the region’s untapped potential in gaming innovation.
Collaboration to Drive Innovation
The founding members of Games Majlis will engage in regular events, workshops, and discussions aimed at shaping the future of the gaming industry in the region. With a focus on innovation, talent development, and investment, the initiative seeks to propel the Middle East into the global spotlight as a hub for gaming.
The launch of Games Majlis marks another milestone in Dubai’s journey to becoming a global leader in technology and innovation, positioning the city as a key player in the global gaming industry.