A whole real-world city is about to become a Fortnite playground. DMCC and gaming company Wild Unlimited have announced Dubai Developed in Fortnite 2033, an experience that rebuilds Dubai's landmarks, culture and destinations inside Fortnite for players around the world.
The experience has been developed independently by Wild Unlimited using Unreal Editor for Fortnite, the UEFN tools that let creators build and publish their own Fortnite islands. DMCC describes it as an open-world, team-based environment built around exploration, competitive challenges and team-based objectives — and it is not sponsored, endorsed or administered by Epic Games.
The first edition packs in ten Dubai locations and experiences: Al Fahidi Fort, Almas Tower, Uptown Dubai, Skydive Dubai, Deep Dive Dubai, Kite Beach Dubai, SALT, Dubai Harbour, X-Dubai and the American University in Dubai. Each one is woven into the gameplay rather than sitting in the world as scenery, so visiting the landmarks is part of how the island plays.
The build-up has already started. The Dubai Drop campaign launched on November 1, sending residents hunting augmented-reality loot boxes across the city to collect AR collectibles and compete for prizes from participating partners, redeemable at Wild Game Fest.
DMCC's Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Ahmed Bin Sulayem, framed the project as Dubai building for a global audience. "Dubai's next phase of gaming growth will be defined by what we create here and take to the world," he said, noting that the DMCC Gaming Centre is now home to more than 170 gaming companies.
Wild Unlimited founder and CEO Sam Shami described an ambition bigger than a single island. "Our vision goes beyond building a game," he said. "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."
Local students have literally built part of the island. Through UEFN masterclasses run by Wild Unlimited at Uptown Dubai and the American University in Dubai, AUD students recreated their own university campus in the tools — and their work has been incorporated into the experience players will explore.
The project pulls in partners from across the city's tourism and culture sectors, including the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, Dubai Culture, SALT and Shamal Holding. It also sits under the Dubai Program for Gaming 2033, the emirate's long-term push to grow its games industry, develop local talent and expand its digital economy.
Dubai Developed in Fortnite 2033 becomes playable globally on November 11, with a public launch event and Wild Game Fest taking place the same day at SALT, Kite Beach. The launch is only the first edition — more destinations, gameplay features and chances for creators and commercial partners to get involved are planned for future editions.
Source: DMCC
