Heritage Gameathon ARHeritage Gameathon EN

Date

9 - 11 Jan 2026

Location

Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority

Sponsor 1
Sponsor 2
Sponsor 3
Prizes & Awards

What You Can Win

Compete for generous cash prizes and exclusive opportunities

2nd Place

2nd Placeالمركز الثاني

AED 25,000

1st Place

1st Placeالمركز الأول

AED 30,000

3rd Place

3rd Placeالمركز الثالث

AED 20,000

4th Placeالمركز الرابع

AED 15,000

5th Placeالمركز الخامس

AED 10,000

Rocket

Beyond the Competition

The Heritage Gameathon is a structured talent development platform. Participants will strengthen their skills in:

  • Game design and prototyping
  • Storytelling
  • Visual arts and animation
  • Coding and technical development
  • Teamwork

Throughout the event, creators will receive guidance from industry mentors and technical experts from Unity Technologies and Abu Dhabi Gaming, ensuring a supportive and high-quality development environment.

In addition to the game jam, participants can enjoy a variety of engaging activities during the event, including workshops and cultural experiences.

Get Started

Everything you need to participate

Submit on Itch.io

Submit on Itch.io

Upload your game on submission day

Learn More
Rules & Conditions

Rules & Conditions

View rules & requirements

Learn More
Who can join?

Who can join?

Open to university students, vocational learners, and early-career game developers across the UAE

Development Tools & Software

Development Tools & Software

Unity engine and approved development tools

Meet the Experts

Gameathon Judges and Mentors

Learn from industry professionals and cultural experts

Agatha Hood

Agatha Hood

Judge

Corrie Green

Corrie Green

Mentor

Ahmed Shweiki

Ahmed Shweiki

Mentor

Zain Al Qudah

Zain Al Qudah

Mentor

Kalle Hiitola

Kalle Hiitola

Judge

Hamdan Al-Ali

Hamdan Al-Ali

Judge

Mohamed Al Qadi

Mohamed Al Qadi

Judge

Event Schedule

Three-Day Event Agenda

A development path carefully planned from concept to completion

Day 1

Friday

09 January 2026

Registration

Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority

14:00 - 15:00

Opening Ceremony & Keynote Address

Indoor Sports Hall

15:00 - 15:30

Theme Reveal & Rules

Indoor Sports Hall

15:30 - 16:00

Team Formation

Indoor Sports Hall

16:00 - 16:30

Game Design and Prototyping - Session 1

Indoor Sports Hall

16:30 - 19:00

Dinner Break

19:00 - 20:00

Free Work Time

Indoor Sports Hall

20:00 - Late

Day 2

Saturday

10 January 2026

Optional Early Access & Coffee

Indoor Sports Hall

08:00 - 09:00

Breakfast

09:00 - 10:00

Game Prototyping and Development - Session 2

Indoor Sports Hall

10:00 - 13:00

Lunch Break

13:00 - 14:00

Game Prototyping and Development - Session 3

Indoor Sports Hall

14:00 - 19:00

Dinner Break

19:00 - 20:00

Free Work Time

Indoor Sports Hall

20:00 - Late

Day 3

Sunday

11 January 2026

Optional Early Access & Coffee

Indoor Sports Hall

08:00 - 09:00

Breakfast

09:00 - 09:30

Plan of the day announcement

Indoor Sports Hall

09:30 - 10:00

Game Prototyping and Development - Session 4

Indoor Sports Hall

10:00 - 13:00

Lunch Break

13:00 - 14:00

Game Polishing

Indoor Sports Hall

14:00 - 16:00

Submission Deadline

Online Submission Portal

16:00 - 17:00

Judging and Evaluation Period

Indoor Sports Hall

17:00 - 18:00

Awards Ceremony

Indoor Sports Hall

18:00 - 19:00

Event Conclusion

19:00
FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know about Turath Gameathon

  1. It is a game development competition held within a fixed timeframe, where individuals and teams compete to present the best independent game idea based on a specific theme.

  2. No. All games must be created entirely during the official Game Jam period. However, you may use pre-made assets only if they are free or legally owned by your team.

  3. The theme will be announced at the start of the event. All submissions must align with the official theme inspired by Emirati heritage and culture.

  4. Teams can have up to 8 participants. If you register as an individual, the organizers will help match you with a team.

  5. You retain full intellectual property ownership of your game. However, Abu Dhabi Gaming and the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority reserve the right to use, showcase, publish, modify, or distribute submitted games and related materials for promotional, cultural, or educational purposes.

  6. Games must be submitted before the official deadline announced by the organizers during the event. Late submissions will not be accepted for judging.

  7. All games must be submitted through our official Itch.io submission page.

  8. Yes. Submissions must not include: • Sexual content • Excessive violence • Discriminatory or hateful content • Culturally inappropriate themes Violations will lead to immediate disqualification.

  9. Entries will be evaluated by the judging panel based on: • Creativity & Innovation • Cultural Relevance • Gameplay & Mechanics • Art Direction • Overall Presentation

  10. Participants must bring their own: • Laptop • Chargers & adapters • Required software or tools The venue will provide internet access and power outlets.