

Unity Technologies, in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Gaming and Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, proudly presents the Heritage Gameathon, Abu Dhabi's largest game creation event dedicated to celebrating Emirati culture through interactive digital storytelling. Over three immersive days, participants will design and develop playable games inspired by the UAE's unique heritage, traditions and stories. Whether focusing on architecture, crafts, landscapes, folklore, music or values, creators will explore the UAE's culture in meaningful, authentic and innovative ways. The Heritage Gameathon serves as a pathway into future Abu Dhabi Gaming initiatives including mentorship programs and advanced training opportunities. The gameathon is a key step in developing the next generation of regional creators with the skills and experience to contribute to the global gaming industry. Participants are encouraged to draw on curated heritage references to ensure responsible, respectful and accurate cultural representation throughout their work.
Date
9 - 11 Jan 2026
Location
Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority



What You Can Win
Compete for generous cash prizes and exclusive opportunities
2nd Placeالمركز الثاني
AED 25,000
1st Placeالمركز الأول
AED 30,000
3rd Placeالمركز الثالث
AED 20,000
4th Placeالمركز الرابع
AED 15,000
5th Placeالمركز الخامس
AED 10,000
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
Who can join?
Open to university students, vocational learners, and early-career game developers across the UAE
Development Tools & Software
Unity engine and approved development tools
Gameathon Judges and Mentors
Learn from industry professionals and cultural experts

Agatha Hood
Judge

Corrie Green
Mentor

Ahmed Shweiki
Mentor

Zain Al Qudah
Mentor

Kalle Hiitola
Judge

Hamdan Al-Ali
Judge

Mohamed Al Qadi
Judge

Agatha Hood
Judge

Corrie Green
Mentor

Ahmed Shweiki
Mentor

Zain Al Qudah
Mentor

Kalle Hiitola
Judge

Hamdan Al-Ali
Judge

Mohamed Al Qadi
Judge
Three-Day Event Agenda
A development path carefully planned from concept to completion
Day 1
Friday
09 January 2026
Registration
Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority
Opening Ceremony & Keynote Address
Indoor Sports Hall
Theme Reveal & Rules
Indoor Sports Hall
Team Formation
Indoor Sports Hall
Game Design and Prototyping - Session 1
Indoor Sports Hall
Dinner Break
Free Work Time
Indoor Sports Hall
Day 2
Saturday
10 January 2026
Optional Early Access & Coffee
Indoor Sports Hall
Breakfast
Game Prototyping and Development - Session 2
Indoor Sports Hall
Lunch Break
Game Prototyping and Development - Session 3
Indoor Sports Hall
Dinner Break
Free Work Time
Indoor Sports Hall
Day 3
Sunday
11 January 2026
Optional Early Access & Coffee
Indoor Sports Hall
Breakfast
Plan of the day announcement
Indoor Sports Hall
Game Prototyping and Development - Session 4
Indoor Sports Hall
Lunch Break
Game Polishing
Indoor Sports Hall
Submission Deadline
Online Submission Portal
Judging and Evaluation Period
Indoor Sports Hall
Awards Ceremony
Indoor Sports Hall
Event Conclusion
Day 1
Friday
09 January 2026
Registration
Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority
Opening Ceremony & Keynote Address
Indoor Sports Hall
Theme Reveal & Rules
Indoor Sports Hall
Team Formation
Indoor Sports Hall
Game Design and Prototyping - Session 1
Indoor Sports Hall
Dinner Break
Free Work Time
Indoor Sports Hall
Day 2
Saturday
10 January 2026
Optional Early Access & Coffee
Indoor Sports Hall
Breakfast
Game Prototyping and Development - Session 2
Indoor Sports Hall
Lunch Break
Game Prototyping and Development - Session 3
Indoor Sports Hall
Dinner Break
Free Work Time
Indoor Sports Hall
Day 3
Sunday
11 January 2026
Optional Early Access & Coffee
Indoor Sports Hall
Breakfast
Plan of the day announcement
Indoor Sports Hall
Game Prototyping and Development - Session 4
Indoor Sports Hall
Lunch Break
Game Polishing
Indoor Sports Hall
Submission Deadline
Online Submission Portal
Judging and Evaluation Period
Indoor Sports Hall
Awards Ceremony
Indoor Sports Hall
Event Conclusion
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about Turath Gameathon
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.
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.
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.
Teams can have up to 8 participants. If you register as an individual, the organizers will help match you with a team.
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.
Games must be submitted before the official deadline announced by the organizers during the event. Late submissions will not be accepted for judging.
All games must be submitted through our official Itch.io submission page.
Yes. Submissions must not include: • Sexual content • Excessive violence • Discriminatory or hateful content • Culturally inappropriate themes Violations will lead to immediate disqualification.
Entries will be evaluated by the judging panel based on: • Creativity & Innovation • Cultural Relevance • Gameplay & Mechanics • Art Direction • Overall Presentation
Participants must bring their own: • Laptop • Chargers & adapters • Required software or tools The venue will provide internet access and power outlets.