Zoud, the UAE’s National Financial Wellbeing & Sustainability Initiative, has partnered with Global Game Jam (GGJ) to launch Zoud GameLab, an international game jam challenging creators to turn financial literacy concepts into engaging gameplay.
The fully virtual event will run from October 15 to November 15, 2026, bringing together developers, designers, artists, writers and other creators from around the world. A pre-jam learning programme will begin on September 15, providing participants with educational resources and expert-led sessions ahead of the main competition.
Turning Financial Concepts Into Games
Zoud GameLab aims to explore new ways of making financial wellbeing more accessible through interactive entertainment. Participants will be encouraged to incorporate financial literacy meaningfully into their games, which will form part of the judging criteria.
The competition is open to creators of all experience levels, including studios and developers with no previous experience making educational games. Participants can form teams during the month-long event before submitting their completed projects.
Teams competing for the top awards will also be required to submit a project budget, adding a practical financial planning component to the game development challenge.
Up to $140,000 Prize and Funding Pool
Zoud GameLab will offer a combined prize and development funding pool of up to $140,000 USD.
Awards will recognise the top overall games, including the winner, runner-up and third-place entry, alongside additional categories celebrating strong financial literacy integration, regional perspectives and compelling gameplay.
The organisers also hope the initiative will encourage developers from the UAE and wider region to bring their own perspectives to the theme.
Pre-Jam Learning and Development Support
Participants will have access to resources designed to help them understand financial literacy concepts and translate them into game mechanics. The programme will include:
- Webinars and interactive workshops featuring financial literacy and serious game development experts
- A dedicated guide for creating financial literacy-focused games
- Curated financial literacy resources and examples of existing games
- Drop-in office hours and one-to-one sessions with subject matter experts
The pre-jam programme and initial resources will become available on September 15, 2026, giving participants time to explore the theme and develop their concepts before the main jam begins.
Zoud GameLab Key Dates
- September 1, 2026: Zoud GameLab website goes live
- September 15, 2026: Pre-jam programme and initial resources launch
- September 15 – October 14, 2026: Webinars, resources and pre-jam support
- October 15, 2026: Game jam begins and judging criteria are revealed
- October 15 – November 15, 2026: Zoud GameLab takes place
- Mid-December 2026: Winners announced
Registration and further information are available through the official Zoud GameLab website.
