Publisher Ubisoft has announced plans to open a development studio in Abu Dhabi, becoming the first major publisher to expand to the United Arab Emirates.

The studio, which will open in December, will be led by a team of experienced Ubisoft staff. Yannick Theler, who has been with Ubisoft for ten years, will head a team of local recruits in partnership with twofour54, the Abu Dhabi government's Media Zone Authority initiative, to create "an Arabic media and entertainment hub for the Middle East and North Africa."

It will focus initially on online games, supporting other Ubisoft studios, but will eventually produce original games aimed at both Arabic and international markets.

Wayne Borg, deputy CEO and COO of twofour54, said: "Digital gaming has always been a priority sector for twofour54 and to partner with an international market leader such as Ubisoft is great news for the region's gaming industry. The digital games played by Arabs have traditionally been developed outside the region, which means that they rarely have a direct relevance to Arab gamers.


"Our agreement with Ubisoft will benefit the region in that it will enable the development of titles that resonate with the local population, whilst also building the skills of young Arabs to allow the region to create its own games and develop a gaming industry base here at twofour54."


While there is obvious appeal in opening a studio focused on appealing to the emerging Arab market, Ubisoft will also doubtless have been swayed by the tax benefits on offer to companies in Abu Dhabi.


Twofour54's website emphasises the advantages of "incorporating your company or establishing a branch office with the Media Zone Authority (such as allowing 100 per cent foreign ownership and tax-free benefits)."

Posted: Oct 25, 2011 1:26 pm

Source: http://www.next-gen.biz/news/ubisoft-open-abu-dhabi-studio