Arabic Games has announced the return of its Diversity & Access Scholarship programme in partnership with Devcom, offering game developers from across the MENA region an opportunity to attend some of the games industry’s most influential networking and business events this August in Cologne, Germany.

The initiative aims to increase representation and accessibility for developers from the region by providing selected participants with complimentary access to both devcom and gamescom’s business-focused activities. Applications are now open, with aspiring scholars invited to submit their entries before the June 19 deadline.

Successful applicants will receive free passes to Devcom, taking place on August 24 and 25, as well as Gamescom b2b, which runs from August 26 to 28. In addition to event access, scholars will participate in a pre-event online briefing designed to help attendees prepare for the experience, while also benefiting from networking opportunities and direct support from the Arabic Games team and programme partners before and during the event.

The scholarship programme has become an important pathway for developers from emerging game development ecosystems to connect with international publishers, investors, service providers and fellow creators. For developers in North Africa and the wider MENA region, attending events such as devcom and gamescom can provide valuable opportunities to showcase projects, build industry relationships and gain insights into global market trends.

This year’s programme will be exclusively in-person, with organisers confirming that no online attendance options will be available. Scholars selected for the programme will be expected to participate in all community-building activities, including online briefings and the on-site Scholarship Day scheduled for August 23.

While event passes are provided through the scholarship, participants will be responsible for covering their own travel and accommodation expenses, along with daily living costs during their stay in Cologne. Applicants should also budget for passport or visa-related expenses, mandatory travel and health insurance, and other associated travel costs.

Applications close on June 19, with successful candidates expected to be notified on June 24.