100 new jobs as Ubisoft expands to Middle East

Game giant Ubisoft has expanded operations to the United Arab Emirates by committing to a new studio in Abu Dhabi.

The new complex is thought will be the first major games studio in the UAE capital. Up to 100 jobs will be created by 2016, Ubisoft said.

Ubisoft is also partnering with ‘Twofour54’ – a government-backed media authority that aims to bolster Abu Dhabi’s media credentials.

The new studio will begin operations in December.

“A core team of Ubisoft veterans will help train an initial team of local recruits,” the publisher said.

“The demographics and the pool of skilled technical talent in the Middle East and North Africa region are key factors that will contribute to the success of this new studio,” said Christine Burgess-Quémard, an executive director at Ubisoft worldwide studios.

The long-term aim for Ubisoft UAE is to create original titles that will have local appeal, though to begin the outfit will be collaborating with other company studios.

Yannick Theler, a ten-year veteran at Ubisoft, has been appointed studio head.

Ubisoft is one of the games industry’s biggest employers, with studios in Europe, Canada and China.