If you’re considering online developing card games in the UAE, you’re on the verge of entering a market full of promising opportunities. This field is one of the most exciting in the gaming industry, as it combines entertainment with technology. With the increasing demand for digital games, it has become possible to transform traditional games into engaging online experiences. In this article, we’ll take you through the process step-by-step, from idea to launch, with tips on how to create a unique game that fits the Emirati market and achieves success.
📞Contact us now for a free consultation on how to turn your idea into a successful game with “Athr.”
What Is Online Card Game Development?
Online card game development refers to the process of designing and programming traditional card games (such as Baloot, Jackaroo, and others) and turning them into applications or games that run on smartphones, computers, or through a browser.
This includes:
- UI/UX design to be attractive and easy to interact with.
- Programming the game’s logic using languages like Unity or Flutter.
- Developing multiplayer systems.
- Adding AI features for single-player matches against the device.
- Publishing the game on stores like Google Play or the App Store.
💡If you have a new card game idea or want to turn a popular game into a digital version, card game design companies in the Gulf like “Athr” have the full expertise to professionally make it happen.
The Difference Between Traditional and Digital Card Games
Although the basic rules may be similar, the differences between the two versions are significant in terms of:
| Comparison | Traditional Games | Comparison |
| Interaction | Depends on face-to-face communication | Happens online or via AI |
| Access | Limited by place and time | Available 24/7 from anywhere |
| Gaming Experience | visual or audio effects | Effects, indicators, attractive design |
| Number of Players | Requires everyone to be present | Can be played with AI or players from around the world |
📌The fundamental difference lies in scalability and reach, which makes programming mobile card games an ideal choice for reaching a wider audience.
Examples of Famous Card Games Developed Digitally
Here are some of the most famous card games that successfully made the transition from the table to the screen:
- UNO™ – From a family card game to a global app with millions of players.
- Baloot – A popular card game in the Gulf, it was turned into a successful app that uses AI and multiplayer gameplay.
- Jackaroo – A comprehensive electronic version was designed to support playing with friends or online.
- Hearthstone – A fully digital card game produced by Blizzard that has generated millions of dollars in revenue.
💡These examples show how a simple idea can turn into a huge digital product when you choose the right technical partner.
🎧Call us today to get full support in developing your card game.
Why Is Card Game Development a Lucrative Investment in the UAE?
If you’re thinking about designing an electronic card game or want to enter the world of mobile card Card game development, the UAE provides an ideal environment for it.
This isn’t just because of rapid technological and digital growth, but also because the local and Gulf market has an increasing demand for this type of electronic entertainment.
🎯Did you know that electronic games make up more than 60% of digital content consumption among youth in the Gulf? (According to a PwC 2024 report)
Let’s break down the reasons why the UAE is a fertile ground for professional card game development
Growth of the E-gaming Market in the Gulf
Recent years have seen a massive boom in the Gulf’s gaming market:
- Saudi Arabia launched a national strategy for gaming and e-sports aiming to become a global hub by 2030.
- The UAE invests in gaming development startups and hosts major events like MEFCC and Middle East Games Con.
- The number of active e-gaming users in the Gulf exceeded 50 million in 2025.
All of this benefits card game design companies in the Gulf, especially those that offer solutions customized to the local culture and Gulf tastes.
🎮Games designed with a local touch achieve greater success in engagement and downloads, like the Baloot or Jackaroo games.
UAE Government Support for Creative Technologies
What sets the UAE apart is the direct government support for emerging technologies and digital creativity:
- The Mohammed Bin Rashid Innovation Fund offers direct funding for tech projects.
- Initiatives like the Dubai Future Foundation and Area 2071 provide integrated work environments for game developers.
- Tax exemptions, licensing facilities, and incubation centers for creative ideas.
✔️If you are an independent developer or a startup, the UAE allows you to establish an electronic card game development project at low costs and with quick procedures.
📖”Read the article now and learn about the best company for creating electronic games in Dubai!”
Tips to Avoid Common Mistakes in Card Game Programming
When executing a mobile card game programming project, many companies and developers fall into the trap of repeated mistakes that directly affect the user experience, game performance, and even its success in the market.
If you seek to launch a competitive electronic card game in the Emirati and Gulf market, these are the key challenges you must avoid:
Performance and User Experience Issues
Have you ever wondered why players leave your game after a few minutes?
Game performance is one of the most important reasons for success or failure. The most prominent mistakes in this area are:
- Slow loading speed due to unoptimized code or uncompressed images.
- Lag or freezing during crucial game rounds.
- A complex user interface that doesn’t align with player habits.
The solution?
Use tools like Unity Profiler or Firebase Performance Monitoring to monitor game performance in real-time and perform continuous optimizations.
Compatibility with Different Mobile Devices
What’s the point of a great game if it doesn’t work on most devices?
One of the biggest technical mistakes we see in card game development projects is:
- Relying on a single screen setting.
- Not testing the game on devices with low RAM.
- Ignoring the differences between Android and iOS systems.
Use a framework like Flutter or Unity to support automatic compatibility and dedicate time to testing the game on multiple devices before launch.
Protecting the Game from Cheating and Hacking
Have you thought about how just one player can ruin the experience for others?
Cheating in online card games is very common and can lead to:
- The withdrawal of committed users.
- Negative reviews on the store.
- A loss of credibility for the game and your company.
💡Examples of protection methods used:
- Verifying moves via a central server instead of processing them on the device.
- Using tools like Play Integrity API on Android and App Attest on iOS.
- Encrypting data transfer (SSL/TLS) and adding an internal reporting system.
Ready to start your project?🎧 Contact us today to support you every step of the way!
Is it possible to make money from digital card games?
Online card games development for mobile is more than just a means of entertainment; it has become a sustainable source of income for many companies and independent developers. With increasing demand for local interactive content, especially in the UAE and Gulf markets, these games offer great opportunities to generate profits. By using various monetization models, such as ads, subscriptions, and in-game items, developers can achieve continuous income from these games.
Monetization Models: Ads, Subscriptions, and In-Game Items
There are three main ways to make money from online card games, and each one suits a different category of players and developers:
In-Game Ads
- How it works: Video ads or banners are shown during player waiting periods or between rounds.
Advantages:
- Doesn’t require the user to pay anything.
- Generates revenue based on the number of views or clicks (CPM/CPC).
Ad tool examples:
- Google AdMob,
- Unity Ads
Premium Subscriptions
- How it works: Users can subscribe monthly to get exclusive features like ad removal or character customization.
Advantages:
- Stable monthly income.
- Enhances user loyalty.
- Tip: Make the subscription tempting without affecting the enjoyment of free gameplay.
In-App Purchases
- How it works: Selling virtual items such as:
- Cards with unique designs
- Special moves
- Virtual tokens or currency
Advantages:
- Generates high profits when items are cleverly designed.
- Very suitable for competitive multiplayer card games.
🎮Income from digital games can far exceed the profits of traditional apps, especially when combining more than one monetization model.
Success Stories in the Card Game Field
To illustrate how a simple game can turn into a profitable project:
Baloot Game
- Developed with a full Arabic interface, it achieved thousands of downloads in the Gulf.
- It relies on an ads and VIP subscriptions revenue model and targets a wide age group.
Jackaroo Online Game
- Designed to suit the Gulf’s playing culture, it offers multiplayer online rounds.
- It successfully uses an “In-App Purchases” model, where players buy digital accessories and custom moves.
Steps to Start a Card Game Development in the UAE
Thinking of launching your own game and looking for an organized way to start?
Developing a successful online card game doesn’t just stop at a good idea; it includes a set of essential steps to ensure quality, performance, and an ideal user experience.
In this section, we’ll guide you through the actual steps to start a mobile or web card game development project professionally, especially in the Emirati and Gulf market:
Choosing the Game Idea and Play Style (Multiplayer – AI – Offline)
The first step is to determine the right play style for your audience, and here are the important questions:
- Are you targeting an audience that loves multiplayer games?
- → Then Multiplayer Online is the best option.
- Do you want the user to play against the system?
- → AI mode will add a great challenge.
- Do you want to make the game playable without the internet?
- → Offline mode is perfect for those who prefer to play while traveling or in areas with poor connectivity.
✅Choose the style based on your target audience and user behavior in your region.
Tools and Software You Need to Design a Professional Card Game
The success of any digital card game depends on choosing the right tools.
Here are the most prominent card game development tools that help you build a strong and stable game:
| Tool | Use |
| Unity | Programming 2D and 3D games – supports iOS and Android |
| Flutter + Flame | Developing simple games with a smooth interface – suitable for startups |
| Photon Engine | For managing online multiplayer gameplay |
| Figma | Adobe XD | Designing user interfaces and game experience (UI/UX) |
| Firebase. | Managing the database, users, and in-game chat. |
✅Choosing the right tools saves you time and money during the development and update stages later on.
The Importance of Designing an Easy and Attractive User Interface
The interface is the first thing a player sees… and it’s what determines whether they will continue or close the game. Therefore, you must pay attention to:
- Simplicity of design: Don’t confuse the user with too many options.
- Ease of navigation: Access to menus, settings, and gameplay should be instant.
- Colors and fonts: Choose them to match the game’s identity (classic, youthful, heritage…).
- Language and culture: Using clear Arabic language with local visual elements enhances interaction in the Gulf market.
💡Test the interface with a group of real users before launch to ensure a positive interaction with it.
🧩For more details, read our article about the best company for creating electronic games in the UAE!
✔️Ready to start your journey in online card game development?
Entering the world of card game development in the UAE is a real opportunity that combines creativity and profit, but success starts with the right step. From defining the game’s idea and choosing the right tools to designing a fun and safe experience for users—every detail matters.
And if you’re looking for a team with experience and knowledge of the Gulf market, we’re here to help you.
📞Contact us today and start your first steps toward a successful digital card game.
Our team is ready to turn your idea into a complete game that speaks to your audience and achieves your goals.
With Athr… game development becomes easier, faster, and more professional.
