PRHub.ae presents Desert Fortunes, a board game about the startup journey.
Created by PRHub.ae in collaboration with Emirati illustrator Amna Al Saleh (TEPINGI Design & Illustration) and members of the UAE startup community, the board game is inspired by the ups and downs entrepreneurs face when building a business. Instead of reading about a startup’s journey, players can experience it through the game itself.
Based on the familiar concept of Snakes and Ladders, Desert Fortunes replaces traditional obstacles and shortcuts with moments familiar to every founder. Landing on the right square could mean securing funding, finding the perfect business partner, or achieving a major milestone. Other squares represent challenges, such as unexpected expenses, stiff competition, or delays, that can slow down business development. The game even features “karak chai” breaks – a reminder that sometimes the best solution is to take a break before moving forward.
The game was developed with support from Startupbootcamp MENAP, Drinkit, and Tumodo, whose contributions helped ensure the gameplay reflects real-life entrepreneurial experiences in the UAE. Local references and familiar situations make it particularly relevant for founders and startup teams in the region.
For us at PRHub.ae, Desert Fortunes is another way to tell stories – this time through play. It celebrates the resilience, creativity, and perseverance behind every startup and reminds us that every business journey is marked by both failures and successes.
Read the full story to learn how Desert Fortunes was created and what inspired this project.
