Exploring the effectiveness of gamification in adult education: A learner-centric qualitative case study in a dubai training context

PurposeThis study explores the effectiveness of gamification in adult education within a private training company in Dubai. It examines how gamified elements such as points, badges, leaderboards, and narrative-based activities impact motivation, engagement, and learning outcomes. The research is grounded in Self-Determination Theory (SDT) and Knowles' Andragogy Theory, providing a theoretical lens to understand how gamification aligns with adult learners' needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness in a multicultural and professional training context.