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The UAE is on Track to Become an eSports Powerhouse

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is widely regarded as a forward-thinking nation thanks to its desire to embrace new technology and innovation across various sectors. The country’s rulers have shown relentless determination to diversify their revenue streams with a project which could blow neighbouring nations out of the water. The UAE is aiming to establish the world’s first eSports island in Abu Dhabi. The proposed project demonstrates how serious the UAE is about making an indelible mark in the gaming industry.

Gaming powerhouse True Gamers is one of the stakeholders behind the project, having announced their intention to chip in with a whopping $280 million investment. However, more investors are expected to jump on the bandwagon, with the ambitious development projected to cost around $1 billion. The proposed island is expected to house digital workspaces, training facilities, meeting spaces and an area specifically designed for hosting diverse events and exhibitions.

The eSports island is still a concept, but it could be the crown jewel of the city’s growing portfolio of leisure and tourism projects.

Abu Dhabi’s Commitment to Innovation

According to the chairman of Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism, Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, the emirate aims to generate around $24.5bn from tourism annually. The eSports island would have a ripple effect on tourism, so it fits into the wider strategy and aligns with the UAE’s Vision 2030 scheme. This was designed by the government to ensure the economy can stand firm without relying on revenues from the energy sector.

Several Middle Eastern nations have been making moves to diversify their economies away from a reliance on oil-based operations over the past few years. The overarching goal is to create several self-sustaining industries that ensure the countries are not stranded if their vast oil wells run dry. Abu Dhabi’s focus on eSports reflects that goal, and the city has a well-documented track record of hosting gaming events, making it the ideal spot for the project. The island will also be welcomed by the betting industry. Operators of sports betting sites in UAE will jump at the chance to tap into the growing popularity of eSports in the region.

UAE’s eSports Scene Continues to Grow as Dubai Joins the Race

Abu Dhabi has been making the headlines for its push into eSports, but Dubai has also been building its infrastructure to capitalise on the growth in the sector. The Gosu Academy’s expansion into the UAE was a massive development. They will train the next generation of professional players and help gaming enthusiasts start a career in eSports. Abu Dhabi's plan to establish an eSports island played a key role in luring the company to the city, although they already had a footprint in the Middle East.

The company's entry into the UAE comes at an opportune time, as the gaming industry is projected to contribute over $1 billion to Dubai's economy and create around 30,000 jobs by 2023. Gosu intends to lay the groundwork for the UAE to build a strong eSports workforce by empowering individuals through world-class education in gaming.

Another of the most eye-catching esports developments in the UAE is the emergence of the eSports Gaming League (EGL), which will launch in March 2025. Led by the Emirates eSports Federation and ITW Universe, the EGL will debut with six franchise teams facing each other in several popular gaming genres. There will be an even mix of established players and those chosen through a draft system, which provides an unprecedented opportunity for rising stars to make their mark.

The EGL will operate like a regular sports league and will elevate the UAE’s eSports sector and put the country on the map for major events worldwide. Adding to the UAE’s growing gaming credentials, Ferrari World recently launched a Ferrari-themed eSports arena in Abu Dhabi. The state-of-the-art facility comes with 20 Gran Turismo simulators. Fourteen are set up for adult racers, while the other six are specifically crafted for younger gamers. The arena also features three specialised Formula One (F1) simulators that transport participants into the driver’s seat of a Ferrari race car, allowing them to race at iconic Grand Prix circuits.

Ferrari World also made room for inclusivity, providing two specially designed Gran Turismo simulators for people of determination at its arena.