Esports In UAE: Aiming For Global Hub Status With Strategic Initiatives By 2033

The electronic gaming and e-sports industry in the UAE is poised for substantial growth, driven by strategic plans and partnerships. The aim is to establish the country as a global leader in this sector by 2033. According to a report by "Statista's Insights," the UAE's gaming market is set to expand significantly, with revenue expected to reach about $492 million by 2027.

Dubai has launched the "Programme for Gaming 2033" to position itself among the top 10 global gaming hubs by 2033. This initiative aims to enhance Dubai's digital economy, potentially increasing GDP by around $1 billion within a decade. The programme focuses on talent, content, and technology, aligning with national strategies to bolster the digital economy.

The initiative seeks to create a global platform in Dubai for digital content creators, offering training and job opportunities through partnerships with international companies and academic institutions. It also supports entrepreneurs and innovators by launching specialised educational programmes. Additionally, the "Dubai Gaming Visa" has been introduced to attract talent and pioneers in the electronic gaming sector.

Abu Dhabi is also enhancing its competitiveness in electronic gaming by attracting top developers and publishers. In March, the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) supported Tamatem Games in moving its headquarters to Abu Dhabi, boosting its growth phase. ADIO collaborates with major companies like Ubisoft to strengthen Abu Dhabi’s gaming ecosystem.

Dubai will host the Games of the Future 2025 after being selected as the host city at a ceremony in Istanbul. This event will bring thousands of athletes and esports professionals from up to 100 countries. The goal is to create up to 30,000 new jobs related to gaming by 2033.

In Abu Dhabi, Exscap President Faisal Zaidi highlighted that Games of the Future 2025 represents a pivotal milestone for showcasing innovations in digital gaming and the metaverse. A private island project worth over $280 million will offer unique experiences like a PUBG-inspired parachute jump and a high-end training facility for professional gamers.

Regional Competitions

In July, Abu Dhabi hosted activities for the largest collegiate e-sports competition in the region under an agreement between the UAE ESports Federation and MENA Tech Entertainment. This partnership aims to encourage gaming initiatives within academia. Meanwhile, Sharjah held its second Shams Gaming E-sports Championship in December, attracting many enthusiasts.

The championship saw participation from entrepreneurs and small business investors eager to capitalise on the rapid growth of e-sports across the UAE. With these developments, both Dubai and Abu Dhabi are positioning themselves as key players in the global gaming industry.

With inputs from WAM