Etisalat by e& has joined forces with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) to transform the esports landscape in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The collaboration has given rise to ‘Arena Esports,’ a digital gaming initiative poised to play a pivotal role in the regional gaming scene.
The arena, envisioned as a catalyst for esports transformation, reflects the shared vision of etisalat by e& and DCT Abu Dhabi to spearhead esports leagues in the MENA region.
Abu Dhabi Partnership Focused on Nurturing Gaming Talent
The partnership aims to cultivate emerging gaming talent and raise local events to meet international gaming standards. Adnan Al Awadi, Support Services executive director at DCT Abu Dhabi, emphasized the alliance’s dedication to growing creative industries, particularly gaming and esports, to boost the gaming ecosystem in the UAE and the broader MENA region.
This collaboration between etisalat by e& and DCT Abu Dhabi capitalizes on their unique strengths to create a sustainable and innovative esports space. The focus of this venture, spanning the next five years, is on establishing and overseeing Arena Esports leagues and associated tournaments in the UAE.
As the UAE and Saudi Arabia lead the MENA region in gaming and esports, supported by high-income levels and robust digital engagement, Arena Esports promises a gaming experience with minimal latency, compelling challenges, and exclusive digital content.
With the gaming market anticipated to reach $5B by 2025, it’s noteworthy that the UAE boasts the highest percentage of adult gamers globally, with nine out of ten adults engaging in video games, according to Gulf Business.
The MENA region is solidifying its position in the esports industry, driven by a large population of gamers, significant esports events, recent investments, and ambitious initiatives in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Abu Dhabi, in particular, serves as the home for the Nigma Galaxy esports club and has hosted top-tier events like the BLAST Premier World Final for CS:GO.
Dubai has cemented its status as a premier esports destination, hosting events such as the PUBG Global Championship in 2022, while the region features captivating local events like the Dubai Esports Festival, the Games for Change summit in Abu Dhabi, and an anime and gaming festival in Al Ain.
