GEMS Education has announced the launch of a new Esports and Game Design Academy, set to open in September 2024, aiming to cultivate the next generation of esports talent among students across all GEMS schools in the UAE.
This centrally managed academy will bring together students from various schools, offering a scholarship prize fund to support their growth in the burgeoning fields of competitive gaming and game design. The initiative is part of a broader UAE strategy to position the country as a global gaming and esports hub. The Dubai Future Foundation is spearheading this effort with a $1 billion ecosystem expected to create 30,000 jobs by 2033.
GEMS Education reiterated its commitment to leveraging the educational potential of esports, ensuring that students not only excel in gaming but also gain essential personal and professional skills. The esports industry has now surpassed both the music and movie sectors in size.
Critical Thinking, Teamwork, and Leadership Skills
Sunny Varkey, Group Chairman of GEMS Global and Founder of the Varkey Foundation and GEMS Education, stated, “We believe in the power of innovation to transform lives. The launch of our Esports and Game Design Academy is a testament to our commitment to providing students with opportunities to engage in leading industries. Students with the passion to learn are able to create 2D and 3D games from a young age, and we will provide access to industry level game design learning. Esports is more than just gaming; it’s about developing critical thinking, teamwork, and leadership skills. We are excited to support our students in exploring their passions and preparing for future success. We look forward to discovering the next generation of esports talent – who may even go on to one day compete at the Olympics.”
The academy aims to create a safe and engaging environment through the use of age-appropriate games, focusing on the holistic development of students, including personal, social, and cognitive skills.
Structured Learning Platform
The academy will offer a structured platform featuring learning materials, league participation, competitions, hackathons, accreditations, and qualifications. It will enable students to explore career and university opportunities within the gaming industry. The academy will also establish staff esports leads, student ambassador and leadership groups at each GEMS school, emphasizing “gaming for good.”
Baz Nijjar, Principal Advisor for Education Technology, commented, “The Esports and Game Design Academy is not just about fostering gaming talent; it’s about creating a dynamic learning environment where students can thrive, develop essential holistic skills, and prepare and adapt for the future with transferable skills. We are proud to lead this initiative in the region and look forward to seeing our students excel in and out of the gaming arena, transferring their skills to support academic and personal development goals.”
Nijjar, who is a member of the government-backed Dubai Program for Gaming 2033 Working Group, added, “Additionally, we are committed to providing a safe and secure environment where children can game wisely while learning about wellbeing, food and nutrition, fitness, and mental dexterity – just like professional esports athletes. The transferable skills gained through esports are invaluable and will benefit our students in all aspects of life.”
GEMS Education has already established a four-year track record in promoting esports and game design, providing its students with numerous opportunities in the sector.
