Dubai seeks to become global Esports capital

Dubai X-Stadium, a new joint initiative soon to be launched by Dubai Media Office and TECOM Group, will be first dedicated esports stadium, which is expected to make the city the global hub for hosting video- and e-gaming events.

This joint initiative has the blessing of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Dubai Future Foundation. It is also part of the Dubai 10X initiative at the Sixth World Government Summit, in February 2018.

A significant step in achieving Dubai’s leaders’ visionary goal of transforming the nation’s economy into a knowledge-based one, Dubai X-Stadium is expected to carve a niche in the $99.6 billion video gaming industry.

Esports events bring together the media, gaming, and entertainment industries. The Global Esports revenues are set to touch $1.5 billion by 2020. Dubai X-Stadium will play a vital role in the growth of the industry by hosting world-class esports events. As a by-product of Esports industry’s growth, Dubai’s tourism industry is expected to witness a trickle-down growth.

 “We are living in a world where digital culture is reshaping all aspects of life, including sports. This has led us to develop the concept of Dubai X-Stadium, which will consolidate Dubai’s status as a key digital economy hub,” said Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Director General of the Dubai Media Office. “The idea aims at attracting millions of esports gamers, spectators and enthusiasts from around the world and offering them unique on-line and in-person experiences.”

The project will also contribute to job creation and provide a platform that enables the creative talent of the region’s youth.

Malek Al Malek, CEO, TECOM Group, said, “TECOM Group, a member of Dubai Holding, is proud to take part in conceptualising the Dubai X-Stadium, where we seek to attract and harness the creativity, talent and innovation of young generations, which is largely in line with our strategic vision in TECOM Group.”