With booming young population hooked to internet and ground-breaking breakthroughs in the areas of Artificial Intelligence and Virtual reality, video gaming industry is certainly expected to come on its own in the Middle east region.
Pegged at reaching more than $4 billion by 2022, Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is clearly outpacing the global growth average. Dubai, one of the most advanced cities in this region, is all set to play a crucial role in this remarkable rise of gaming industry.
What role Dubai can play?
In a bid to establish itself as a global as well as regional hub for hosting video gaming competitions, Dubai has announced the setting up of Dubai X-Stadium, the region’s first dedicated esports stadium.
This joint initiative, which is collectively announced by Dubai Media Office and TECOM Group, was endorsed by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and chairman of the board of trustees of Dubai Future Foundation under the Dubai 10X initiative.
Mona Ghanem Al Marri, director general of the Dubai Media Office, said: “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.”
“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.”
Huge potential
According to estimates, Dubai X-Stadium is set to tap into the $99.6 billion video gaming industry. Esports events lie at the strategic convergence of the media, gaming, and entertainment industries.
“TECOM Group, a member of Dubai Holding, is proud to take part in conceptualizing 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,” added Malek Al Malek, CEO, TECOM Group.
The global revenues through esports events are estimated to reach $1.5 billion by 2020 and Dubai X-Stadium will be positioned to play a central role by hosting world-class esports events, said a recent statement.