World’s first eSports island under development in Abu Dhabi
Video games have transcended their past as a niche hobby, turning into a popular pastime worldwide. Statista says its global industry was almost $347 billion in 2022.
As a result, Access Creative College reports it is almost double the film and music industries combined. Nowadays, it continues to grow with global competitions called eSports.
READ: UAE gamers set eyes on multi-billion-dollar industry
Abu Dhabi recognizes its burgeoning potential, so it invested $280 million into the world’s first eSports island. Surprisingly, Interesting Engineering says its total worth could exceed $1 billion!
More info on the eSports island
Esports lounge network True Gamers has announced plans to build a large-scale ‘esports island’ valued at $280m in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
— Esports Insider (@esportsinsider) March 21, 2024
The island will include training facilities, a tournament venue, content creation spaces and hotels.https://t.co/0sLnqWOy3e
Interesting Engineering reports the funding will help realize this project from the United Arab Emirates’ largest eSports hub, True Gamers.
It will comprise two high-rise towers. One tower will house a digital technology and innovation workspace, and the other will be a resort hotel.
The eSports island will feature a high-end training facility for pro gamers and teams and a cutting-edge arena for major events.
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Moreover, it will have “dedicated content creation space for influencers and game developers.”
True Gamers also plans to build an eSports-themed to offer a fully immersive gaming experience.
Interesting Engineering says it will develop this unique destination near Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island.
Also, the planned location for the gaming island is in Al Raha, near Zayad International Airport and other prime tourist attractions.
Abu Dhabi’s support for the eSports island coincides with the industry’s growth. Competitive gaming revenue skyrocketed to $2 billion in 2023 in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).
It also organized many eSports events, like the Blast Premier World Final. Still, the island’s development aligns with the local government’s “Abu Dhabi Vision 2030” plan.
It involves building an economy that is less reliant on oil and more on knowledge and tourism.
Dean of the NYU Stern School of Business at NYU Abu Dhabi, Robert Salomon, shared his thoughts on the project:
“The traditional model in the developing world has been export-led growth. For Abu Dhabi, it’s ‘let’s just jump from an oil-based, developing economy and go straight toward services and a knowledge-based economy.’”
Hence, he says the eSports island is “consistent” with Abu Dhabi’s strategy.
