Abu Dhabi is following in the footsteps of Saudi Arabia and planning to deliver the world’s first esports island; that is if they beat the Kingdom at its game involving a 500,000 sq m district, creating a superlative gaming haven for gamers worldwide. Esports lounge network True Gamers will turn the ambition into a raring reality for UAE with a $280 million development, located in the periphery of the Al Seef area in Abu Dhabi. Whichever nation pulls off the multi-million project first will boast a world first. Abu Dhabi’s True Gamers eSports club will be equipped with a professional gaming training facility, a tech venue TG Arena for hosting tournaments, and a luxury hotel.
According to Wired, more than 60 percent of the population in the Middle East are gamers, which results in one of the highest number of mobile app downloads for gaming. Abu Dhabi’s esports island will cater holistically to its tech-savvy youth. Another interesting element is the GG Bootcamp with state-of-the-art gaming PCs, analytical tools, isolated sleep and rest areas, and even a balanced nutrition program.
The other leg of the eSports island is the arena that will be chock-a-block with a car simulator, a console zone, gaming PCs, and a streaming area. Next comes the Digital Tower offering space for workspaces and animation developers. Rest, relaxation, and luxury are found in The GG Resort with 200 plush rooms.
Gaming is a part of your daily life here, and the rooms are outfitted with in-built gaming computers. What more, game-inspired experiences including a PUBG-style parachute check-in are included to complete the experience.
Anton Vasilenko, CEO, and co-founder of True Gamers, shared, “True Gamers conducted a comprehensive market analysis of the MENA region’s eSports landscape and the global eSports industry’s growth trajectory before developing plans for the eSports island. This in-depth analysis gives us confidence that the proposed business model will be instrumental in bringing eSports Island to life.”
In comparison, Saudi Arabia’s plans are gigantic with the eSport district in Qiddiya City touted to be bigger than the Vatican City and housing the world’s largest esports stadium. It will also come with several game-themed luxury hotels, entertainment, and shopping and aim to attract 10 million visitors annually.
