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17/06/2024

Abu Dhabi to build world’s first eSports island

Tapping into to a surge in the popularity and value of the esports sector, Abu Dhabi, has plans to develop an island dedicated to gaming.

The megaproject will be undertaken by True Gamers, a 2019 startup behind a growing entertainment and gaming empire of around 130 “lounges” around the world, particularly Eastern Europe and the Middle East and North Africa. True Gamers secured $45 million in funding to expand into Saudi Arabia in the first quarter of 2024. They aim not only to create physical spaces where esports enthusiasts can meet and gather, but also to promote the development of gaming culture more widely.

In Abu Dhabi, the gaming company is set to put in over $280 million to create a private island boasting unique experiences, including a PUBG-inspired parachute jump, a high-end training facility for professional gamers and teams, and a state-of-the-art arena hosting major events.

Two tower concept

Destined for a site at Al Raha, close to Zayed International Airport and Yas Island’s tourist spots, plans for the new development reveal a two-tower concept, one tower for the digital innovation spaces and one to house a “luxury” resort hotel. Influencers and developers will also find content creation spaces on-site.

The inclusion of remote workspaces aligns with a new vision for the UAE economy, the so-called “Abu Dhabi Vision 2030” plan, which means less dependence on income streams from oil and greater orientation towards services, knowledge and tourism. The city’s Department of Culture and Tourism Chair, Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, has confirmed that the state has invested over $10 billion in sponsorship and partnerships already.

Switch from oil exports to esports a “jump”

Robert Salomon, Dean of Stern School of Business at NYU Abu Dhabi, has told media the UAE’s economic model could be described as “unique and novel” in that it does not follow the common “export-led growth” model. Saloman described the planned switch from oil exports to services as a “jump”.

But focusing on esports is a canny move, as the sector raked in over $2 billion in the Middle East and North Africa alone in 2023 and is slated to keep expanding. Abu Dhabi is well placed to take advantage of this growth. It has form in the gaming industry, having twice welcomed the esports Blast Premier World Finals, as well as a number of prestigious non-e tournaments, such as NBA basketball, World Tour golf, martial arts, and the F1 season finale. Its new gaming island is expected to be worth over $1 billion when completed.

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WORKING LOCATIONS AND FUTURE OPENINGS

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10 am - 10 pm

MANAR MALL

How to get there

Opening: October, 25th

14 PC
4 PS5
1 RACING
NEW CLUB
Food menu

Various gaming zones

  • PC GAMING AREA
  • PS5 AREA
  • RACING
10 am - 10 pm

GALLERIA MALL

How to get there

Opening: December, 2024

18 PC
2 PS5
2 RACING
NEW CLUB
Food menu

Various gaming zones

  • PC GAMING AREA
  • PS5 AREA
  • RACING
10 AM - 10 PM

YAS MALL

How to get there

New club in Abu Dhabi!

18 PC
5 PS5
2 RACING
NEW

Various gaming zones

  • PC GAMING AREA
  • PS5 VIP AREA
  • RACING AREA
10 am - 10 pm

AL ZAHIA CITY CENTER

How to get there

Top-Tier PCs in Sharjah!

10 PC
1 PS5
1 RACING
NEW

Various gaming zones

  • PC GAMING AREA
  • PS5 AREA
  • RACING AREA
10 am - 3 am

BLUEWATERS

How to get there

An inclusive club for players from all backgrounds.

29 PC
2 PS5
Food menu

Various gaming zones

  • PC GAMING AREA
  • PC VIP AREA
  • PS5 VIP AREA
  • STREAMER ROOM
10 am - 12 am

BOX PARK

How to get there

Opening: November, 2024

15 PC
2 PS5
1 RACING
NEW CLUB
Food menu

Various gaming zones

  • PC GAMING AREA
  • PC VIP AREA
  • PS5 AREA
  • RACING
10 am - 10 pm

DAMAC HILLS 2

How to get there

Let the true gaming journey begin!

20 PC
4 PS5
2 RACING
Food menu

Various gaming zones

  • PC GAMING AREA
  • PS5 AREA
  • PS5 VIP AREA
  • RACING AREA
10 am - 12 am

DUBAI HILLS MALL

How to get there

Opening: October, 23th

25 PC
6 PS5
2 RACING
NEW CLUB
Food menu

Various gaming zones

  • PC GAMING AREA
  • PC VIP AREA
  • PS5 VIP AREA
  • STREAMER ROOM
  • RACING
24/7

DUBAI INTERNET CITY

How to get there

The biggest TRUE GAMERS cafe in Dubai

50 PC
4 PS5
1 RACING
NEW!

Various gaming zones

  • PC GAMING AREA
  • PC VIP GAMING AREA
  • PS5 AREA
  • RACING AREA
10 am - 11 pm

DUBAI MALL BRANCH

How to get there

Where true cybersports kick off!

10 PC
4 PS5
2 RACING

Various gaming zones

  • PC GAMING AREA
  • RACING AREA
  • PS5 VIP AREA
10 am - 11 pm

DUBAI MALL CHINA TOWN

How to get there

The true cybersports begins here!

40 PC
1 PS5
2 RACING

Various gaming zones

  • PC GAMING AREA
  • PC VIP AREA
  • PS5 AREA
  • RACING AREA
10 am - 10 pm

FESTIVAL CITY

How to get there

New club in Festival City!

10 PC
2 PS5
2 RACING
NEW

Various gaming zones

  • PC GAMING AREA
  • PS5 VIP AREA
  • RACING AREA
24/7

INTERNATIONAL CITY PAVILION

How to get there

Embark on the ultimate cybersports journey!

35 PC
4 PS5
24/7
Free parking
Food menu

Various gaming zones

  • PC COMFORT AREA
  • PC VIP AREA
  • PS5 AREA
10 am - 12 am

VILLANOVA

How to get there

Unleash the gaming champion in you!

20 PC
4 PS5
2 RACING
Food menu

Various gaming zones

  • PC GAMING AREA
  • PS5 AREA
  • PS5 VIP AREA
  • RACING AREA

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