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Government initiative to provide career and internship opportunities for aspiring talent
A government-led plan is transforming Abu Dhabi into a global gaming and esports hub. According to an industry expert, AD Gaming is providing a thriving platform for the next generation of game developers, gamers and businesses.
“AD Gaming has played a vital role in shaping the entire gaming and esports industry in Abu Dhabi. Everything we do has a single goal of developing a self-sustaining gaming ecosystem in the emirate,” said AD Gaming James Hartt, director of strategic planning and business development, said in an interview.
AD Gaming has been securing a highly skilled local talent pool by partnering with Unity Technologies, whose software has been used to create over 70% of the top 1,000 mobile games and over 60% of all AR and VR content available today.
“Through their ‘train the trainer’ program and stand-alone courses, we have partnered with universities and other academic institutions in the UAE to deliver industry-leading training courses to over 50 professors and over 500 students.”
AD Gaming has been working with other partners and gaming companies to provide career opportunities and internships for aspiring talent. It secures employment for young people by attracting the world’s top gaming businesses to the capital.
“These initiatives increase the knowledge and practical skills of local talent and significantly improve their employment prospects in the games industry,” Hart said.
“We are proud to support local SMEs such as Attarius and Boss Bunny who are driving the blockchain gaming industry in the UAE and bringing the incredible content created in Abu Dhabi to a global audience. Our partnership with Unity Expanding to provide technical support and expertise to gaming SMEs in Abu Dhabi through the gaming hub on Yas Island.”
$1M Blast Finals
Last month, AD Gaming partnered with Games for Change to host the inaugural Games For Change Summit in the Middle East. It brings together over 400 global and regional game developers and companies to discuss how together they can drive positive social and environmental change in the gaming and esports industries.
Now AD Gaming, in partnership with Blast, will host the Blast Premier World Finals at the Etihad Arena next month, where eight of the best Counter-Strike teams in the world will compete for a $1 million prize pool.
Hartt noted that bringing the largest gaming tournament to Abu Dhabi is important in developing an “integrated gaming and esports ecosystem” in the emirate.
“The Blast Premier World Finals is undoubtedly one of the pinnacle events on the global esports calendar. As such, the event in Abu Dhabi really showcases the importance of the emirate’s gaming and esports market. It is broadcast in 26 languages , is expected to garner 60 million views worldwide.”
Hart emphasized that such esports events are another highlight of Abu Dhabi’s stellar year.
“E-sports are more than just watching people play video games on stage. They are action-packed events that provide a high level of entertainment, even for non-gamers.”
Passionate esports community
Charlotte Kenny, managing director of Blast Premier, noted that Abu Dhabi has a “passionate and rapidly growing” esports community and has a world-leading venue at the Etihad Arena, making the The emirate emerges as the ideal venue to host 2022’s biggest event.
“The fact that the Middle East is one of the fastest growing esports and gaming markets makes it a very attractive place to host this type of event,” Kenny said, noting that Blast Premier and AD Gaming share a common vision, Namely developing and developing gaming areas and newer destinations throughout the region.
Blast is focused on delivering “unforgettable experiences” for game fans, she said.
“What makes us special can be summed up in two ways: unparalleled production quality, and creating fan-first moments where fans really immerse themselves and become part of the action.”
She said bringing the World Finals to Abu Dhabi was a “pivotal moment” for the Middle East esports and gaming community.
“We hope that the World Championship and our partnership with AD Gaming will play an important role in growing the esports scene locally and creating a thriving grassroots infrastructure,” Kenny added.
The gaming market in the MENA region is expected to grow by 19% to more than $5 billion by 2025.
On the economic front, the gaming boom presents “significant opportunity,” Hart added.
“By positioning Abu Dhabi as the regional capital for gaming companies, the abundance of business opportunities will further support the emirate’s transformation into a knowledge-based economy.”
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