Gaming is becoming a serious business in the Middle East. This month, the Esports World Cup started in Saudi Arabia, kicking off seven weeks of tournaments to crown the world's best gamers across 21 games.
The global event is of benefit not only for to Saudi gaming industry, but the wider Middle East as well.
In an interview with The National, Mario Perez, the chief executive of regional esports pioneer MenaTech Entertainment, said the event would “not only position Saudi Arabia as a leader in digital entertainment but also signal a significant economic shift”.
He added: “With the region hosting 377 million gamers and experiencing an annual revenue growth of 23.3 per cent in esports, the event is more than a mere competition. It's a catalyst for technological innovation and economic development.”
Perez expects the Esports World Cup to dramatically increase tourism and create new job opportunities, embedding esports into the cultural and economic landscape of the region.
“Projections indicate that the number of gamers in the Mena region will increase from 67.4 million in 2022 to 88 million by 2026,” he said.
The tech boss has been living in Dubai for the past four years after moving from South America, having worked on several gaming start-ups across the continent. His company, MenaTech, is part of the global gaming conglomerate GG Tech, which oversees esports tournaments as well as invests in video game production.
Speaking on how Dubai is positioning itself as the Middle East's gaming hub, Perez says the city is implementing innovative policies and hosting pivotal industry events.
“Gaming industry top publishers are flocking to Dubai, drawn by its dynamic business environment, investment-friendly policies, and high digital engagement,” he explained.
One of these gaming initiatives is the DMCC Gaming Centre, which hosts around 100 gaming companies.
Perez also hails the different gaming expos and summits that Dubai hosts as a driver of growth in the industry, adding: “Through these initiatives, Dubai aims to create 30,000 jobs in the gaming sector and contribute $1 billion to its GDP by 2033, solidifying its role as a regional leader in the gaming industry.”
Gaming has been experiencing near exponential growth over the years, but markets have shown that the growth could be plateauing. But Perez is unfazed.
“I don't see that these changes that we've been feeling since the beginning of this year as us reaching that limit that the gaming industry can offer,” he said.
“I think it's just a way of the market to balance a little bit. We were growing so exponentially in a way that was not sustainable and a lot of money was put into the gaming industry without even thinking.”
Mobile gaming is perhaps the only sector within gaming that rarely sees slowdown. A study by market intelligence platform data.ai found that mobile gaming was projected to remain the industry's most lucrative segment, with consumer spending hitting about $108 billion in 2023.
“It is the biggest way of gaming there is,” Perez said. “Almost all of us have a cell phone. Targeting that audience, even if it's just casual gaming and being able to monetise through that audience, even if it's just a dollar, it's huge.”
The future of gaming, he adds, could see a convergence of mobile and console gaming as technologies like remote play and cloud gaming mature, facilitated by advances in 5G and Wi-Fi 7.
“This integration would allow seamless gaming experiences across devices, addressing the current fragmented mobile gaming ecosystem,” Perez said.
“To achieve this, mobile games will need to continually evolve in quality, mirroring their console counterparts, and simplify access through unified platforms.”
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
DUBAI SEVENS 2018 DRAW
Gulf Men’s League
Pool A – Dubai Exiles, Dubai Hurricanes, Bahrain, Dubai Sports City Eagles
Pool B – Jebel Ali Dragons, Abu Dhabi Saracens, Abu Dhabi Harlequins, Al Ain Amblers
Gulf Men’s Open
Pool A – Bahrain Firbolgs, Arabian Knights, Yalla Rugby, Muscat
Pool B – Amman Citadel, APB Dubai Sharks, Jebel Ali Dragons 2, Saudi Rugby
Pool C – Abu Dhabi Harlequins 2, Roberts Construction, Dubai Exiles 2
Pool D – Dubai Tigers, UAE Shaheen, Sharjah Wanderers, Amman Citadel 2
Gulf U19 Boys
Pool A – Deira International School, Dubai Hurricanes, British School Al Khubairat, Jumeirah English Speaking School B
Pool B – Dubai English Speaking College 2, Jumeirah College, Dubai College A, Abu Dhabi Harlequins 2
Pool C – Bahrain Colts, Al Yasmina School, DESC, DC B
Pool D – Al Ain Amblers, Repton Royals, Dubai Exiles, Gems World Academy Dubai
Pool E – JESS A, Abu Dhabi Sharks, Abu Dhabi Harlequins 1, EC
Gulf Women
Pool A – Kuwait Scorpions, Black Ruggers, Dubai Sports City Eagles, Dubai Hurricanes 2
Pool B – Emirates Firebirds, Sharjah Wanderers, RAK Rides, Beirut Aconites
Pool C – Dubai Hurricanes, Emirates Firebirds 2, Abu Dhabi Saracens, Transforma Panthers
Pool D – AUC Wolves, Dubai Hawks, Abu Dhabi Harlequins, Al Ain Amblers
Gulf U19 Girls
Pool A – Dubai Exiles, BSAK, DESC, Al Maha
Pool B – Arabian Knights, Dubai Hurricanes, Al Ain Amblers, Abu Dhabi Harlequins
Kibsons%20Cares
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Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
65
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Trump has so far secured 295 Electoral College votes, according to the Associated Press, exceeding the 270 needed to win. Only Nevada and Arizona remain to be called, and both swing states are leaning Republican. Trump swept all five remaining swing states, North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin, sealing his path to victory and giving him a strong mandate.
Popular Vote Tally
The count is ongoing, but Trump currently leads with nearly 51 per cent of the popular vote to Harris’s 47.6 per cent. Trump has over 72.2 million votes, while Harris trails with approximately 67.4 million.
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- 2002: "Hezbollah supporters feared becoming a target of security services because of the effects of [9/11] ... discussions on Hezbollah policy moved from mosques into smaller circles in private homes." Supporters in Germany: 800
- 2013: "Financial and logistical support from Germany for Hezbollah in Lebanon supports the armed struggle against Israel ... Hezbollah supporters in Germany hold back from actions that would gain publicity." Supporters in Germany: 950
- 2023: "It must be reckoned with that Hezbollah will continue to plan terrorist actions outside the Middle East against Israel or Israeli interests." Supporters in Germany: 1,250
Source: Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution
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Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants
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2017: Golden State bt Cleveland 4-1
2016: Cleveland bt Golden State 4-3
2015: Golden State bt Cleveland 4-2
2014: San Antonio bt Miami 4-1
2013: Miami bt San Antonio 4-3
2012: Miami bt Oklahoma City 4-1
2011: Dallas bt Miami 4-2
2010: Los Angeles Lakers bt Boston 4-3
2009: Los Angeles Lakers bt Orlando 4-1
2008: Boston bt Los Angeles Lakers 4-2
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The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
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EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS
Estijaba – 8001717 – number to call to request coronavirus testing
Ministry of Health and Prevention – 80011111
Dubai Health Authority – 800342 – The number to book a free video or voice consultation with a doctor or connect to a local health centre
Emirates airline – 600555555
Etihad Airways – 600555666
Ambulance – 998
Knowledge and Human Development Authority – 8005432 ext. 4 for Covid-19 queries
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Director: Amith Krishnan
Rating: 3.5/5
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Specs
Engine: 51.5kW electric motor
Range: 400km
Power: 134bhp
Torque: 175Nm
Price: From Dh98,800
Available: Now
A general guide to how active you are:
Less than 5,000 steps - sedentary
5,000 - 9,999 steps - lightly active
10,000 - 12,500 steps - active
12,500 - highly active
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