Abu Dhabi’s media free zone, twofour54, launched an initiative to develop the gaming and e-sports industry in the UAE’s capital.
The initiative, called Abu Dhabi Gaming, will support game developers, players, consumers and businesses and will be backed by companies such as Unity Technologies, Flash Entertainment, UAE Pro League, Emirates Esports Association and the Media Zone Authority.
“The global gaming industry has been growing at an increasing rate over the last few years, and this growth has been accelerated by the pandemic,” Mohamed Al Mubarak, chairman of twofour54, said.
“AD Gaming will bring the emirate’s existing gaming industry together under one strategic brand, and will invest in [building] an ecosystem that fosters creativity and sustainable growth.”
The gaming industry – split into mobile games, e-sports streaming, console purchases and more – is currently the most profitable form of entertainment in the world.
Global gaming revenue is expected to reach $217.9 billion by 2023, up almost 25 per cent from last year's $174.9bn, according to a report by Amsterdam-based market research company Newzoo.
Consumer appetite for gaming rose rapidly in 2020 with the creation of new platforms such as Apple's Arcade and Google's Stadia. Gaming also became more popular after the pandemic restricted people to their homes, industry experts said.
AD Gaming will allow Abu Dhabi to “capitalise on the gaming industry’s significant economic and cultural opportunity”, James Hartt, director for strategy and business development at AD Gaming, said.
This initiative will have a “long-lasting impact, creating job opportunities for local talent while simultaneously developing professionals with the skills that gaming firms need to grow their businesses”, he said.
Abu Dhabi’s media and entertainment hub, twofour54, will provide space within the free zone for businesses that make use of its gaming, e-sports and virtual reality licences, as well as subsidies for new partner companies.
Fifteen new gaming and e-sports businesses will join the free zone’s Yas Creative Hub when it opens in the fourth quarter of this year. These include the Emirates Esports Association, Boss Bunny, Kashkool Games, Khousouf Games and RobocomVR, among others.
Yas Creative Hub will feature a purpose-built gaming hub, operated in partnership with industry giant Unity Technologies, which will provide a physical home for the gaming industry in Abu Dhabi.
Under the new initiative, Unity Technologies will offer a ‘Train-the-Trainer’ development programme that aims to equip teachers with the skills to pass on knowledge to their students, developing their artificial intelligence, virtual reality, game development and coding skills.
AD Gaming is working with educational institutions such as Abu Dhabi University, NYU Abu Dhabi, Higher Colleges of Technology and University of Sharjah. It will also link students to gaming and e-sports partners to gain real-time industry experience.
The initiative will also launch a website for the gaming community including an e-sports events calendar, a directory for game studios and companies that are based in Abu Dhabi. It will also have a dedicated Twitch channel showcasing Abu Dhabi’s gaming talent.
Abu Dhabi has been investing to build a gaming ecosystem. Al Qana, a new waterfront destination, is building the emirate's largest e-sports and virtual reality gaming complex, Pixel, its developer Al Barakah International Investment said.
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
Financial considerations before buying a property
Buyers should try to pay as much in cash as possible for a property, limiting the mortgage value to as little as they can afford. This means they not only pay less in interest but their monthly costs are also reduced. Ideally, the monthly mortgage payment should not exceed 20 per cent of the purchaser’s total household income, says Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching.
“If it’s a rental property, plan for the property to have periods when it does not have a tenant. Ensure you have enough cash set aside to pay the mortgage and other costs during these periods, ideally at least six months,” she says.
Also, shop around for the best mortgage interest rate. Understand the terms and conditions, especially what happens after any introductory periods, Ms Glynn adds.
Using a good mortgage broker is worth the investment to obtain the best rate available for a buyer’s needs and circumstances. A good mortgage broker will help the buyer understand the terms and conditions of the mortgage and make the purchasing process efficient and easier.
Iftar programme at the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding
Established in 1998, the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding was created with a vision to teach residents about the traditions and customs of the UAE. Its motto is ‘open doors, open minds’. All year-round, visitors can sign up for a traditional Emirati breakfast, lunch or dinner meal, as well as a range of walking tours, including ones to sites such as the Jumeirah Mosque or Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood.
Every year during Ramadan, an iftar programme is rolled out. This allows guests to break their fast with the centre’s presenters, visit a nearby mosque and observe their guides while they pray. These events last for about two hours and are open to the public, or can be booked for a private event.
Until the end of Ramadan, the iftar events take place from 7pm until 9pm, from Saturday to Thursday. Advanced booking is required.
For more details, email openminds@cultures.ae or visit www.cultures.ae
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A Cat, A Man, and Two Women
Junichiro Tamizaki
Translated by Paul McCarthy
Daunt Books
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
