Dubai Silicon Oasis maiden Esports event

Article posted by Coliseum, June 30^th, 2022

Image: Dubai Media Office

The Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ) has announced that the Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) – the integrated free zone technology park in Dubai – will host its first Esports event in October 2022.

‘Dubai Media Office’ stated that the Esports event will be held in collaboration between the DIEZ and Seed, a consultancy firm that specializes in ecosystem building with extensive experience in Esports and blockchain payments.

Established in 2021, the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ) consolidates and integrates the products and services of Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZ), Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) and the Dubai CommerCity (DCC) (all-in-one E-commerce hub for new and existing businesses).

Home to more than 5,000 registered companies from across 20 industries, DIEZ is at the heart of Dubai’s economic success – a major economic catalyst in the City’s development.

The Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) is a coveted address in Dubai. More commonly known as Silicon Oasis, it is a suburb buzzing with technology and innovation in the commercial sector. The development offers a free trade zone and facilitates companies operating within the technology park.

‘Dubai Media Office’ further stated that the DIEZ and Seed will also partner with SiGMA, a major Esports, artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain event organizer, to bring to Dubai an annual Esports exhibition in DSO. Together, they will also evaluate the viability of building an Esports Campus Arena, which will serve as an educational academy for all stakeholders, including parents, gamers and corporate entities. It will also act as a training facility for local, regional and international gamers, and for anyone interested in pursuing a career as a referee or commentator. In addition to hosting Esports tournaments, the arena will offer the youth a place to develop their technical skills and share their knowledge and passion in a monitored social environment.

Pivotal role

His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Executive Chairman of Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ), said, “DIEZ strategically aims to enable the growth of future industries, in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice-President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to establish Dubai as a global hub for various sectors including advanced technologies. The gaming and Esports industry is witnessing remarkable growth globally. The global gaming industry was valued at US$198.4 billion in 2021 and is expected to reach US$339.95 billion by 2027. In the Middle East, the gaming industry is expected to grow at an annual rate of 13.88 percent between 2022 and 2027. This growth presents a golden opportunity for stakeholders in the fields of gaming and Esports, including developers, entrepreneurs and investors.”

His Excellency added, “DIEZ, through DSO, is taking a proactive step in developing Dubai’s Esports ecosystem and transforming the Emirate into a global hub for Esports by proposing a vision, strategy and regulations for the industry to contribute to the local economy. This endeavor is part of Dubai Silicon Oasis’s focus on developing modern technology-based industries at a time when technology is taking centerstage across sectors. We are again witnessing the future-proof character of Dubai and its ambitions to lead the world in a nascent but growing industry.”

His Excellency further said, “In 2021, the Dubai Silicon Oasis was mandated to become a knowledge and innovation hub, one of the five main urban centers under the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan. In line with this mandate, the DSO has set out to support the development of the local Esports ecosystem with the aim of attracting entrepreneurs and investors in the field.”

Nicholas Gouder, Founder of Seed Consultancy, stated, “Seed aims to build new economic realities through the development of Esports ecosystems, and as DSO acknowledges the future of gaming and Esports and commits to developing a holistic infrastructure for the industry, we are delighted to offer our expertise and lend our support in their endeavor. We are confident in DSO’s status as a lively hub for tech-focused companies, startups and investors, who are the pillars of this industry. Seed is committed to support with laying the foundation, and bridging the gap between entrepreneurs, startups and venture capitalists (VCs), to drive the industry’s growth in the UAE, the wider region and the rest of the world.”

The Esports event, scheduled to take place at DSO in October 2022, is expected to attract major international companies involved in Esports, including professional teams, game developers, virtual reality platforms, sponsors, media, regulators, experts, and investors.

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