Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi Gaming, the gaming arm of DCT Abu Dhabi, celebrated the emirate’s growing e-sports community by hosting a Tekken 8 showdown match at their booth at the Middle East Film and Comic Con (MEFCC).With seven EVO titles between them, the showdown match between Arslan Ash from the Saudi esports team Twisted Minds, and Knee from the South Korean esports team DRX, was a legendary clash of two titans. This showdown marked their first clash since the release of Tekken 8, with the audience eagerly watching to see which characters they would choose and what their playstyle would be in the new game.James Hartt, Director of AD Gaming, said: “The esports scene in Abu Dhabi has stepped up massively in recent years, and it now represents one of the most exciting segments of the emirate’s dynamic gaming industry. These showcase matches will help to deepen Tekken’s regional roots, strengthen local player networks, and highlight that esports and gaming are open to everyone."Casting the match was the popular British commentator Hassan ‘Spag’ Farooq, who has commentated many leading global tournaments within the Tekken franchise. He said: “Hosting the showdown was eye-opening. I got to see intense passion for competitive gaming from the Abu Dhabi crowd while they watched one of the best showcases of Tekken that we have ever had.”The showdown matches at MEFCC come following a year of incredible successes for Abu Dhabi’s esports teams. Abu Dhabi-based Nasr Esports saw two of its players, AngryBird and BigBird, win major global tournaments, including Amjad “AngryBird” Alshalabi, who made history by becoming the Street Fighter 6 World Champion at Evo 2023 in Las Vegas, one of the largest international fighting game tournaments globally. Meanwhile, the all-women Counter Strike team at Abu Dhabi’s Nigma Galaxy won multiple A-Tier tournaments throughout 2023.AD Gaming is home to a diverse and thriving community of gaming businesses from across the world. Including gaming giants such as Unity, Ubisoft and My.Games, as well as local gaming SMEs and entrepreneurs, over 70 gaming companies are part of the AD Gaming ecosystem in Abu Dhabi.AD Gaming is a government-led initiative that amasses the broad efforts throughout Abu Dhabi to transform the emirate into a global gaming hub. With a focus on talent development, game development and esports, AD Gaming is accelerating the growth of the region’s gaming industry, providing career opportunities for aspiring talent and creating world class content from the capital of the UAE.Fostering an environment of innovation and knowledge, AD Gaming provides a support system for the next generation of game developers and players, businesses, and fans alike.AD Gaming is powered by the collaboration of multiple Abu Dhabi-based government and commercial organisations, as well as content creators and gamers, all with the shared passion to see locally produced content on the world’s gaming stage.

Dubai: Homegrown gaming platform GameCentric is set to ignite the gaming scene in the Middle East with a series of tournaments featuring a prize pool of USD 2600 (AED 9500). Running until the 21st of March 2024, this gaming extravaganza is attracting widespread attention from gaming communities, promising a thrilling gaming experience across popular game titles.Who: GameCentric, a leading gaming platform (Register for free only at https://gamecentric.io/tournaments.)What: A thrilling series of gaming tournaments with a USD 2600 (AED 9500) prize poolWhere: Online, through your mobile or laptops When: Running until the 21st of March, 2024How: Participants aged 13 and above can register for free on the GameCentric websiteGaming enthusiasts and novices alike can partake in the excitement by engaging in a variety of games, including FC 24 Mobile, BrawlStars, Rocket League, Clash Royale, Chess, Dominoes, Valorant, League of Legends, and PUBG. From intense action in popular titles to the strategic play of Chess and Dominoes, the tournament caters to a diverse gaming audience.Entry is open to all participants aged 13 and above, with a simple and free registration process on the GameCentric website.Saad, Founder & CEO of GameCentric and GamersHub, said: “Our vision is to align GameCentric’s energetic appeal with the ‘Dubai Program for Gaming 2033,’ propelling the region to become a top-tier global gaming hub. GameCentric’s cutting-edge platform provides an opportunity for gamers worldwide to showcase their skills and contribute to the program’s goal of generating a $1 billion incremental GDP impact. We aim to build a vibrant community of gaming talent, consisting of gamers, developers, and enthusiasts, empowering them to contribute to a greater cause.”Gear up for an electrifying online gaming tournament experience where participants have the chance to not only compete but also win exciting rewards. Secure your spot in your favorite game today and be part of the gaming extravaganza that is set to redefine the gaming landscape in the Middle East.

Doha – beIN MEDIA GROUP (‘beIN’), one of the foremost broadcast networks in the world, and its flagship sports channels beIN SPORTS, are set for an exciting summer of elite sports as the world’s best female athletes take centre stage during a host of international competitions, including the 2023 Wimbledon Championships and the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023TM, which will be broadcast exclusively across 24 MENA countriesThrough its beINSPIRED initiative, beIN is committed to elevating the profile of under-represented sports globally and recognise the value that all sports, and women’s sport in particular, play in the international sports eco-system. That means as well as football and tennis, this summer will also see beIN broadcasting women’s basketball, cricket, and cycling, among others.Set to serve up a sporting feast from 3 July, beIN SPORTS will start its summer’s coverage from the world’s oldest tennis championship, Wimbledon. The highly anticipated tournament will see Iga Swiatek, the Polish World No1 and four-time Grand Slam winner, continues her hunt for a maiden title at the All-England Club, while Elena Rybakina will defend her crown for the first time. Ons Jabeur, the Arab World’s first Grand Slam finalist, a four-time winner on the WTA Tour, and defeated Wimbledon finalist last year will be hopeful of taking that one last step on a surface that favours her game.Meanwhile, with nearly two million viewers tuning in to watch Barcelona win this year’s UEFA Women’s Champion League, the increase in interest and popularity of the women’s game across the region is clear. Next month will see beIN SPORTS broadcast the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023TM, which kicks off on 20 July and will run for a month.Subscribers can watch all 64 matches live and exclusive across beIN’s various platforms, providing ample opportunities to catch one of the game’s most decorated players in Alex Morgan. The two-time World Cup winner, Olympic gold medallist, and UEFA Women’s Champions League winner, will lead the charge as the United States seek a third successive title, while among those likely to stand in the way are Spain and their two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putella. Meanwhile, Morocco are preparing for the World Cup, in what will be their maiden appearance at the event. They became the first Arab team ever to qualify after their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals victory over Botswana.Mohammed Al-Bader, Managing Director of MENA Channels at beIN, said: “As beIN continues its unwavering dedication to champion women's sports worldwide, we are thrilled to illuminate the extraordinary achievements of female athletes across the Middle East, North Africa, and beyond. Through our beINSPIRED initiative, we strive to amplify the recognition of sports and athletes that have long been underrepresented, ultimately emphasising the vital role women play in the global sports industry. Whether it is Wimbledon and the FIFA World Cup or the exhilarating Tour de France Femmes and FIBA Women's basketball tournaments, we are honoured to showcase this unparalleled talent, inspiring dreams and creating new heroes for all to admire. Our expanded coverage will do all these events justice.”beIN SPORTS will broadcast the premier women’s cycling showcase, Tour de France Femmes, between 20 – 30 July, while the FIBA Women’s Americup 2023, FIBA Women's Asia Cup 2023, and FIBA Women’s U19 World Cup 2023 will be showcased on beIN SPORTS across the MENA region. beIN SPORTS will also broadcast ECB women’s cricket as England take on Australia in both the T20 and ODI format throughout July, while the BNL Italy Major Premier Padel and Madrid Premier Padel P1 run from 10-16 and 17-23 July respectively.

Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) announced the GameExpo Summit, a two-day business conference for professionals from the gaming and esports industry. The event will take place on June 21-22 at the South Halls, Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City, Dubai.The summit will feature more than 700 attendees, including over 100 industry thought leaders and government officials. There will be keynote speeches, panel discussions, fringe events, and networking sessions. The summit will cover topics such as AI, Web3, the metaverse, global and MENA trends, esports, publishing, and development.Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals & Retail Establishment (DFRE), commented, "We are thrilled to elevate the gametech sector in the UAE, nurturing this growing community and driving investment by bringing together global games professionals to Dubai. The GameExpo Summit is the region's premium games industry and B2B knowledge platform, with a full agenda, attracting professionals from around the world, making it an excellent opportunity for businesses to connect with potential partners from different regions. We are committed to strengthening Dubai’s leadership in gaming and esports, and the industry Summit will act as a regional hub for the sector.”Chris James, CEO of Steel Media (the parent company of the PG Connects B2B events series which is powering the GameExpo Summit), said, “The Middle East is the most dynamic and fastest growing frontier of the games market right now. Add in the fact that Dubai is a great hub for the region, a hot-bed of technological innovation, and an incredible place to visit in its own right, and the concept of having a games event here is obvious! At Steel Media we feel there's an opportunity to grow a meaningful games event in the city, starting this year - which is why we're bringing the best elements of the market-leading PG Connects conference series (www.pgconnects.com) into the Dubai GameExpo Summit.”Attendees can also participate in the Investor Connector matchmaking activity, a networking session to meet with investors from around the globe, and Publisher SpeedMatch, a curated networking opportunity to connect with publishers.

Dubai: Emirates Draw has captured attention since its inception, captivating players with thrilling gaming experiences while also prioritizing sustainability and community outreach. This week, the organization has displayed an act of generosity and solidarity by extending support to Carmen, a courageous 3-year-old Egyptian girl battling cancer and autism at the Sara Centre for Rehabilitation and Speech Therapy in Sharjah.Moreover, the weekend brought an incredible wave of winners across Emirates Draw’s three exhilarating games: EASY6, FAST5, and MEGA7. The outcome surpassed all expectations, with an astonishing total of 11,330 fortunate winners walking away with AED 959,825 in prizes.The Sara Centre is reliant on individuals and companies for financial resources and often faces challenges in the treatment of their patients. In line with its mission, Emirates Draw aims to transform lives through its weekly prizes and give back to the community through its flagship Coral Reef Restoration Programme."Our vision goes beyond the realms of gaming experience. We strive to bring positive change in people's lives and create a more sustainable future for our community and generations to come," said Mohammad Behroozian Alawadhi, Managing Partner at Emirates Draw. "Carmen's determination is inspiring, and we believe that by supporting her, we can inspire others to join in our mission to create a ripple effect of goodwill."Dr. Sara Al Eis, Psychologist and Director of the Sara Rehabilitation and Speech Therapy Center, expressed her deep gratitude for the collaboration between the Center and Emirates Draw. She said, "Emirates Draw's visit to our center was truly inspiring and touched our hearts deeply. The organisation’s genuine interest in our programs and generous support for Carmen, one of our cherished children undergoing treatment for Cancer and Autism, have left a lasting impact. We are excited to nurture this collaboration for a brighter future together."Dr. Sara further emphasized her appreciation for Emirates Draw’s Coral Reef Restoration Programme. She highlighted its significance in preserving marine ecosystems and the valuable medicinal benefits of corals for treating diseases, including cancer.Emirates Draw's Coral Reef Restoration Programme exemplifies a remarkable fusion of compassion and scientific exploration. The organization's efforts to plant Gorgonian coral fragments along the UAE coastline hold the potential to revolutionize cancer treatments. Recent discoveries have uncovered the captivating chemical and biological properties of corals, unveiling their medicinal and therapeutic value. These findings offer an exciting opportunity for combatting various cancers and other diseases.Corals, in their innate defense mechanism, produce chemicals that safeguard their habitat, to protect their territory, preventing invading organisms or diseases from multiplying and gaining ground. By supporting Carmen and engaging in marine conservation efforts, Emirates Draw demonstrates its dedication to its mission.Furthermore, Emirates Draw aligns its sustainability agenda with the World Oceans Day on June 8, recognizing the crucial role oceans play in nurturing life on our planet. Through its flagship programme, the organization not only restores marine life but also contributes to worldwide efforts for sustainable management of our oceans.In addition to gorgonian corals, the eastern region of the UAE serves as a vibrant aquatic sanctuary, hosting an array of other corals, including the stunning acropora, elkhorn and staghorn. Emirates Draw has been instrumental in enriching this marine biodiversity, having successfully implanted more than 9,503 coral fragments using eco-friendly materials. This effort has led to the growth of a significant underwater coral region spanning 6,938 sqm. Through 1,930 scuba dives in locations like Khorfakkan and Dibba, a dedicated team of divers and volunteers from diverse backgrounds have contributed to the program's success and the overall enhancement of marine life in the UAE."World Oceans Day provides us with an opportunity to reflect on the impact of our actions on the planet's oceans and marine life. Our Coral Reef Restoration Programme is testament in making a difference and encouraging a global movement towards sustainable ocean management," shared Mohammad Behroozian Alawadhi.Emirates Draw's accomplishments in social and environmental domains, achieved through gaming activities and a strong commitment to community support and environmental sustainability, demonstrate a promising vision of a compassionate and sustainable future. Every purchase and participation in their games becomes a meaningful contribution to a greater cause, providing hope to individuals and nurturing our planet for future generations.The upcoming games will be live streamed across Emirates Draw's digital platforms, YouTube, Facebook, and the official website. Be the next lucky winner and book your numbers early!

Dubai: UAE - The Game Company, an AI-driven cloud gaming platform, is pleased to welcome Non-Executive Director,  Phillip Lord. With twenty years of investment banking experience, Phillip has previously worked with Jefferies, Nomura & HSBC, and the Co-Founder of Pimlico Partners.“We believe that his experience will not only drive our success but also leave a profound and lasting impact on the gaming industry as a whole," said Osman Masud, CEO of The Game Company.As Non-Executive Director, Phillip will oversee strategic planning, partnerships, and investor relations, helping The Game Company to achieve its vision of providing the most advanced, flexible, and inclusive platform. With Lord's leadership and expertise, the company is poised for even greater success in the years to come.“I am confident that we can achieve our goals, particularly in leveraging cloud gaming as the optimal solution to welcome the next billion gamers into the market. Together, we will shape the future of gaming, reaching a wider audience than ever deemed possible." expressed Phillip.Phillip possesses expertise that extends across various areas, such as funding capital, managing investor relationships, and navigating exit strategies, all of which have been oned through years of experience in American, European, Asian, and Australian markets. Moreover, he has established solid international ties with significant sovereign wealth funds, private equity firms, venture capitalists, and hedge funds.With his strong grasp of the industry landscape and emerging trends, he plays a pivotal role in identifying and exploring new business opportunities that align with the company's growth objectives. Phillip's ability to foresee and capitalize on market shifts will enable The Game Company to stay at the forefront of the ever-evolving gaming industry.