Dubai announces plans for its first dedicated e-sports stadium

0

Dubai is making a play to become the world’s capital for hosting e-sports events with the announcement of plans to build its first dedicated venue called Dubai X-Stadium.

The sports stadium will be a joint project developed by the Dubai Media Office and Tecom Group with the purpose to claim a stake of the burgeoning e-sports scene, which reportedly generated revenue of around US$100bn in 2016 – a figure estimated to rise to US$1.5bn by 2020.

As well as acting as a global hub for digital gaming, the construction of Dubai X-Stadium will see the creation of local jobs and help encourage a new category of tourists to the emirate from the e-sports fanbase, which industry experts predict will reach 600 million individuals within the next two years.

“We are living in a world where digital culture is reshaping all aspects of life, including sports. This has led us to develop the concept of Dubai X-Stadium, which will consolidate Dubai’s status as a key digital economy hub,” said H E Mona Ghanem Al Marri, director general of the Dubai Media Office.

“The idea aims at attracting millions of e-sports gamers, spectators and enthusiasts from around the world and offering them unique on-line and in-person experiences.”

Information about the build costs, dates or location of Dubai X-Stadium was not mentioned at the event. Dubai’s announcement of a new e-sports facility is one of many in recent months following the largest e-sports venue in the USA being revealed for Arlington, Texas, while in China the world’s first purpose-built e-sports stadium is set for full completion by mid-2018.

April 18, 2018

Share this story:

About Author

mm

James has been Editor of Stadia since 2018 having worked at print and digital magazines and websites around the world covering everything from lifestyle to sport, technology, motoring, and more. He also edits Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Technology International.

Comments are closed.