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
