Abu Dhabi to Build World’s First Esports Island with $280 Million Investment—The MENA Region's Domination Just Got Real
- Musab Zaman
- April 19, 2025 (UPDATED: April 19, 2025 18:47 IST)
True Gamers announces a $280M esports island in Abu Dhabi featuring a luxury hotel, global tournament arena, and beachfront gaming resorts—marking MENA's bold step into the future of esports.
Just when we thought Saudi Arabia’s $70 million Esports World Cup and the upcoming Esports Olympics in 2027 were the biggest flexes from the MENA region—Abu Dhabi has thrown down the gauntlet.
In a jaw-dropping announcement, True Gamers, a global esports infrastructure powerhouse, revealed its plan to build the world’s first dedicated esports island in Abu Dhabi. Yes, you read that right—an island created exclusively for esports and gaming.
Located between Al Bandar and Al Dana at Al Raha Beach, this $280 million marvel will feature a luxury beachfront hotel, True Gamers Arena for global tournaments, a GG Bootcamp with elite gaming rigs, and a 200-room GG Resort with beachfront gaming setups. This isn’t just a destination—it’s a gamer’s utopia manifesting in real life.
“We’re building the future of esports entertainment. This is more than just an investment—it’s a cultural shift,” said Anton Vasilenko, CEO of True Gamers.
From Football to Frags: The Arab Domination Arc
Remember how the Arab world shocked global football by signing megastars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar Jr., Benzema, and Kante to Saudi Pro League clubs? That was just the start. Now, the region has its eyes set on the next global phenomenon—esports.
And they’re not playing catch-up—they’re building the infrastructure to lead.
Arab Esports: No Longer Just a Trend
With Saudi Arabia's Qiddiya City shaping up to be a futuristic gaming capital and Abu Dhabi launching this island initiative, the Middle East is not dipping its toes—it’s going all in.
Over 60% of the MENA population identifies as gamers, making this a sharp, strategic play. Esports isn’t just entertainment here—it’s being woven into the cultural and economic future of the region.
Stakeholders Behind the Vision
- True Gamers – Developers and dreamers of the esports island
- UAE Government – Strategic enabler for esports innovation
- Saudi Arabia's Esports World Cup Foundation – Organizing the record-setting $70 million tournament in 2025
- International Esports Federation (IESF) – Powering the Esports Olympics in 2027
- Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC) – Backing Qiddiya City, home to future mega esports venues
The Aww Moment
Global gamers are in disbelief. “This is the Disneyland of esports,” some said. Others just started planning their next vacation. It’s becoming crystal clear—MENA isn’t chasing the industry—it’s rewriting the rulebook.
One Thing’s Certain Now
- Esports and Gaming in the India-MENA corridor are poised to dominate the world.
- The infrastructure is real. The vision is bold. And the competition? Nowhere close.
- The future of gaming isn’t in Silicon Valley anymore.
- It’s rising under the desert sun—on the world’s first esports island.
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