Abu Dhabi is making global headlines with the announcement of a bold and visionary project: the world’s first Esports Island — a $280 million development set to reshape the gaming and digital entertainment landscape in the Middle East.
More than just a playground for gamers, this ambitious project signals Abu Dhabi’s commitment to future-ready industries and its strategic shift from an oil-based economy to a knowledge and innovation-driven powerhouse.
Positioned near the bustling Yas Island and Zayed International Airport, this cutting-edge development is being designed as a comprehensive destination for the global gaming community. Abu Dhabi’s Esports Island aims to become a landmark in digital entertainment — creating spaces where gaming meets luxury, competition meets creativity, and tourism meets tech innovation.
The project is being spearheaded by True Gamers, a company known for its growing chain of over 130 gaming lounges across Eastern Europe and the Middle East. True Gamers secured $45 million in funding to expand into Saudi Arabia earlier this year — and its investment in Abu Dhabi is even more ambitious, reflecting both confidence in the UAE market and belief in the future of esports.
This facility will offer aspiring and professional esports athletes access to:
High-performance training rooms.
State-of-the-art gaming rigs.
Dedicated coaching and strategy resources.
Physical fitness and mental resilience programs.
Potential team housing and boot camp setups.
The goal is clear: to cultivate world-class esports talent and place Abu Dhabi on the global esports map.
The Esports Island will feature a world-class arena designed for:
Hosting international-scale esports tournaments.
Accommodating large, live audiences.
Advanced broadcasting and production setups.
Ultra-fast internet infrastructure.
VIP lounges and hospitality services for players and fans.
With the UAE already having hosted the BLAST Premier World Finals twice, the region is no stranger to high-stakes gaming events — but this venue promises to raise the bar even higher.
Adding a playful twist to luxury, the planned hotel will offer a PUBG-inspired parachute check-in experience — turning arrival into a memorable part of the stay.
This creative feature signals the island’s intent to embrace gaming culture at every level, blending immersive entertainment with five-star hospitality.
The project features a dual-tower design:
One tower will house digital innovation spaces — including remote workstations and content creation studios.
The second will offer a luxury hotel experience designed for gamers, developers, and influencers.
This aligns perfectly with Abu Dhabi’s Vision 2030, supporting remote work, creative industries, and tourism as key growth pillars.
The UAE’s gaming ambitions are part of a broader regional race, with Saudi Arabia also making significant moves through its Savvy Games Group — which has pledged over $38 billion to develop esports and gaming infrastructure.
Abu Dhabi’s Esports Island is a clear signal that the UAE intends to rival, if not surpass, Saudi Arabia in becoming the Middle East’s esports epicenter.
Abu Dhabi’s strategic pivot away from oil revenues and toward knowledge-based sectors is no secret. As part of the emirate’s Abu Dhabi Vision 2030, the government has already invested more than $10 billion into global partnerships and sponsorships to build its reputation as a center for tourism, tech, and creative industries.
As Robert Salomon, Dean of NYU Abu Dhabi’s Stern School of Business, notes, this shift is a “jump” from traditional export-led growth models. The UAE is reimagining its economic future — and esports is a major part of that vision.
The numbers speak for themselves:
The esports market in the Middle East and North Africa generated over $2 billion in 2023.
The sector is projected to continue double-digit growth, attracting both local and international players.
Upon completion, Abu Dhabi’s Esports Island is expected to exceed $1 billion in value.
With this project, Abu Dhabi is positioning itself at the center of a global phenomenon that extends beyond gaming into media, tourism, and tech entrepreneurship.
Attracting Global Talent and Investment:
The Esports Island will serve as a magnet for developers, investors, influencers, and professional players.
Boosting Tourism:
From tournaments to themed hospitality, the island is designed to become a major attraction for both gaming enthusiasts and curious tourists.
Building a Thriving Local Gaming Ecosystem:
By fostering homegrown esports talent and creating spaces for collaboration, the project promises to strengthen the UAE’s gaming and creative industries.
Enhancing Abu Dhabi’s Global Reputation:
Already known for world-class events in F1, golf, and MMA, Abu Dhabi is now expanding its portfolio to include gaming, reinforcing its image as an innovative, future-ready city.
Abu Dhabi’s Esports Island is more than a real estate venture; it’s a cultural statement and a strategic investment in the future of digital entertainment. By blending infrastructure, innovation, and imagination, the emirate is positioning itself as a global leader in one of the world’s fastest-growing industries.
This project reflects the UAE’s ability to adapt to the digital age and seize emerging opportunities — making it a destination not only for tourists and investors but also for the creators and gamers who will shape the entertainment landscape of tomorrow.
✅ Stay tuned for updates as Abu Dhabi’s Esports Island begins to take shape — this is one development that promises to transform both the city’s skyline and its global reputation.
